It was admittedly a little too late in the season to see any wisteria in London. This did not deter me from following a guided walk by ‘A Lady in London‘, as I love flowers in all their forms. The blue, slightly purplish color of wisteria is remarkable, and I was hoping to catch at least a few late bloomers. The idea was also to step away from the tourist heavy areas and simply enjoy a walk.
I began at Holland Park station, and made my way toward St John’s Notting Hill. Here I came across a café and, without much hesitation, decided I needed a break after about ten minutes of walking. In fairness, I had already spent quite some time earlier trying unsuccessfully to visit Westminster Abbey, so the pause felt justified.
Café St. John Notting Hill @London
I passed rows of classic English houses, exactly as one imagines them from films. The pillars in particular elevate their appearance, transforming otherwise simple facades into something far more stately.
Ladbrooke Square @Square
Not far from here lies Horbury Mews, known for its wisteria. Unfortunately, the blooms had already faded. It must be a magical sight when they are in full season.
Horbury Mews @London
Just around the corner, however, I did come across some white wisteria, a rarer variety that blooms slightly later. That small discovery felt like a bit of luck.
white wisteria @London
Along Campden Hill Road, each house seemed to carry its own personality, with different colors and details. One even had an olive tree in the garden, a subtle reminder of how climate change is already upon us.
all the colors of the rainbow @London
A little further along, I found a house almost entirely covered in wisteria, still in bloom but clearly nearing the end of its season. I definitely missed out on the vibrant blue color.
wisteria covered home @London
At Bedford Gardens, another house displayed white wisteria climbing around an upper floor window. It was an elegant sight, complemented by the house itself.
white wisteria framing the upper floor window @London
After Bedford Gardens, I accepted that the wisteria season had passed. Still, the walk had led me through some beautiful corners, so there was little reason to complain. Ready for a change of scenery, I continued into Holland Park. Smaller than Hyde Park yet still expansive at over 22 hectares, it offers far more than one can take in on a single walk.
walking around in Holland park @London
I also managed to visit Leighton House, the former home of Frederic Leighton which is right around the corner from Holland park. From the outside, it does not immediately reveal its historical significance, but a closer look uncovers a wealth of intricate detail. Yours, Pollybert
Leighton House @London
