As winter fades away, London undergoes a charming transformation, adorned with vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms. Spring breathes life into the city, turning parks, gardens, and streets into a canvas of blossoming beauty. If you’re lucky enough to be in London during this magical season, take a leisurely stroll through some of the city’s most enchanting floral displays. From iconic parks to hidden gems, here’s your guide to discovering the loveliest blooms in the capital.
Spring in London: Where To Find The Prettiest Blooms
Daffodils (March)
March heralds the arrival of cheerful daffodils, particularly prominent in St. James’s Park, London. A visit to witness these vibrant blooms on a sunny day in mid-March is a delightful spring activity, offering respite after the winter months. The park transforms into enchanting meadows adorned with various daffodil varieties. Early-season visitors may also catch glimpses of crocuses, while late-season visitors may be greeted by cherry blossoms. While daffodils adorn many London parks, St. James’s stands out for its abundance. For those seeking a daffodil day trip, National Trust houses such as Nymans and Cliveden House boast beautiful and extensive displays, offering a delightful experience amidst towering magnolia trees and endless daffodils.
View this post on Instagram
Magnolias (March)
In March, London also comes alive with the cheerful pink blossoms of magnolia trees. A stroll along Chiswick Mall guarantees a failproof encounter with stunning magnolia trees, and I also cherish the ones adorning The Boltons and St Leonard’s Terrace in Chelsea. Battersea Park offers another splendid venue to appreciate magnolias, inviting visitors to wander through the park and admire the beautiful blooms. Additional spots in London to catch sight of magnolias include Greenwich Park and the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park.
View this post on Instagram
Capturing magnolias framing the charming houses in Kensington is a special delight and definitely an amazing background to photograph. There are a number of beautiful magnolias on Neville Terrace in Kensington, the most notable being the one facing The Anglesea Arms pub on the other side of the street. Neville Terrace turns into Selwood Terrace, where you can find more magnolia trees framing lovely London doors. In Kensington, you can also find lovely blooms in Stratford Road, Alma Terrace, Eldon Road, Victoria Road, and Argyll Road.
View this post on Instagram
Camellias (March)
Camellias are among the blooms that bring joy to early spring in London as well. Chiswick House boasts a special camellia collection in its glasshouse, providing a delightful escape on sunny days. While once deemed delicate and housed in protective glass, camellias have proven to be hardy. The display in Chiswick House’s glasshouse remains charming even on colder days. Another wonderful spot to appreciate camellias is the Chelsea Physic Garden, showcasing a diverse array of camellia species. Tucked away in the heart of Chelsea, it is a hidden gem for those seeking a more intimate floral experience. Established in 1673, this walled garden is London’s oldest botanic garden and boasts a rich collection of medicinal and herbal plants. Spring brings forth a vibrant display of wildflowers, magnolias, and azaleas, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and garden connoisseurs alike. Visitors can enjoy the plants in the garden’s glasshouses or join a guided tour of the collection. Other popular locations in London to witness the beauty of camellias include Kew Gardens and the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
View this post on Instagram
Cherry Blossoms (March-April)
Cherry blossoms create an iconic London moment, gracing the city for a brief period from March to late April. Every year, you’ll find some of the earliest blooms on the trees facing St. Paul’s Cathedral!
View this post on Instagram
The delicate pink hues from the cherry blossoms complement London’s charm, framing many houses across Kensington and Chelsea. Notable streets for cherry blossom sightings include The Boltons, Phillimore Gardens, Victoria Road, Gilston Road, and Onslow Gardens. Wandering these streets reveals even more enchanting blossom-filled roads. In South Kensington, the garden facing the V&A museum is another lovely place to spot cherry blossoms in the area!
View this post on Instagram
For garden enthusiasts, Kew Gardens is a must-visit, boasting a variety of cherry blossom trees, including the stunning Japanese cherry blossom. When it’s spring in London, you cannot miss out on the chance to go on long strolls in the Royal Parks to snap more flowers! The Cherry Walk provides a picturesque stroll with breathtaking blossom views. Greenwich Park offers not only breathtaking views of the city skyline but also a delightful array of springtime blooms. As the historic park awakens from its winter slumber, daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms add a touch of color to its expansive lawns. Take a stroll through the flower-lined paths and enjoy the serene beauty of this royal park! Its famous cherry blossom boulevard is a particularly stunning location for photos, but you’ll need to get there extremely early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. Other favored locations for cherry blossom viewing include St. James’s Park and Regent’s Park, each featuring a diverse array of cherry blossom trees.
View this post on Instagram
For more impressive cherry blossom sightings during spring in London, make your way to Battersea Park, where you’ll encounter – quite literally – a pathway adorned with white cherry trees.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re willing to leave Central London to spot more blooms, the beautiful grove of cherry trees at Ravenscourt Park is another stunning destination to take beautiful photos!
View this post on Instagram
Notting Hill is another charming neighborhood adorned with beautiful cherry blossom trees, offering a delightful experience for those taking a leisurely stroll through the area. Exploring its colorful houses and lovely cafes, in addition to capturing the blooms, can make for the ultimate springtime activity in London. Spend the day in the area and try one of their bars when the night comes, or plan a weekend visit to enjoy the market in Portobello Road and a Sunday roast in one of the local pubs. One iconic spot not to miss in Notting Hill is the corner at Stanley Crescent, a classic scene that consistently draws numerous Instagrammers every spring in London.
