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 will never not be top of the ranks around this time of year. They may not quite be in full bloom yet, but they have begun to snake their way over every house that you and I will never be able to afford to live in… wisteria hysteria is back again. So here’s the Secret London guide to where to see the flowering blooms around our capital.
1. We’ll kick things off in Marylebone
It’s a classic stunner of wisteria.
2. Over in Notting Hill, they’re showing everyone how it’s done
Just look at that! The whole street, nay, the whole neighbourhood, must be able to smell those gorgeous blooms.
3. They also like doing a bit of colour-coordinating!
To be fair, if our friends looked this good we’d also be dressing to impress when we’re seen together.
4. In fact, it really doesn’t get much better than in Notting Hill
Wisteria and pastels? Be still, my beating heart.
5. But that iconic Holland Park location is showing everyone how it’s done
Does anyone, or anywhere, do it better? Well, read on and decide for yourself. We’ve a few more locations to check out yet!
6. The wisteria always looks charming in Chiswick
It’s positively spilling out onto the street – as if it’s just as excited to see us.
7. Where London’s oldest wisteria has had plenty of time to perfect its game
This fascinating slice of botanical history was brought to London from China over 200 years ago, and lives out by the Fuller’s brewery in Chiswick.
8. And there are plenty more to check out in Chiswick
With matching doors to boot!
9. It’s spritely in St. John’s Wood
Is spritely the right word to describe wisteria? It just feels right for this particular snap.
10. Kynance Mews is looking rather ravishing
It’s combining our love of gorgeous mews streets and gorgeous flowery delights.
11. Seriously, imagine stepping out of this front door each morning
*sighs wistfully*
12. In Hampstead it’s really clinging to the walls
To be fair, we’d never leave the house either if it was as gorgeous as this!
13. Peep the display in Peckham Rye Park though
It’s almost making us consider crossing the river to give South London a visit. (Almost…)
14. The park’s Sexby Gardens offer a stunning up-close view
You might have to join a queue, though, to get a picture beneath the waterfall of flowers.
15. And don’t miss the wisteria tunnel in Hillingdon
To find it, you’ll have to head over to the area’s Eastcote House Gardens. There’s plenty of other flowering blooms to see, but the violently violet tunnel sure stands out!
16. Chelsea sure is championing the wisteria
But then, we’d expect nothing less from one of London’s most flower-obsessed areas.
17. There’s even a wisteria garden with Gherkin views
Even these pre-bloom wisteria buds look gorgeous as they grace the Gherkin from a distance.
18. And some gorgeously subtle examples in Greewnich
It’s not the size that counts! It’s the motion of the… flowers in the wind…
19. Wembley Park is looking wonderfully purple
Joining the ranks of its purple peers in London.
20. And we can’t forget Islington
Where it’s spectacularly easy to get lost as you wander around the quiet streets and take in ALL THE WISTERIA.
21. Or Hackney, for that matter
(Plus, a wisteria-loving doggo to boot!)
22. What’s that? You want another from Holland Park?
Oh, go on then! We’re certainly not complaining!
23. And we’ll leave you with this piece of art in Kensington
Honestly, we simply can’t get enough – and there are plenty more shots we could have included! But for now, get out there and see if you can spot all of London’s wisteria. Happy hunting!
Remember: peak wisteria season is late-April to early-May, so although these beauties are starting to bloom now you’ll catch them at their best a little later on.