cherry blossom at kew
cherry blossom at kew

The best spring flowers in London – where to see daffodils, bluebells and cherry blossom

 

Spring has nearly sprung, which means longer evenings, lighter jackets, and the return of colour to London’s beautiful parks and green spaces! The earliest spring flowers start to blossom from late February, but the best flowers in London can be found from March through to May. Find out the best places to see cherry blossom, bluebells, daffodils and tulips in or near London – the perfect excuse for a walk with a friend.

 

Where to see daffodils and tulips in London

Brightly bobbing daffodils and regimented tulips are the first blooms to appear, and guaranteed to bring some spring cheer. Find out where to see them in their thousands in London.

Green Park

daffodils outside buckimgham palace, green park

Green Park

Green Park is home to over 250,000 daffodils which come into bloom beneath the trees, among the lawns and in dedicated flowerbeds from March. The flowerbeds next to Buckingham Palace are particularly beautiful, where you’ll find an array of tulips too.

Bunhill Fields Burial Ground

Bunhill Fields Burial Ground

Bunhill Fields Burial Ground

The final resting place of many famous historical figures, including William Blake and Daniel Defoe, plays host to a riot of daffodils in spring, which bring a cheery atmosphere to an otherwise sombre location. This unassuming graveyard is just a stone’s throw from Old Street station, and home to some very friendly squirrels who are more than happy to be hand-fed by visitors.

Hampton Court Palace

Tulips, Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

Anywhere with a Royal connection you’ll find an impressive display of tulips, but Hampton Court Palace might just take the trophy. Over 100,000 bulbs have been planted in the gardens for the 2021 Tulip Festival, taking place from 17th April until 3rd May. Jump in a Zipcar and head South East for the palace, where you’ll see spectacular displays of tulips throughout the formal gardens and in the courtyards.

Distance from London by car: 15 miles

Where to see cherry blossom in London

The soft pink pastel hues of cherry blossom are simply stunning, whether framed against a blue sky, a green lawn or a row of London townhouses. Here’s where to see cherry blossom in London.

Kew Gardens

Cherry Walk, Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

If you want to see cherry blossom at Kew Gardens, you’ll find the much-photographed ‘Cherry Walk’ through the rose garden behind the famous Palm House. Kew is well worth a visit at any time of year, but spring at Kew is perhaps its most beautiful season, and just half an hour by Zipcar from central London. Entry fees apply.

Distance from London by car: 8.2 miles

Greenwich Park

cherry-blossom, Greenwich

Greenwich Park

With the incredible backdrop of London and the Thames, Greenwich Park is a beautiful place to see cherry blossom in London. Climb the hill and walk beyond the Observatory and Planetarium to find a stunning cherry-blossom lined avenue which resembles a pink tunnel when the trees are in full bloom.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Blossom in front of St. Paul's

St Paul’s Cathedral

Although there is no park to speak of outside St Paul’s the few cherry trees outside the cathedral are well worth the trip as they contrast beautifully with the iconic domed roof of London’s most famous church. Photography enthusiasts can expect to get some interesting shots to capture the essence of London in spring perfectly.

Where to see bluebells near London

From near or far, there’s something magical about a carpet of brightest blue in a woodland. These are the best bluebell woods near London.

Highgate Wood

Bluebells in Highgate Wood

Highgate Wood

We’ve rhapsodised about Highgate Wood before, but during bluebell season it’s even more beautiful than usual. Find the best bluebell spots in the north corner of the park, entering via Cranley Gate or Bridge Gate.

Richmond Park

Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park

Richmond Park

While most visitors to Richmond Park are there to see the deer, from late April there’s another reason to visit this historic park. The 40-acre Isabella Plantation within Richmond Park woodland transforms into a carpet of blue, easily one of the best places to see bluebells in London and under an hour’s journey from the centre by Zipcar or train.

Distance from London by car: 9.7 miles

Heartwood Forest

Heartwood Forest Bluebells

Heartwood Forest

Although the Heartwood Forest is outside the M25, it’s well worth a Zipcar trip to visit the ancient woodland here, where bluebells can be found in abundance during mid to late spring. With a multitude of paths winding through the trees, there’s plenty of opportunities to capture some great photos.

Distance from London by car: 25.4 miles

More from the blog

To stay up to date with the latest news, advice and tips from Zipcar visit our blog.

Food truck for Immersive & Unusual Dining Experiences in London

Immersive Dining Experiences in London

 Discover the most unique London restaurants to suit every budget, from immersive eateries to non-traditional dining experiences.

zipcar electric flex

Trying an EV for the First Time with Zipcar

Thinking of renting an EV? Find out more about how an electric car works and how to try one out with our electric car hire services.

zipcar next to park

LTN's in London

LTNs are designated areas that reduce traffic, noise and air pollution through physical changes to street access or by enforcing fines for unauthorised access.

Cheese selection

The best cheese shops in London

During the winter months, is there a more indulgent way to enjoy a night in than with a cheese board?

Click here for more