If you’ve ever tried to catch the best flower displays in London, you’ve probably been left wondering, Did I come too early? Or worse — Did I miss it entirely? Most of the lists out there will name the same old spots (Kew Gardens, Regent’s Park) without actually telling you when to go, where to stand, or how to avoid the crowds.
London is one of the greenest capitals in the world, but timing is everything when it comes to seeing its best blooms. Whether you’re after cherry blossoms, tulips, or wildflower meadows, this guide will give you the full rundown on when and where to go, and how to actually enjoy it once you get there.
London really knows how to put on a good show when it comes to flowers. From the cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park to the wildflower meadows in Hampstead Heath and the epic rose gardens in Regent’s Park, the city is packed with floral displays that could easily pass for an Instagram filter.
And it’s not just about the views. London’s gardens have serious history. The rose gardens at Regent’s Park were designed in the 1930s, Kew Gardens dates back to the 18th century, and Hampstead Heath’s wildflowers have been thriving since before London had a tube network.
Most of these displays are completely free, so there’s really no excuse not to get out and see them.
Most guides give you a list of locations but leave you guessing about when to go. And showing up to a flower garden at the wrong time is like turning up to a party after everyone’s already gone home — awkward and disappointing.
Here’s a straight-up guide to the biggest mistakes people make when chasing London’s flower season, and exactly how to avoid them.
Flowers are temperamental. One mild winter or a surprise frost and the whole blooming schedule can shift.
Solution:
Kew Gardens on a Saturday afternoon in peak season? Good luck getting a photo without 20 people in the background.
Solution:
Saying “Kew Gardens” or “Regent’s Park” isn’t enough. There’s a difference between wandering aimlessly and knowing where the best blooms are.
Solution:
Rain, wind, or even a hot spell can ruin a flower display overnight.
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Why it’s worth it: It’s Kew. Enough said. But seriously, the diversity of plants here is unmatched. You could spend a whole day just wandering the glasshouses.
Why it’s worth it: If you want to feel like you’ve walked into a romantic novel, this is the spot.
Why it’s worth it: Fewer crowds and some of the best skyline views in the city.
Why it’s worth it: A hidden gem with Japanese vibes right in the middle of London.
Why it’s worth it: Feels more like countryside than a London park — and you’ll probably spot a dog or two living their best life.
Why it’s worth it: Great for a relaxed weekend walk, with plenty of benches for taking it all in.
Where is the best place to see flower displays in London?
Kew Gardens and Regent’s Park are the top spots, but Greenwich Park is a quieter, just-as-stunning alternative.
When do flower displays peak in London?
Cherry blossoms and tulips bloom from March to May; roses and wildflowers from June to August.
Where can I see wildflowers in London?
Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park both have beautiful wildflower meadows in early summer.
What’s the best free flower display in London?
Queen Mary’s Gardens in Regent’s Park is completely free and home to over 12,000 roses.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, flower seasons are starting earlier due to milder winters. Cherry blossoms and tulips, which traditionally peak in April, have been blooming as early as late March in recent years.
Wildflower meadows, which usually hit their stride in June, have also been appearing as early as late May in some parts of the city.