Spring time in London
Just as the days start to get longer and the weather better, London is also treated to spectacular blooms in its streets and parks. Pink and white cherry blossoms and magnolia trees flower through February and March across the city – here are some of the best locations to see them.
You can find everything on this map – if you fancy a long walk it’s easy to construct one through Chelsea and Kensington to see a number of the magnolia trees and cherry blossoms…if you pick the right week!
Cherry blossom
Some cherry trees flower quite early in February, with others peaking later in March. The exact date will always depend on the conditions that year.
Aldgate Square
This square on the edge of the City is a short walk from Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations and is filled with benches so it makes a nice spot for lunch.
St Mary-le-Bow
This Wren church built after the 1666 Great Fire is just around the corner from St Paul’s and for a couple of short weeks sports some beautiful white blossom on the trees outside.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Across the road from the Cathedral are a couple of beautiful pink trees. You can get a great shot with the Cathedral in the background – if you time it right you can get a red bus in the shot too. There’s also a smaller tree nearer the Cathedral where you can get this shot.
St James’ Park
There are so many beautifully planted borders in St James’ but at the right time of year you can also spot some beautiful pink blossom.
8 Glebe Place
This is surely one of the most photogenic streets in London between the blossom, the pinks doors of Turner Studios and the imposing 50 Glebe Place. 8 Glebe Place features a beautiful pink tree.
21 Campden Grove
Deep in Magnolia territory I found these beautiful pink blossoms.
19 Stratford Road
Another accidental find were these white blooms in Stratford Road
11 Thurloe Place
26 Portobello Road
Even without the blossoms, this is a pretty cute line up of coloured facades and doors!
158 Lancaster Road
62 Portland Road
Stanley Crescent
Perhaps the ultimate in London blossom (which I stupidly didn’t realise was so close to me on my mega walking tour of Notting Hill!) is Stanley Crescent, featuring a beautiful corner house with tree fully laden with white blossom.
Magnolia
There is nothing more spectacular than a magnolia in bloom and they completely transform the London streets where they grow for a few weeks a year. You’re most likely to see them in mid to late March, but every year will vary.
London Wall Place
I missed this beautiful tree until the last few days it was in bloom despite walking past it more or less every day! It’s huge and overlooks a pleasant seating area close to the ruins of St Alphage on London Wall, built in the 12th century.
St Giles Without Cripplegate
Another accidental find just in time before the flowers disappeared! There are several huge trees outside the church of St Giles Without Cripplegate inside the Barbican, which makes for some really stunning photos.
St Mary Le Strand
Set in a fork in the road on Aldwych, the 18th century church is flanked by two pink magnolias.
St Leonard’s Terrace
There are both pink and white magnolia tress on this street. Don’t miss the house on the corner with a huge pink magnolia tree and red post box right outside.
Glebe Place
As well as blossom and the pink-doored Turner Studios, Glebe place is home to both a white and pink magnolia.
Neville Terrace
There are a number of beautiful magnolias on this street, the most notable being at number 1 and number 12.
Selwood Terrace
Beautiful magnolias set against a striking blue door. Neville Terrace turns into Selwood Terrace so a number of these sites are all on the same street.
The Little Boltons
A number of nice trees (and loads of amazing houses) line The Little Boltons.
Edwardes Square
Number 1 Edwardes Square has the most beautiful bright pink blooms with beautiful townhouses for a backdrop. There’s another huge tree at number 23.
Allen Street
Pink on pink in Allen Street
Hornton Street
Another area thick with cherry blossom and magnolia is the residential area between Holland Park and Notting Hill where there are just too many picturesque streets to post here.
Stratford Road
Near to Allen Street and plenty of other pretty residential streets, this whole area deserves a slow wander during spring – you’ll probably find something new every visit.
Other floral displays
Two other famous year-round displays can be found at the pubs the Churchill Arms in Kensington and the Dickens Inn in Wapping.
