It’s Springtime and the streets of London have transformed into a sea of Wisteria Hysteria – a fragrance which undeniably signals the beginning of warmer weather and better times! I’ve been completely transfixed by all the spots that have opened up just this week so read on for all my top picks (but hurry they don’t last long)
Notting Hill
Notting Hill will always be my go-to when it comes to London Wisteria. Not only will it put you under the floral spell, it’s also a very beautiful area to walk around, so why not couple this with a walk around the area and a visit to one of the newly opened restaurants. Thankfully all these locations are right by each other so just hop on the tube and get off at Notting Hill Gate and you’ll be good to go!
3 Bedford Gardens
Bedford Gardens is one of the most iconic London Wisteria locations with its cascading purple blooms and bubblegum pink door. Situated just a 10 minute walk from Lansdowne Crescent, it’s a great place to start your Wisteria Walk. Just be mindful of the locals – they can get a bit riled up if you spend too long taking photographs!
23 Lansdowne Crescent
Cascades of fluffy purple blooms meet you as you walk down Lansdowne Crescent – a warm welcome after a long year of pandemic chaos. Watch your worries melt away as you walk down this serene street of lavish houses and Wisteria Wonders.
154 Campden Hill Road.
Another must see when Wisteria Watching is Campden Hill Road. Even outside of London’s Wisteria Season, this is a lovely location for a walk with its pastel coloured houses which just scream Notting Hill. With the added lilac blooms, you really couldn’t ask for more. Pair this with a trip to Holland Park and the gorgeous Japanese Kyoto gardens which are spectacular this time of year!
Portobello Road
If you haven’t been to Portobello Road yet, then you’re missing out! Portobello Road is home to one of the world’s largest antique markets and is a bit of an art & culture hub! This, with it’s iconic pastel coloured houses, amazing music and food and beautiful blooms makes it an ideal location for a walk or whole day out. Just make sure you leave yourself enough time to visit the Market!
Holland Park:
’d seen this gorgeous location a few months ago and had been hunting for directions for many weeks until I finally worked it out. Situated in Ilchester Place, it’s one of the prettiest Wisteria houses in my opinion. Despite being in the centre of London it feels very rural and cottage-like and fills the whole street with fairytale charm.
Kensington & Chelsea London Wisteria
Similar to Notting Hill, Kensington also pulls out all of the stops when it comes to London’s Wisteria Hysteria. There’s plenty of spots to visit in Kensington (more than I’ve listed) so feel free to wander freely among the streets – you’re sure to find all sorts of hidden finds. If you’d rather have a bit more structure, here are my suggestions:
Stafford Terrace
Once a secret among the Londoners, Stafford Terrace was a hidden gem located in High Street Kensington. But no more! It’s become one of the most popular spots among bloggers and photographers and for good reason. Every year between April and May, the house erupts into a flurry of lilac as Wisteria Hysteria sets in and around London.
Abingdon Road
After finishing at Stafford Terrace, take the road down Phillimore Gardens, stopping at the Wisteria houses along the way and head over the road down Abingdon Road. Here you’ll come across this rather special twin set of houses draped in lavish wisteria as pictured above. If you’re hungry why not stop off at “Megan’s on the High Street”. They serve the best lunches, all under a canopy of roses! (That’s right, their ceiling is completely made up of white roses!).
Canning Place
Another iconic Wisteria view, Canning Place ranks highly on my list of Wisteria hot spots. In my experience it tends to bloom a little later than some of the others (mid to late May). But when it fully blooms it really takes the hearts of the Londoners.
Kynance Mews
Oh Kynance Mews, how you stole my heart this year. Not only were your iconic red ivy leaves a must see this Autumn, but your picturesque Wisteria blooms (which spanned several meters wide!) were second to none. When visiting this location I was struck by how much I felt I’d been transported to a little village in France – with the cobbled streets, balconies and vibrant plants. But no, you’ll find this place in the heart of London! Just pop on the tube and get off at Gloucester Road or South Kensington tube station.
