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We all know the famous signs of spring – daylight saving hours, pims, green leaves, colorful flowers and humming bees.
It also means the purple wisteria will be out in full force across London.
These flowers are absolutely stunning. Vibrant colors of purple can be seen on houses on the streets of Chelsea and Notting Hill, as their fragrance lingers in the air, leading to the annual Wisteria Hysteria in London where locals and tourists try to crowd around these purple flowers. To snap a picture, of him and his reckless march.
If you want to discover these gorgeous flowers, then look no further. This guide will tell you when and where to find the best Wisteria in London.
Note: Some of the locations on this list are residential, so please be aware of noise and respect those around you. Do not block people's houses or entrances and do not give attitude or lip if they ask you to move in front of their house. Yeah, snowflakes you don't have the right to break into these people's homes for photos. You get the privilege to do so, please don't spoil it for the rest of us.
Where to see wisteria in London
Wisteria vines dot the city of London, with more sprouting each year. However, you will find most of these trees on the west side of London.
Taking a self-guided walking tour to explore the best wisteria locations is just one of the top things you can do in London.
A great way to discover these lilac blossoms is to take a walking tour of the surrounding area below.
You can also stop on the way to see other famous attractions or try some delicious food and English ales.
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Kynance Mews, South Kensington
Kynance Mews is arguably one of London's prettiest cobblestone streets. It is also a contender for being one of the best places to photograph wisteria in London.
This charming neighborhood is filled with old, brick homes whose dark texture complements the beautiful purple color of the flower.
One of the top wisteria to see on this street can be found just past Launceston Place on the west side of the road. No. 13 Kynance Mews has a magnificent wisteria that is two storeys high.
Nearest Station: Gloucester Road Tube Station
Gordon Place, Kensington
Head down this stunning street lined with Victorian homes. The best wisteria houses are at Nos. 27 and 46. The latter sits at the end of a quaint cul-de-sac.
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington Tube Station
Bedford Gardens, Kensington
There are also some wisteria trees in this Notting Hill street. You will find large, elegant houses wearing purple frost.
You'll definitely want to head to the east side of the street where you'll find this pastel pink gate lined with violet flowers.
House number 6 also has a snazzy red door – creating a stunning contrast between the two colours.
Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate Tube Station
Campden Grove, Kensington
Just two blocks away from Bedford Gardens is another Kensington Street with this purple bloom. At No. 1 Campden Grove, you'll find wisteria growing along supporting columns up to the iron railings of the terrace.
The author, James Joyce, also lives on the street.
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Nearest Station: High Street Kensington Tube Station
Abingdon Road, Kensington
You will find wisterias growing along virtually the entire length of this London road. Some houses have beautiful colorful doors that create a more aesthetic picture.
High Street Kensington tube station is approximately 6 minutes away. Pop into The Abingdon, a restaurant and wine bar nestled among the area's homes.
Nearest Station: High Street Kensington Tube Station
Holland Park, Kensington
Another Kensington destination, this is a great option if you don't feel quite comfortable taking photos of people, trees and flowers outside their homes.
Holland Park There are even some gardens featuring stunning wisteria plants – you can unleash your full wisteria frenzy without worrying about what anyone around you thinks.
You'll find this lilac bloom covering the ancient stone arches of the Dutch Garden.
Nearest Station: Kensington (Olympia) tube station is just 7 minutes away.
Restaurant tip for Kensington: Churchhill Arms A popular choice is; The pub also has its own floral display.
Sumner Place, Chelsea
Located in a posh neighborhood, the wisteria here grows along the white walls of impressive homes. This provides a different scene compared to the quieter areas of Kensington.
Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington tube station is just 3 minutes away.
Elm Place, Chelsea
Vivid lilac colors backed by crisp white walls create a picturesque look. It's easy to see why this is considered one of the most photographed wisteria scenes in London.
Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington or Gloucester Road
Cheyenne Walk, Chelsea
This street adjacent to the River Thames in Chelsea is home to some of the most famous people. It is also home to several attractive wisteria trees whose vines stretch along the walls.
Many residents have even painted their front doors a soft lilac color to complement these beautiful flowers.
Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Station
Park Walk, Chelsea
On this street, you will find brown brick houses with colorful front doors. Some even have wisteria vines growing up the walls to the ceiling.
