Trends come and go, but some things never go out of style. And while purple obsessives may have turned their eyes, in recent years, to the Elizabeth line, the OG London purple infatuation with wisteria will always take the crown at this time of year. The purple flowers have recently reached full bloom, covering gorgeous houses – that you and I will never be able to afford to live in – with stunning floral displays. Wisteria hysteria is back, baby. So here’s the Secret London guide to where to see the flowering blooms around our capital.
You’ll have to act quickly to catch them, though, because these blooms won’t be around for long. In fact, some may already be fading – run, run, run to our nearest wisteria before it’s too late!
Kensington
This might just be London’s most famous wisteria display – the white corner property is completely overtaken by the purple blooms. As if it weren’t a pretty enough house, it also has a leading floral display. Some people houses have all the luck!
Holland Park
This Holland Park location has been growing in popularity each year. This year in particular, London’s photographers have absolutely fallen in love with its wisteria. Could it soon take the top spot as London’s most popular display?
Hillingdon
If you’re searching for a dazzling wisteria tunnel, then head on over to Hillingdon. Within the area, you’ll want to saunter over to the Eastcote House Gardens, where you’ll find a blooming gorgeous display. There are plenty of other flowering blooms to see, but the violently violet tunnel sure stands out!
The Garden at 120
Did someone say rooftop wisteria? This gorgeous wisteria display might have some of the best views in London. And it proves a charming frame for snaps of the Gherkin. (If there was a dog, we could call it wooftop wisteria.)
Richmond upon Thames
Wander around the suburban streets of Richmond upon Thames, and you’ll find example after example of gorgeous wisteria-draped houses. We’re green purple with envy at these stunning properties.
Kynance Mews
London’s mews (mews’? mewses?) are already stunning spots for a wander. And they’re made all the more charming when the wisteria blooms. Anyone for a wisteria wander?
Notting Hill
Not too far from our #1 rated wisteria, you’ll find even more charming examples dotted around the already picturesque Notting Hill. The above example even features a charming splash of colour from a complementary pink door. How delightful!
Peckham Rye Park
Within this South London park, you’ll find the Sexby Gardens. And within the Sexby Gardens you’ll find a dazzling array of blooms. Keep a lookout for the pergola, which is framed by climbing and dangling wisteria.
Over in Chiswick, you’ll find a slice of wisteria history. Darning the exterior walls of the Fuller’s brewery, you can spot the oldest wisteria in London. The blooms were brought to London from China over 200 years ago, and lives out by the Fuller’s brewery in Chiswick.
Chelsea
Imagine living in a gorgeous house like this, with gorgeous flowers and climbing wisteria. Alas, we can perhaps only dream of being able to afford a property like this in London. But what a pleasant dream it is!
Twickenham
Twickenham isn’t about to be left out of the conversation, and they’re wading into the wisteria field with an impressive offering. The colour palette with the purple blooms, dark bricks, and grey-blue door, is simply *chef’s kiss*.
Notting Hill (again)
Notting Hill is home to so many wonderful wisteria displays that we simply had to include it twice. Just LOOK at those climbing blooms! Needless to say, a wander around Notting Hill will reveal countless wisteria displays, enough to induce wisteria hysteria!
The Cosmic House
This quirky Holland Park house is not just an architectural marvel, it’s also home to some marvellous wisteria. The house and its Time Garden are must-visit sites even beyond wisteria-hunting, boasting truly spectacular and unique features.
Chelsea (again!)
Yup, we’ve got another repeat location here, with a stunning corner display in Chelsea. Imagine walking out of your front door and spotting that in the morning! Just like Notting Hill, a wander around Chelsea is just the tonic for wisteria-hunters.
