If you are visiting London during springtime, you will definitely want to wander around the city hunting for the stunningly coloured, fragrant wisteria that covers many a London building. Unfortunately, this purple beauty doesn’t stay around for long, usually less than a few weeks, but maybe that’s what makes it so special? It usually starts to bloom just after cherry blossom season, from the beginning to end of April. If you think you’ll be the only one out and about, looking for this magnificent flowering vine, then you are wrong. Many Londoners can’t wait for this highly anticipated time of the year when, from amazingly covered houses to pergolas in parks, this beautiful climber comes into flower. It even has its own hashtag, #WisteriaHysteria! So, join the trend, grab your camera and follow its sweet scent.
Here are our picks for where you can usually see our most favourite hanging purple flower.
South Kensington
We recommend starting your wisteria hunt in South Kensington, from Kynance Mews, which is located about five minutes from Gloucester Road station. The mews is home to one of the prettiest plants in the city, which, viewed in contrast to the green door and windows really looks straight out of a fairy tale. This place is beautiful in autumn too, when the arch at the entrance is covered in bright red leaves. From there, walk towards Launceston Place, a picturesque street that has quite a few wisterias scattered along the way. The star of the show, however, is located at Canning Place, a truly majestic house covered in the climber, all the way up to the roof. Just, wow! Proceed towards Kensington Church Street to view another beautiful wisteria and you can finish your walk in Kensington Gardens, which is just around the corner. If you fancy going back towards South Kensington tube station you can also check out Elm Place.
Chelsea
While you are in west London, you should check out Cheyne Walk and take a stroll along the banks of the Thames. There are many attractive houses here, with wisteria trailing along walls and front gates. Also in Chelsea, it’s worth going to Christchurch Street, a quiet little square where we spotted some particularly photogenic wisteria.
Notting Hill
Just a stone’s throw away from the pub, the Churchill Arms, you will find 4 Bedford Gardens, a much photographed house with a pink door and blue plaque. It’s the former home of composer, Frank Bridge. The wisteria decorating its outside is truly magnificent and looks good from every angle. We do wonder sometimes how long it took to grow to cover the house like that!
Chiswick
Just outside the Fuller’s Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, you will find what is thought to be the oldest wisteria in Britain. They say it was brought to London from China over two hundred years ago, in 1816, and, well, it is big! It’s planted outside what used to be the Head Brewer’s cottage, and a cutting was taken and planted in Kew Gardens itself.
Hampstead Heath
There are plenty of wisteria for you to see in Hampstead Heath. Head to Kenwood House and to The Hill Garden and Pergola for some particularly stunning examples. There is also a magnificent house covered in purple wisteria, which grows beautifully on the right side of the wall. Located in Frognal, a small area in Hampstead, dating back to the fifteenth century you’ll find it on the corner of Redington Road and Frognal. It’s also beautiful in autumn when it is covered in red leaves.
Peckham Rye Park
Unmissable during this season is Peckham Rye Park, located in Southwark. Check out Sexby Garden, where the pergolas are covered in wisteria, heavy with beautiful purple flowers. Walk along the archway for the perfect picture. This park is also perfect for a picnic and it boasts beautiful views over the City and The Shard.
Off the Beaten Track
If you are looking for somewhere less well known, you can head to Eastcote House Garden, in Hillingdon, or to Eltham Palace, in south-east London, where you’ll see majestic lilac wisterias dangling from converted passages and antique columns. A perfect Insta-opportunity. For a quiet but more central area, Islington is certainly not lacking in wisterias. Check out Halton Road and the climber-covered exterior of Georgian pub, The Albion, for some of the prettiest.
This post was excerpted from Pretty Little London by Sara Santini and Andrea Di Filippo, with permission from The Quarto Group. All rights reserved.