Victoria Road
Just up the stairs from Kynance Mews is another stunning Wisteria location – Victoria Road. Carry on down that road until no. 45 and you’ll see this vision of draping purple covering the stairway and iconic black door. If you’re feeling peckish why not head down Victoria Grove afterwards, taking the main road until you reach Fait Maison! It’s a beautiful cafe with the most gorgeous food, nestled in a wall of flowers and outside decorations. If you want to find out more head over to my list of the best floral cafes in London.
Sumner Place
Situated on one of the elegant streets of South Kensington, you’ll find this charming, Wisteria-adorned house. Slightly less well-known than the others, you’re likely to have the place to yourself and be able to take in the view (and scent) free from passers by. To reach this spot, hop on the tube and get off at South Kensington.
Elm Place
Just a couple of blocks down from Sumner Place you’ll find Elm Place, where the twisting purple vines climb up the pastel-coloured houses in perfect wisteria fashion. This location feels rather more rustic than some of the others and again enjoys the quiet luxury of few passer-byes.
If you’re not coming from Sumner Place, take the tube and get off at South Kensington or Gloucester Road.
If you’re still raring for more, why not head up Old Church street and turn in at Clareville Grove Mews for more Wisteria delights!
Gordon Place
Just down the road from Bedford Gardens you’ll find Gordon Place. A quiet neighbourhood clothed in purple wisteria. It’s not as ostentatious as some of the other Wisteria displays but just as beautiful in its delicate simplicity. If it’s your first time in the area why not pair this with a visit to Kensington Gardens (home of the Princess Diana Memorial Garden, Kensington Palace and the Serpentine) and Holland Park (which contains the very popular Japanese Kyoto Gardens)
Cheyne Walk London Wisteria
I stumbled across this spot when walking back from Battersea Park and instantly fell in love with the charm of the place. Over the bridge and beside the water you’ll find this gorgeous row of pristine white houses adorned with delicate wisteria which frames the facades so beautifully. To get here, take the 170, 19 or 49 bus.
St. John’s Wood London Wisteria
Definitely one of the most photographed Wisteria streets, St johns wood isn’t going to provide you with a quiet reflective walk but it’s certainly going to provide a feast for your eyes. Be patient if there are other people visiting to take photographs and take the time to marvel in nature’s creations
Southwark London Wisteria
Peckham Rye Park
Arguably one of the most popular locations for Wisteria, Peckham Rye Park is not one to be missed. It’s a beautiful area with the most unique wisteria archway that just begs to be photographed. This location tends to bloom last of all of them so leave this for last if you’re pushed for time!
Southwark Park:
The Belle of wisteria locations, this one is a real hidden gem which very few people know about! Hidden within the centre of Southwark is Southwark Park and if you carry on walking towards the lake you’ll see a sign for Ada Saltar Gardens. Follow the signs and you’ll reach this gorgeous wisteria archway. Enjoy it all by yourself for it really is one of London’s better known secrets!
Marylebone London Wisteria
Dorset Street
Head to Marylebone and you’ll find this gem just off Baker Street. There’s something about the pairing of the fluffy Wisterias and classic black door which is just so aesthetically pleasing. Not to mention the beautiful aroma which accompanies it. In the area? Why not stop off at Regent’s Park! The cherry blossoms might have gone now but there’s still lots to enjoy there and it’s got to be one of the best spaces for picnics.
Ladbroke Grove Wisteria
A row of pastels and Wisteria, this road is a painter’s dream with soft coloured houses and delicate blossoms. Much like my previous recommendations, this street is residential and never all that busy so if you’re still keen on avoiding crowds but don’t want to miss out, this is a good choice for you
Camden Town London Wisteria
30 Delancey Street
Situated on the busy road of Camden Town, this isn’t necessarily the location you’d expect to see wisteria but it’s actually one of the best! Not only can London’s wisteria be seen draping off the house, but the whole house is covered head to toe in the stuff! There’s honestly more wisteria than brick! To get here take the tube and get off at Camden town. If you’re feeling peckish why not visit the beautiful brand new floral bar Duo. For more details click here
Got your own London Wisteria recommendations? Write them down in the comments below!
