The best spring flowers in London
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
