Spring has arrived and we couldn’t be more excited! We don’t think there has ever been a year where we’ve so desperately needed the bright colours of spring to bring us out of this winter (and lockdown!!) hibernation. It’s possibly our favourite season in London to both stroll the streets and, of course, shoot images because what is better than being surrounded by fluffy clouds of pink! With spring in full force, we have teamed up with photographer Victoria Metaxas who have shared her favourite spots to get you prepped and ready for all things spring!
If you’re not going to be in London this year for spring, you can always head to her photography print shop and sprinkle some blossoms onto your walls so you can enjoy London in spring all year round!
1. NOTTING HILL
The blossom trees in Notting Hill come in SO many shades, it’s a real treat for the eyes. Not only do you have the varying shades of blooms, but of course, the multi-coloured pastel to make it even more magical. The deep pink sakura in front of a newly painted orange house is one of Victoria’s personal favourite blossoms in Notting Hill – ditto that! You can find this tree on Portobello Road.
There are, of course, plenty of parks where you can find wonderful blossoms but Victoria personally loves the trees dotting and framing our residential streets. Roam the roads of Farmer St and Hillgate place, right outside Notting Hill Station and you will be pleasantly surprised. If you’re looking for that real sakura fix, she tells us to head to Stanley Crescent – beware though, on a sunny day you won’t be the only one out there trying to get a shot!
2. KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
There are many reasons to visit Kensington and Chelsea, for starters the sensational shopping, the cutest and most Instagrammable restaurants – Victoria tells us how much she loves the hidden gems on Pavilion road – and rightly so! Especially with the colourful houses we’d all love to call home.
If we are talking blossom, you can find all sorts of flowers in the borough from romantic roses to bright red Camellias. To start off with, simply take a stroll down the King’s Road making sure to get lost on the colourful streets of Godrey and Bywater. If magnolia is what you’re after, get lost in the streets parallel to Fulham Road and you’ll be treated to more blossom than your eyes can take in. Later in the season, the wisteria bloom is what you need to look out for. Stroll down to St Leonard’s Terrace not far from Sloane Square and you’ll be met with wisteria-adorned houses – it’s known as wisteria hysteria for a reason!
3. ST PAUL’S
St Paul’s Cathedral attracts people from all over the world, all year round, but there’s something particularly special about it during the spring. The way the light hits the building on a sunny morning or during golden hour is truly something else. And there couldn’t be a more beautiful way to frame this magnificent building than surrounded by a cherry blossom tree! Once you’ve finished taking in the views from outside, in normal times Victoria suggests heading into the cathedral to enjoy the awe-inspiring interior whilst uncovering fascinating stories about its history.
Find information on tickets here. And if that’s not enough head to Madison rooftop bar for the most sensational views of the cathedral from above!
4. PRIMROSE HILL
Chalk farm, a quaint neighbourhood tucked between peaceful Primrose Hill and vibrant Camden Town, is a magical part of North London to meander through during the spring. Easily reached from Chalk Farm tube stop, this idyllic area has a gorgeous homely atmosphere, full of cute little eateries and boutiques dotted all along Regent’s Park Road (not to mention a number of celebrity residents, Jude Law being one of them!). If you take a left as you arrive on Regent’s Park Road, you’ll find yourself in pastel heaven, which is extra picturesque during springtime. Historically, Chalk Farm was a place filled with artists, writers and actors because of it’s eloquent and inspiring charm – grab a coffee and head there for yourself, then you’ll see what we’re talking about! Oh and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the wonderful blossoms!
5. GREENWICH PARK & BATTERSEA PARK
There are so many beautiful parks that bloom gorgeously during spring, but the blossom you find in both Greenwich and Battersea Park really is something special. It will take you some time to hunt them down but when you begin to see crowds of people with their cameras at the ready covered in a sky of pink bloom, you’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot. If you’re lucky and the weather is on your side, pack a blanket, some wine and a picnic box to enjoy a lazy Sunday on a bed of London’s blossom petals.