View this post on Instagram
Tulips (April)
While the Netherlands is renowned for its tulips, England in April offers a splendid alternative. Numerous London parks showcase stunning tulip displays, with highlights including Embankment Gardens and St. James’s Park towards Horse Guard’s Parade. Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon is a hidden gem boasting a formal tulip garden, while Ham House’s kitchen garden blooms with tulips in late April. Beyond London, Surrey’s Dunsborough Park hosts a tulip festival for a few weeks, and Arundel Castle boasts an astounding tulip display. For those venturing a bit further, Iford Manor in Somerset features charming tulip gardens, accompanied by the enchanting sight of wild garlic in the woods and magnificent wisteria.
View this post on Instagram
Wisteria (May)
In May, London’s wisteria season enchants Instagram, captivating all. This climbing vine, adorned with fragrant, lilac-colored flowers, transforms the city into a breathtaking spectacle. Several streets and neighborhoods in London are renowned for their wisteria displays, providing visitors with stunning photo opportunities and a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Kynance Mews in Kensington stands out for its famous wisteria archway, while St. John’s Lodge Gardens in Regent’s Park boasts a secluded wisteria tunnel. The picturesque Bedford Gardens in Kensington showcases wisteria-covered houses and arches.
View this post on Instagram
Azaleas (May)
May heralds the prime season for rhododendrons and azaleas, marking the enchanting full bloom of one of London’s most magical places. Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park feels like an otherworldly realm. Wandering along its pink pathways is a truly magical experience. While it might sound sentimental, this place holds special memories as one of the first dates with my now-husband, and I wish everyone could relish it. Established in the 1830s and covering around 40 acres, the plantation boasts a noteworthy rhododendron collection. Visitors can delight in a spectrum of colors and varieties from late April to June, depending on the weather. Beyond London, many gardens showcase fantastic rhododendron displays, with Stourhead—a phenomenal house and parkland featured in the Pride & Prejudice film—being a top-notch location.
View this post on Instagram
Roses (June)
June marks the onset of the rose season, and Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park stands out as the ultimate destination in London for reveling in the beauty of roses. With over 400 varieties of roses, this garden within the park is a symphony of color and fragrance. The well-kept flowerbeds and neat lawns create a picturesque setting, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon picnic surrounded by the beauty of blooming flowers. Despite being bustling, it’s a simply wonderful way to experience late spring in London. Some houses in particular areas also boast climbing roses in May, gracing the city’s neighborhoods with their charm. Fenton House in Hampstead showcases a delightful June garden adorned with roses, complemented by numerous charming houses in the vicinity adorned with these blooms. For an outstanding rose garden, head to Polesden Lacey in Surrey or Cliveden House. However, the epitome of rose beauty lies in Mottisfont in Hampshire, where the rose garden is almost beyond belief in its sheer splendor.
View this post on Instagram
Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom
In late May, the renowned Chelsea Flower Show unfolds, where gardens seemingly materialize, and vibrant displays of cut flowers tempt gardening enthusiasts. A must-visit for flower lovers, it offers a splendid array of spring blooms. To avoid the crowds, consider an evening ticket, arriving as others depart. The Chelsea shops join the celebrations with live floral installations for Chelsea in Bloom, featuring themed creativity and fun, such as Under the Sea, Fairy Tales, and Floral Safari. Sloane Square is the ideal starting point to explore all the displays in the area! Though bustling, the event is stunningly beautiful, attracting both visitors and locals who revel in the festivities. Plan your visit, perhaps during a tranquil weekday evening.
View this post on Instagram
Belgravia in Bloom
Belgravia is home to some of the prettiest flower displays in London all year round! Taking place on the days of the Chelsea Flower Show, Belgravia in Bloom covers a smaller area compared to Chelsea in Bloom with different themed installations, spanning across Eccleston Yards, Eccleston Street, Ebury Street, Elizabeth Street, and, slightly more off the beaten path, West Halkin Street and Motcomb Street.
View this post on Instagram
Lavender (August)
Within a short journey from London, three enchanting destinations beckon nature enthusiasts with their blooming lavender fields. Mayfield Lavender Farm in Banstead, Surrey, is a picturesque haven offering vibrant hues of lavender from June to September. It creates a sensory delight for visitors, and the addition of a red telephone box to the purple fields provides charming photo opportunities. Additionally, Castle Farm in Kent and Hitchin Lavender in Hertfordshire present captivating lavender fields, making them ideal day trips from London for those seeking the beauty of nature. These destinations offer the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls, picnics, photography, and a peaceful retreat amidst the enchanting allure of blooming lavender.
View this post on Instagram
Spring in London is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, and the city’s green spaces burst into life with a dazzling array of blooms. Whether you prefer the tranquility of royal parks, the curated beauty of botanical gardens, or photogenic streets with classic doors, London has something to offer every flower enthusiast. So, grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and embark on a floral adventure through the streets and parks of this enchanting city!
