Best wisteria locations in London
May in London welcomes waterfalls of purple as wisteria blooms. Full, grape-like bunches drape from balconies and over doorways, fine lilac and white tendrils climb, stretching their way over Victorian and Georgian facades. Mews are brightly painted with explosions of colour in a short yet magnificent display of wisteria in London.
Discover the best places to see wisteria in its springtime glory across the capital.
Spring in London is arguably one of the most spectacular times of the year. Seasonal blooms come into their bountiful glory dressing terrace facades in fanciful florals, adding pops of colour to every street corner and park, and reminding us all that warmer, longer days are on their way. While daffodils, snow drops and cherry blossoms are early to the spring bloom game, it’s wisteria that really steals the show. Wisteria season is a quick affair, lasting around two weeks of beautiful lavender and lilac before the flowers drop to make way for lush green vines through summer.
When to see wisteria in London?
Wisteria season in London is fleeting but beautiful. Weather can influence how early in the season the purple blooms will burst to life, but mid-spring – anywhere from late April to mid-May – will usually guarantee the best time for peak wisteria season. If you’re visiting London during spring, I’d recommend adding in some time to wander the best neighbourhoods to spot wisteria into your itinerary.
Where to see wisteria in London
So, where can you find the best wisteria locations in London? It’s a pretty big city, and no doubt you’ve seen plenty of #wisteriahysteria posts filling your Instagram feed. Traipsing all around the capital looking for neighbourhoods strong in the purple stuff of dreams isn’t the best use of your time, so I’ve made a shortlist of some of the best London wisteria locations to make it easier on you.
West London
West London, home to the likes of Notting Hill and Kensington are by far one of the best places to see wisteria in London. If you’re limited in time, then I’d recommend making this your top choice for areas to check out when searching for those hot spots that will have everyone double-tapping your posts in a heartbeat.
Bedford Gardens, Kensington
Nothing makes for a beautiful wisteria photo than a pretty pink door to match. Which is why no.4 Bedford Gardens in Kensington is the perfect place to start on this wisteria walk around London. If you’re hoping to get the place all to yourself, head here early and be quick. Weekends are especially busy with everyone wanting to get ‘that shot’ for their social feeds. You might have spotted the blue plaque here too, denoting that composer and musician Frank Bridge once called this place home. Don’t leave here too quickly though, head on down the road to no.22 for a somewhat less overzealous but still stunning wisteria display.
Stafford Terrace, Kensington
If you’re looking for one of the most impressive wisteria spots, this has to be one of the best in London. Stretching up to the second floor of the bright white home on the corner of Stafford Terrace, brilliant purple blooms fill the length of the fence with full grape-like bunches of floral brilliance. This is no secret spot, and you’ll be hard-pressed to get a snap without people in it unless you head here super early in the morning. But, I can assure you if you love wisteria as much as I do, you’ll enjoy just seeing the fullness this sensational seasonal offering provides. You’ll find this, one of the best wisteria locations in London on the corner of Stafford Terrace and Argyll Road.
Abingdon Road, Kensington
Want to head out and see as much wisteria as you can, but don’t have much time to visit a tonne of locations? Abingdon Road has several stretches of wisteria-laden homes along the length of the street. From arches of lilac goodness adorning iron gates to vines climbing the height of the house, you’re sure to find something to help you get your fill of wisteria here.
Kynance Mews, Kensington
Kynance Mews has no doubt popped up on your Insta feed at least once (and likely more!), and rightly so. This little corner has year-round charm, from the springtime show as one of London’s best wisteria destinations to the vibrant autumnal hues of ivy in October. A quiet little pocket tucked behind historic sandstone arches, the stable-like doors painted in a deep forest green are the perfect contrast for the mauve wisteria blooms that seemingly spill from the roof like a waterfall.
Elm Place, Kensington
Another street that makes seeing a few beautiful wisteria displays in one spot is Elm Place. Heading further south towards the Thames from the earlier mentioned locations, this lovely little street is easily reached and doesn’t attract the same crowds that some of London’s more famous wisteria places do. With plenty of wonderful cafes nearby, grab a coffee to go and take a stroll around the neighbourhood to make the most of beautiful spring days.
South West London
Chelsea Square, Chelsea
A street after its namesake borough, this charming destination is not one to be missed from your wisteria locations in London. Switching up the whitewash that most of the Kensington offers, the red brick, white-windowed homes here featured manicured gardens and wide-open streets to give you plenty of space to get the best angle. The best part? I’ve never seen anyone else here when I’ve visited, so you might be lucky enough to have the place all to yourself.
Radnor Walk, Chelsea
Like Kensington, Chelsea is full of the purple stuff. Head on over to Radnor walk, the end near the corner of Redburn Street, and you’ll find these two glossy black doorways framed by plenty of wisteria in the springtime. A quiet residential street, you’ll have a good chance to have it all to yourself, but don’t be surprised if there’s cars obscuring the view of the perfect shot. If you’re lucky, it might just be a perfectly placed Figaro!
Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Embankment, Chelsea
It’s not hard to miss this stretch of wisteria covered street perched perfectly alongside the Thames. Cascading from balconies and draped delicately over entranceways, there’s a lot of wisteria in this beautiful part of town. Combine your wisteria hunting expedition with a walk along the riverside to make the most of a bright, sunny spring day out. And if you’re feeling peckish? Stop in at 50 Cheyne for a bite.
St. Leonard’s Terrace, Chelsea
Book lovers may be familiar with blue door number 17 below, not for the wisteria that scales the metalwork outside this home, but instead for the occupant who once inhabited it. Bram Stoker, the author of the famous novel Dracula, once called the house next to this little hideaway in the back streets of Chelsea home. With a pebbled driveway and a pastel-hued entry, it’s one of my favourite wisteria spots in London. Head further along the street and you’re sure to find a few other homes dressed in purple blooms come spring, so be sure not to leave to quickly.
A note on being respectful when photographing people’s homes
London facades are well known for their beauty, which is why we see them regularly grace news feeds on mobile phones everywhere. If you plan on taking photos, be sure not to command someone’s front entry for your own photoshoot, don’t invade people’s privacy, and if you’re asked to move along, do so quickly and without a fuss. People take a lot of pride in making their homes look beautiful, so most won’t mind a quick snap or two, but make yourself discreet.
