Spring in London … it’s heaven.
While most people visit in summer, I think spring is the city’s finest season. Mostly because it’s just so gorgeous with all the flowers in bloom.
Spring brings mild temperatures, occasional rain, and longer daylight hours, making it a beautiful and bright time to visit.
You may be shuffled between sunshine and showers. But it’s still the best.
Here are some cool things to do in London in spring. Not surprisingly, most of them are outdoors!
What To Do In London in Spring
Go On A Bloom Hunt
Let’s start with the most obvious thing — seeking out the beautiful blossoms growing everywhere.
Cherry blossom season can begin as early as February. The magnolia trees and cherry blooms quickly follow. But the most gorgeous of all are the wisteria.
You can find these blooming in almost any London area. But here’s a quick breakdown of the best spots to begin your hunt:
Magnolia (late February to April): St. Mary Le Strand, Notting Hill, Kenwood House (Hampstead Heath), St. James Park, Chiswick House & Gardens
Cherry Blossoms (late March to early April): St. Paul’s Cathedral, Greenwich Park, Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park, Holland Park, Kyoto Gardens
Wisteria (late April to early May): Kew Green, Richmond Green, Chelsea, Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair, Kynance Mews in Kensington, Notting Hill
Daffodils: Greenwich Park, St. James Park, Green Park
Tulips: Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park
Picnic Outside
If the sun is shining, grab your picnic basket and blanket. The city’s parks are gorgeous and the perfect spot for a lazy lunch.
St. James is a beautiful park stretching all along the mall. Hyde Park gives you views of the Serpentine.
Richmond Park puts on a spring show with azaleas and rhododendrons.
Primrose Hill is simply divine, and you’ll have great view of the city. And nearby Regent’s Park is equally stunning.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
London is synonymous with afternoon tea. And you can go formal or casual, depending on your mood.
The fanciest teas are in West London at the Ritz and Claridge’s. But here are a few of my other favorites:
Fortnum & Mason (Picadilly): fluffy scones and a vast selection of teas.
Biscuiteers (Notting Hill): A less formal and more fairytale icing institution. If weather is good, sit outside on the red and white striped tables.
Laduree (Covent Garden): This French pastry shop is where you’ll find macaroons and pastries in an elegant setting.
Sketch (Mayfair): This iconic afternoon tea spot offers up selection of assorted finger sandwiches, scones, and an array of petit gateaux. It used to be pretty-in-pink. But after a redesign, it’s now bright yellow.
There are also plenty of themed teas in the city. You can enjoy a high flying fashion tea at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, have tea at the British Museum, or even do a Harry Potter themed tea at Cutter & Squidge.
Tasty Treats
If you’re not up for a long and grandiose afternoon tea, you can still sneak in a sweet treat at a quicker spot. And London is just full of gorgeous cafes.
Some of my favorites are:
Peggy Porschen (Belgravia): This cafe has grown on me. I thought it was a tourist trap at first. But it’s just so pretty and ultra feminine and the floral decor changes by season.
Farm Girl Cafe (Notting Hill): This is a super cool cafe on Portobello Road. It has a cult following, and it can be hard to nab a spot in the covered courtyard. But if you grab a spot, have a rose latte or açaí bowl.
Rail House Cafe (Victoria): This is a pretty cafe near Victoria Station with a rustic vibe and light and airy aesthetic.
EL&N: This pretty cafe is known for its floral displays and extravagant use of marble. They are now all over London. I had read some iffy reviews, but I enjoyed my last visit at the one in Mayfair.
Holland Park
Holland Park is one of the prettiest spots in West London, especially in spring. The area is full of Victorian townhouses, quiet streets, and lots of greenery.
Start your walk at Royal Crescent and head up Addison Avenue, where cherry blossoms and magnolias line the road. In peak bloom, the trees create a canopy of pink and white. Norland Square is another great stop, surrounded by 19th century homes with classic London charm.
For more beautiful streets, check out Portland Road and Clarendon Cross. This little pocket has stylish houses, a few independent shops, and a relaxed feel.
A real highlight of Holland Park is the Kyoto Garden, designed in the style of a Japanese garden. A small waterfall, maple trees, and carefully shaped shrubs make it a peaceful escape. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see cherry blossoms, azaleas, irises, and wisteria in bloom.
Portobello Road Market
The heart of Notting Hill beats along Portobello Road. It’s a lively stretch filled with eclectic shops, colorful townhouses, boookstores, and endless energy.
