In May, London greets an abundance of purple as Wisteria flowers. Grape-like clusters hang from balconies and doorways, while lilac and white tendrils ascend, spreading across Victorian and Georgian facades. Mews are brightly painted with explosions of color in a short yet magnificent display of Wisteria in London. Uncover the top spots to admire Wisteria in all its springtime splendor throughout the capital.
Top Locations in London to Admire Wisteria for Those Experiencing Wisteria Hysteria
Many would say that spring in London is one of the most amazing times of the year. Seasonal blossoms burst forth in splendid display, adorning terrace facades with magical florals, adorning every street corner and park, and signaling the approach of warmer, lengthier days. Daffodils, snowdrops, and cherry blossoms may kick off the spring season, but the Wisteria also takes center stage. The Wisteria season is brief, lasting about two weeks of stunning lavender and lilac tones before the flowers fall to allow green vines to emerge in summer.
In London, the Wisteria season is short-lived yet lovely. Although the weather can affect the timing of the purple blooms' emergence, mid-spring, ranging from mid-April to mid-May, is generally the most reliable period for peak Wisteria season. If you’re in London, you're just in time to make some time in your schedule to stroll through the finest neighbourhoods to look for Wisteria.
West London Spots to Witness Wisteria Beauty
West London, which includes areas such as Notting Hill and Kensington, is undoubtedly one of the finest locations to admire Wisteria in London. If time is of the essence, I suggest prioritizing this location as you seek out the hot spots that will have everyone double-tapping your posts in a flash.
Bedford Gardens, Kensington
A lovely pink door is the perfect complement to a stunning Wisteria photo. This is exactly why starting your Wisteria walk around London at 4 Bedford Gardens in Kensington is ideal. If you want to have the place all to yourself, make sure to come here early and be fast. Weekends are particularly hectic as everyone is eager to get 'that shot' for their social feeds. You may have noticed the blue plaque here as well, indicating that composer and musician Frank Bridge once lived here. However, don’t rush off just yet; continue down the road to number 22 for a Wisteria display that is still beautiful but less exuberant.
Stafford Terrace, Kensington
If you want to find one of the most remarkable Wisteria locations, this is among the finest in London. Brilliant purple petals stretch up to the second floor of the bright white home at the corner of Stafford Terrace, filling the length of the fence with full grape-like bunches. This place is not a hidden gem, and unless you arrive here at dawn, it will be difficult to take a photo without people in it. You’ll find this, one of the best Wisteria locations in London, on the corner of Stafford Terrace and Argyll Road.
Kynance Mews, Kensington
You’ve probably seen Kynance Mews on your Instagram feed at least once (and probably more!), and for good reason. This little corner brings forward charm throughout the year, from its springtime display as one of London’s premier Wisteria spots to the autumn colors of ivy in October. This tranquil spot, located behind the historic sandstone arches, features stable-like doors in a rich forest green that beautifully contrasts with the mauve Wisteria flowers cascading from the roof like a waterfall.
Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill
Notting Hill’s love for color is well known, and this spot takes it up a notch—a blue facade wrapped in purple Wisteria, perfectly finished with a soft pink door. Just around the corner from Portobello Road, it’s an easy stop if you’re heading to the market for lunch or browsing for vintage finds.
Abingdon Road, Kensington
Want to head out and see as much Wisteria as you can, but don’t have much time to visit a ton 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.
Eastcote House Gardens
This award-winning green space features a renowned Wisteria tunnel, which typically reaches full bloom in May. The gardens also include a Tudor dovecote, stables, and a walled garden, all of which are Grade II listed. Eastcote House Gardens is accessible via Eastcote Underground Station, served by the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines. From the station, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the gardens.
Fuller's Brewery, Chiswick
Chiswick itself is a leafy, affluent area in the London Borough of Hounslow, known for its riverside pubs, historic houses, and gardens. Fuller's Brewery sits near the Thames, making it a classic West London spot.
Photo: @girlwiththeredbob
South West London Locations to See These Purple Beauties
With neighbourhoods including Chelsea, home of the annual Chelsea Flower Show, and Richmond, a village-like suburban spot, it makes complete sense that these are some of the best areas for Wisteria in London.
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 are 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
This stretch of street, perfectly alongside the Thames and covered in Wisteria, is hard to miss. This beautiful part of town features a lot of Wisteria, cascading from balconies and delicately draped over entranceways. To fully enjoy a sunny spring day, combine your Wisteria-hunting venture with a stroll along the riverbank. And if you’re feeling a bit hungry? Pop by 50 Cheyne for a snack.
St. Leonard’s Terrace, Chelsea
Book lovers might recognize the blue door at number 17 below, not because of the Wisteria climbing the metalwork outside this residence, but due to the occupant who once lived there. The writer of the well-known book Dracula, Bram Stoker, once lived in the house adjacent to this small retreat in Chelsea's back streets. It has a pebbled driveway and a pastel-colored entry, making it one of my favorite Wisteria locations in London. Continue along the street, and you’ll surely discover a few other houses adorned with purple flowers in the spring, so make sure not to leave too quickly.
Photo: @bonnejournal
Gertrude Street, Chelsea
Hidden along the quiet streets between the Thames and King’s Road, Gertrude Street in Chelsea comes alive with purple blooms each spring. Several houses here are draped in Wisteria, typically peaking in the first half of the season. Plan your visit for mid to late April, and take time to explore more of the Wisteria-filled corners highlighted in this Chelsea guide.
The Green, Richmond
Richmond’s village-like atmosphere makes it one of many's favorite places for a Sunday stroll in London. Which also makes it the perfect place to spot Wisteria in London come springtime. The streets that flank The Green in Richmond are where you’ll find several houses draped in Wisteria. Head around the corner to Old Palace Lane and you’ll find a few more incredible Wisteria hotspots in Richmond too.
North West London
While north west London’s edgy neighbourhood of Camden might be best known for its punk roots and canal waterways that look beautiful during autumn, it also has some great Wisteria spots in London.
Lyme Terrace, Camden
Only a five-minute walk from the Camden Town tube station is an ideal purple door, framed by thick Wisteria vines that cascade over the entrance. This location usually comes into full bloom during the peak of Wisteria season, so targeting mid to late April would be ideal for witnessing this picture-perfect site at its fullest bloom. Lyme Terrace is situated above the towpath and runs alongside the Regent’s Canal. Avoid the path next to the waterway; opt for the one at street level instead.
Photo: @simplyrasha
Delancey Street, Camden
A rather unassuming backstreet in London is home to a large Wisteria vine that frames a checkerboard entry with a rich black door. The black and white facade perfectly contrasts with the soft purple blossoms in spring, and it’s an easy spot to couple with the next destination on the list, as they are around the corner from each other.
Central London
Central London has a few reliable spots where you can catch Wisteria in bloom during spring. These locations aren’t as widely known as those in West London, but they offer a good mix of architecture and seasonal color. From legal chambers to quiet garden corners, here are a few places in the city’s center where you can see Wisteria at its best.
Lincoln’s Inn, Holborn
Located between Holborn and Chancery Lane, Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court and has some beautiful historic buildings. In spring, Wisteria climbs along the old brick façades, especially around the chapel and gardens, offering a quiet but striking display in the middle of the city.
Take your pick... what's your next Wisteria spot going to be?
