The Time I Went Wisteria Hunting in Notting Hill
Each time wisteria season hits, the city buzzes with photographers, influencers, and the curious all trying to find the magical wisteria jackpot. You could spend days visiting all the picture perfect locations in London but if you want to maximise your time, head to Notting Hill.
I find Westbourne Tube Station a good place to start. Head south along Tavistock Rd to St. Luke’s Rd. Moving south along St. Luke’s Rd you’ll come to St. Luke’s Mews. This mews is home to the famed Love Actually pink house. Its picture perfect any time of year but the spring is especially magical.
St. Luke’s Mews
Down this colourful mews you’ll find a simple and small, by comparison, wisteria vine but it gives great angles.
Spend your time finding the perfect angle and playing with perspective. These blooms won’t last long so make the most of your time.
Lonsdale Road
Head north on Colville Rd to Lonsdale Rd. East on Lonsdale Rd is this stunning blue beauty, sporting a pink door and, when in its full glory, a story book perfect wisteria vine.
At the end of Lonsdale, head south on Ledbury Rd following it as it becomes Chepstow Crescent to Pembridge Villas. At the intersection of Pembridge and Portobello Rd you’ll find the next wisteria wonder.
Portobello Rd
The gorgeous vine is best photographed during the week when there is less chance of pedestrians in the way. Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to avoid cars parked in front so I might be worth a return trip.
From here, head toward Notting Hill Gate. Once across the street you’ll weave in and out of these colourful street to find some delicate vines blooming against pastel perfect homes. Be sure to wander down Campden Hill Rd and Kensington Place.
Bedford Gardens
Make your way south along Kensington Church St to Bedford Gardens.
Home to the biggest wisteria vine I’ve found, Bedford Gardens will keep you busy for quite some time. If you are lucky, the parking spaces in front of the corner house will be empty, in any case its doubtful you’ll be the only person snapping photos so be patient and pop down the road to see some of the other houses along the street.
Stafford Terrace
Head south on Campden Hill to Upper Phillimore Gardens, then take Argyll Rd to Stafford Terrace. Here you will find a stunning vine that doesn’t have a bad angle.
The blooms hang over the gate in large clusters allowing for great angles, while the vine twists and turn on its self making for great photos.
This list doesn’t name all the spots in Notting Hill, if you have the time, its great fun to wander up and down the streets hunting wisteria. Check out the MAP with these locations noted.
Drop me a comment and share your favourite spots.