On a regular day, it’s a great place to browse independent boutiques, antique stores, and quirky cafes.
But come Saturday, Portobello Road transforms into one of London’s most famous markets. Stalls spill into the streets, selling everything from vintage clothing and rare antiques to fresh produce and global street food.
The crowds can be intense, so expect a bit of a squeeze as you navigate the stalls. But if you love bargain-hunting and people-watching, Portobello Market is for you!
Arrive early for the best finds. And don’t forget to grab a bite from one of the street food vendors along the way.
>>> Click here to book a Notting Hill walking tour
Chiswick
Chiswick is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in West London, especially in spring. Just 30 minutes from central London, it feels more like a village than a big city. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and plenty of green spaces make it a great place for a stroll.
St. Peter’s Square is one of the best spring spots, with its stucco-fronted houses and blooming gardens. A short walk away, Chiswick House and Gardens is a must-visit.
The 18th century villa and landscaped park are perfect for a spring day out. The formal gardens are free to explore The villa itself has a small ticket fee.
Chiswick is also known for its Sunday markets, which rotate themes each week. Spring is a great time to visit when the flower and food markets are in full swing. You’ll also find plenty of cozy cafes, independent shops, and riverside walks to round out your visit.
Kew Gardens
Kew is another great spring spot. The charming streets, independent shops, and historic homes give it a relaxed village feel.
The main attraction is Kew Gardens, one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens. Spring brings a burst of color, with blooming cherry blossoms, daffodils, bluebells, and wisteria.
The gardens are home to rare trees, a towering pagoda, and impressive Victorian glasshouses filled with exotic plants. The Palm House is a tropical paradise, while Kew Palace offers a look into the life of King George III and his family.
>>> Click here to book a ticket for Kew Gardens
For a scenic walk, exit at Victoria Gate and follow Kew Road to Kew Green. The route passes historic homes and photogenic streets, leading to one of the best spots to see dramatic wisteria in full bloom.
Eat In A Garden Center
Yes, this is a real thing in London, and one of the best things to do in spring.
I have two favorites for that indoor garden/greenhouse vibe.
The first is Petersham Nurseries in Richmond. You can snap up some delicious seasonal fare under a canopy of bougainvillea, vines, and fragrant jasmine.
I guarantee it will be a memorable meal. If you can’t get out to Richmond, there’s a smaller, courtyard-size Petershams in Covent Garden.
The second is Clifton Nurseries In Little Venice. It’s set in a picturesque glasshouse and terrace surrounded by plants. The menu includes artisan morning bakes, cakes, coffees, and specialist teas, and other brunch and lunch items.
Explore Columbia Road & Its Flower Market
And don’t skip East London! On Sundays, Columbia Road is the place to be.
You’ll see the people carrying armfuls of fresh flowers or struggling with oversized houseplants. They’re all coming from Columbia Road Flower Market, one of the busiest and most colorful spots in the city.
This market is the place to go for bargain blooms, leafy greens, and a lively atmosphere. Vendors shout their deals in true East London style. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth a visit just for the experience.
For the best selection, get there early before the crowds. If you’re looking for cheaper prices, go later and try your luck haggling before the market closes.
Along the road, you’ll find plenty of chocolate box shopfronts. Beigel Bake Bakery has the best bagels in London, and a long queue to go with it. Bob and Blossom is a super cute children’s store.
Boating In Hyde Park & Regent’s Park
Spring is the perfect time to rent a boat and enjoy London’s green spaces from the water. Your best bets are Hyde Park and Regent’s Park.
The Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park is a lovely spot to rent a rowboat or pedal boat. The park is in full bloom and swans and ducks will float right by you. You can rent a boat at the Serpentine Boathouse.
Regent’s Park has a more peaceful smaller lake. It’s much quieter than Hyde Park and a great place to see cherry blossoms. You can rent a boat at the Boating Lake rental stand near the Open Air Theatre.
Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race
This is one of London’s oldest sporting traditions, first held in 1829. Each spring, the rowing teams from Oxford and Cambridge universities compete in a fast-paced, high-energy race on the River Thames.
The race is usually held in late March or early April. It happens on a 4.2 mile stretch of the Thames from Putney to Mortlake.
The Putney Bridge & Putney Embankment are great spots for seeing the start of the race. Hammersmith Bridge is another popular viewing spots.
And of course the finish line at Mortlake is where you can catch the final moments.
This is a super fun event, with thousands of spectators cheering along the riverbanks. Many riverside pubs even host watch parties.
