London in Bloom - The Best Spots to See Spring Flowers
When spring flowers begin to bloom and fill gardens with their vibrant colours and sweet fragrance, we know that longer days and warmer temperatures are finally on their way.
With its many parks and flower-filled streets, London is one of the best places to witness spring come to life. Whether you’re taking a stroll in Chelsea or enjoying a picnic in one of the Royal Parks, we have a round-up of the best places to visit in London to see spring flowers.
Kew Gardens
Home to more than 500,000 plants and one of the UK’s most famous botanical gardens, Kew Gardens is worth a visit any time of the year.
Between March and June, the blush of cherry blossoms and bright crocuses, magnolias, and tulips adorn the gardens. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of bluebells, head over to the Natural Area, where you’ll discover a delightful haze of lilac and purple bluebells - a haven for bees and butterflies at this time of year. Before you leave, stop at the Rhododendron Dell to take in the beauty of the colourful rhododendrons and azaleas. Some varieties you’ll see here are not found anywhere else in the world.
If you’re planning a trip to Kew Gardens this spring, it can get busy, so make sure you plan ahead and book your tickets in advance to avoid queues on the day.
Kensington and Chelsea
The streets of Kensington and Chelsea are always pretty to walk around, but they come to life during spring with an array of floral masterpieces. Chelsea in Bloom takes place each spring and is one of the UK’s largest free flower festivals. Restaurants, shops, and hotels all participate, decorating their facades with the most uniquely stunning flower arrangements you’ll ever see.
The festival will run from 22nd until 27th May 2023, following a ‘Flowers on Film’ theme. With many movies filmed in this location over the years and several famous authors calling Kensington and Chelsea home, this year’s festival will take inspiration from the big screen.
Expect floral decorations inspired by films, such as James Bond’s Skyfall and A Clockwork Orange, to name a few.
Although you’ll see a variety of springtime flowers here, it’s the wisterias that will truly take your breath away. Their purple, white, pink, and blue climbing petals will wind across shop fronts, along restaurant walls, and twine around archways to create the perfect Instagram-worthy photo.
Some of the area’s best displays are located just moments away from Chelsea Creek, with King’s Road, Sloane Street, Dovehouse Green, Royal Avenue, and Duke of York Square particular festival highlights.
Isabella Plantation at Richmond Park
Nestled within the southwest corner of Richmond Park is the Isabella Plantation, a charming 40-acre woodland garden.
This Victorian garden is home to 100 varieties of azaleas that spring to life during April and May, lining the ponds, streams, and footpaths with shades of orange, green, yellow, and crimson. Some have sweet-smelling aromas, while others have a distinctly spicy fragrance.
Take a stroll around the garden, you’ll also see pretty camellias with their picture-perfect white, pink and red petals and a variety of rhododendrons in a kaleidoscope of colours.
The Isabella Plantation is also home to more unusual plant and tree species, such as the ‘Foxglove Tree’, whose foxglove-like pink and lilac flowers blossom in spring. The unique ‘shuttlecock’ fern and ornamental rhubarb are also not to be missed. While you’re visiting, you may even be lucky enough to see the Red and Fallow deer that famously roam the park.
The Royal Parks
Whether you’re out for a walk, run, or enjoying a picnic, London’s Royal Parks provide the perfect setting to take in the beauty of budding springtime flowers. One million daffodil bulbs are planted across all eight Royal Parks each year, with St James’s Park usually boasting the best display.
For cherry blossom trees, head to The Regent’s Park or Greenwich Park. During April and May, these trees will be in full bloom, lining the footpaths with their pretty pink petals and filling the park with the delicate sweet fragrance often used in perfume.
Located in the southeast corner of Hyde Park is the beautiful Rose Garden. Here you’ll find romantic rose beds with petals of all different shades and smells. Or head over to Apsley Arch for the best view of the thousands of crocuses planted here last Autumn.
Belgravia
Although Chelsea gets most of the attention during spring, Belgravia has its very own flower festival – and it’s not to be missed. This year, Belgravia in Bloom will run from the 22nd until the 29th May, following a theme of ‘Into the Wild’ to celebrate all things nature and wildlife.
Flowers will be transformed into a collection of creatures, from beautiful butterflies to pretty peacocks, fierce tigers, and more. With this year’s festival coinciding the same month as the Coronation of King Charles III, you may also find some distinctly Royal-themed installations, with floral depictions of kings and queens to mark the historic occasion.
Many shops, restaurants and cafes on Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Pimlico Road and Eccleston Yards will take part in the festival, featuring fantastic floral displays and botanical-themed menus.
Battersea Park
If you’re searching for the best cherry blossom trees in London, you must visit Battersea Park on the Southbank of the River Thames. Located just a short stroll from Prince of Wales Drive, this 200-acre Victorian park has its very own ‘Cherry Tree Avenue’.
Head to the southwest corner of the park to discover this stunning tree-lined path bursting with cherry blossoms with petals of pale pink and deep plum. Their aroma fills this area of the park with a delightful, sweet fragrance.
As you wander around the park, you’ll also see a variety of other springtime blooms, including crocuses and magnolias, with their star-shaped petals giving off a rich lemon vanilla scent. If you’re visiting Battersea Park with children, stop at the play area and children’s zoo for a full day of springtime fun.
Highgate Wood
The UK’s native bluebell is considered so important that it is now a protected species. This means you cannot stand, walk on, or pick bluebells – but this doesn’t mean you can’t admire their beauty from afar. If you want to see bluebells this year, head to Highgate Wood in north London. This 70-acre ancient woodland is famous for its carpet of wild bluebells that pop up each year in the park’s northern corner.
The hues of blue, lilac and purple are a vision to behold and make the perfect backdrop for a springtime photo. But you’ll need to be quick to see the best of the bluebells here, as they tend to pop up during April and early May and are only at their peak for a couple of weeks.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a guaranteed way to see the very best collection of springtime flowers.
Arguably one of the world’s most loved flower festivals, this floral spectacular takes place on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea each year and is a must-visit for any gardening enthusiast. The show will take place between the 22nd and 29th May 2023 and is expected to be one of the biggest and best shows yet.
Whether you’re interested in the designer Show Gardens or seeking inspiration from the Balcony and Container Garden exhibitions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This year, the show will focus on celebrating the healing power of plants and how they can improve our physical and mental health while highlighting the importance of preserving plants to protect our planet.
For the best display of springtime flowers, head to the Great Pavilion. The white tent will be filled with spring flowers and floral displays from over 70 specialist nurseries and exhibitors. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment if you want to visit this iconic show.
If you’d like to be within a short stroll of some of London’s best parks all year round, take a look at our collection of brand-new homes and stylish apartments in London here.