The contrast between the brown and the soft purple creates a really beautiful contrast.
Nearest station: South Kensington Tube Station
Chelsea Manor Street
Another street in London where famous violet flowers can be seen is Chelsea Manor Street. These magnificent flowers have made their home on the brickwork of the houses on this street.
You will definitely be able to satisfy your wisteria mania at this place.
Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Station
St. Leonard's Terrace, Chelsea
This charming street is lined with 18th-century houses, some of which have stunning purple wisteria. You will not be disappointed when you come across this delightful street.
If you can't make it here during wisteria season, don't worry. Pink cherry blossoms also appear and are a spectacular sight to behold.
Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Station
Radnor Walk, Chelsea
Once you've enjoyed the wisteria of St. Leonard's Terrace, walk another block and a half on Radnor Walk. This is a stunning wisteria in Chelsea Street that grows along the wall of a house and on a terrace.
Nearest Station: Sloane square tube
Estelle Street, Chelsea
Another street in Chelsea that purple wisteria calls home. There is one house in particular whose wisteria tree has grown so impressive that it almost shields one side of the house from the street view.
Nearest Station: Sloane square tube
Christchurch Street, Chelsea
Christchurch Street is a great stop on your way to St Terrace Leonards. Here you will find wisteria hanging over the colorful front door that looks like a natural canopy.
Nearest Station: Sloane square tube
Restaurant tip for Chelsea: La Mia Mamma serves fantastic Italian cuisine. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is also nearby if you want to treat yourself to a Michelin star meal.
Other secret wisteria locations in London
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While you're guaranteed to see many wisteria trees in the Chelsea and Kensington area, there are a few other places where these purple flowers can be found.
Ensor Mews
You will find this street between Chelsea and Kensington. These houses were built between 1840 and 1880; Many have Georgian and Victorian terraces.
Throughout Anser Meuse, wisteria vines climb the walls and wrap their branches around the terrace railings. A truly beautiful sight.
Nearest Station: Gloucester Road Tube Station or South Kensington Tube Station
Peckham Rye Park
If you're wisteria mania, you'll think you've reached heaven at this London park. Walk down through Saxby Gardens to find a purple wisteria tunnel.
This can be enjoyed only during the wisteria season. At any other time during the year, except for the surrounding green foliage, the tunnel is completely empty.
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A great plus is that Peckham Rye Park is a bit further along than other wisteria locations such as Chelsea. So, you won't have to fight against other photographers for snapshots of these flowers.
Nearest Station: Denmark Hill Station
of Hampton Court
This 15th century fort has 12 acres of gardens. Here, you have to explore the formal garden before entering the fascinating wisteria tunnel. This floral masterpiece attracts tourists, locals and photographers alike.
It is especially beautiful because it features both white and lilac-colored wisteria blossoms. The roots of this tree have been here for 150 years!
Nearest Station: Richmond Tube Station
Walton Street
A little out of the way, but this street wisteria is worth it. There are also plenty of shops and eateries for you to visit.
Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Station
Where to find the best wisteria in London
Wisteria's best, brightest and grandest live on London's west side. Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill certainly hold this title.
They also have a high concentration of these violet flowers – you'll find them on almost every street.
When does wisteria bloom in London?
These purple flowers usually bloom in the second half of spring, starting in late April or May. However, this also depends on weather conditions.
In summer, wisteria sometimes blooms a second time depending on the variety. However, this second bloom is usually not as spectacular as the spring flowers.
Things to know before heading out to explore London Wisteria
As these gorgeous flowers become more and more popular, more people are discovering these Instagram-worthy trees.
So, if you want to catch these flowers without the crowd around, you have to go out early.
These popular wisteria spots are busiest on weekends and afternoons. Therefore, it is best to go out in the morning during the week.
Final thoughts on wisteria in London
The lilac flowers of the wisteria tree are attractive. Their soft petals contrast with the dull walls of London's buildings making for a particularly stunning scene.
No wonder why locals and tourists alike seek out these flowers for a gorgeous picture.
Fortunately, there are plenty of places where you can find this in London. And each site has its own unique look.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and start your search for gorgeous lilac wisteria.
If you want to explore more of the city, take some inspiration from my other content on London Streets.
● The oldest streets in London
● Great Streets of London
● The best streets in Chelsea London
● London Hidden Streets
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