Explore the Pretty Mews Of London
Nothing is so characteristically London as its beautiful mews, which simply brim with old world charm. And spring is the perfect time to seek them out.
A mew is a small, charming street or alleyway lined with converted stables or carriage houses. They were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. And often are pedestrianized with cobbled lanes and adorned with flowers.
The lion’s share of these mews are in Notting Hill, South Kensington, and Paddington.
The prettiest ones are:
- Kynance Mews (South Kensington)
- St. Luke’s Mews (Notting Hill)
- Bathurst Mews (Paddington)
- Holland Park Mews (Kensington)
Chelsea Flower Show
You can never go wrong with a stroll through Chelsea in spring.
Chelsea is one of London’s most stylish and well-heeled neighborhoods, known for its upscale shops, chic cafes, and charming streets.
The Chelsea Flower Show is a big annual flower and garden event held in London. It takes place in May at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and is run by the Royal Horticultural Society.
At the show, you’ll see incredible garden displays, rare plants, and creative landscaping designs from top garden designers.
It’s a place where florists, plant experts, and garden lovers gather to see the latest trends in gardening. There are also stalls selling flowers, plants, and gardening tools.
The event usually lasts for five days. The first two days are reserved for RHS members, with the rest open to the public for gawking.
It’s one of the biggest gardening events in the world and is known for its beautiful, carefully designed show gardens.
If you love plants, flowers, or just a great outdoor event, the Chelsea Flower Show is worth a visit! The shops go all in with floral decorations as well.
Meander Through Covent Garden
Convent Garden is smack in the middle of London. Try to visit mid week if possible to avoid the staggering crowds.
The area is know for its quaint old arcades, Palladian style piazza, amazing selection of shops, and its many theaters.
The piazza is where all the action takes places. And you can grab a macaron at Laduree.
This is also where you’ll find the best street performers in London. They are crazy! I’ve seen performers juggle flaming torches, machetes, or even chainsaws. Sometimes while balancing on a unicycle or a tall platform.
But the cute side streets in this area are worth seeking out, especially if you want that perfect Instagram shot. Be sure to stroll down Floral Street, New Row, Bow’s Street, Neal’s Yard, and Henrietta Street.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead is one of the prettiest places in London to visit in spring. This northwest London neighborhood has the feel of a quiet English village, filled with charming streets, historic homes, and hidden gardens.
Spring is the perfect time to wander along High Street, Church Row, and Perrin Court, where wisteria and blossoms spill over elegant facades. Many of London’s literary greats once lived here, giving it a sort of timeless appeal.
In spring, Hampstead Heath really shows off with wildflower meadows, rolling green spaces, and peaceful woodland trails. A walk to Parliament Hill rewards you with one of the best views of London’s skyline on a clear day.
For something truly special, head to the wisteria pergola near North End Way. The twisting vines, stone archways, and soft spring light create a setting straight out of a storybook.
Thames Cruise at Sunset
A city always looks magical and romantic from the water. And London is no different.
To take it all in, take a Thames cruise at sunset. The skyline reflects off the water and the city lights beginning to twinkle. In spring, it should be mild enough that you won’t shiver.
Opt for an afternoon tea cruise or a dinner cruise to enjoy some nasty bites while gliding past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to cruise, a walk along the South Bank at night is equally romantic.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a unique outdoor venue, offering performances from May to September.
Established in 1932, it has a 1,300-seat amphitheater and is known for its mix of Shakespeare, musicals, and contemporary plays.
Past productions have included Fiddler on the Roof and other critically acclaimed performances.
The open air setting creates a special experience because the theater is surrounded by greenery and lantern-lit paths. Magical!
Tickets sell out quickly, so booking in advance is recommended!
Enjoy Somerset House
On the site of a former palace, Somerset House is one of London’s finest 18th century buildings and a London hidden gem to boot. You could literally spend the entire day there.
There is an open air courtyard with fountains, a terraced cafe, a host of dining options, and the wonderful Courtauld Gallery. Plus, it has an enviable location with Thames views.
Fittingly, one of its restaurants is simply called Spring. It’s helmed by Skye Gyngell, former head chef at Petershams. The food is seasonal British fare. The decor is light and bright, with chandeliers that resemble flowers.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in London in spring. You may find these other London guides useful:
- 3 Day Itinerary for London
- 5 Day Itinerary for London
- Hidden Gems in London
- Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
- Best Museums in London
- Day Trips from London
- Harry Potter Places in London
- Guide to the Tower of London
- Guide to Westminster Abbey
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