I am a landscape photographer based in London and the current UK Landscape Photographer of the Year. I love traveling to spectacular places and photographing big mountainscapes or endless dark skies. But I have always lived in big cities.
Throughout the years, I have learned to appreciate green urban spaces. When I moved to London, it was no exception. Most people don't know that London is one of the greenest cities in the world. Almost 40% of the city is public green spaces! Most London parks are free, well-maintained, and have excellent access to facilities.
London is a famous tourist destination, but most tourists don't realize that spring is one of the best times to visit the capital. London is home to a versatile collection of flowers from all over the globe. Here are some of the best places in London to capture the best spring blooms.
#1
Parakeets are most active during the morning so aim for sunrise. Use a large focal length and the wide aperture to create a Bokeh effect. This will result in a blurry background and a dreamy look.
61points
#2
Almost half of the world's population of bluebells grows in the UK. It's no surprise that they are pretty popular in London and England. Chalet Wood has to be the place to go for Londoners. Be careful; native bluebells are fragile. Avoid picking or walking on them.
51points
#3
Cheery blossoms can be pretty delicious! Green parakeets are frequently spotted in different London parks feeding on the buds during the early hours of the day.
44points
#4
Daffodils can also be photographed with the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben. You'll find them on the opposite side of the River Thames. Use the focus stacking technique to get the flowers and the tower in focus by taking and blending multiple photos with different focus distances.
42points
#5
The most famous cherry blossoms trees in London are probably the ones in Greenwich Park. Walking around the Ranger's House, you'll find a stunning path with pink sakura.
40points
#6
Red telephone booths are one of Britain's cultural icons. There are several red boxes around London; a few have sakura trees nearby.
39points
#7
Not all cherry blossoms are pink. For the white sakura lovers, head to London Eye. You will be pleasantly surprised!
39points
#8
Wisteria pergolas are a delight to watch and photograph. You can find these hidden gems inside a few parks around town; Peckham Rye Park is one of the most popular.
39points
#9
Every May, the #wisteriahysteria hashtag takes over social media. Wisteria sets Londoners off in a frenzy. Cascades of purple and blue can be seen in different residential areas such as South Kensington, Notting Hill, and Chelsea. Be respectful and avoid disturbing residents and locals.
37points
#10
Last but not least, you have to pay a visit to Kew Gardens during spring. The Royal Botanic Gardens have more than 15,000 species of plants. If you are looking for a particular flower, I'll bet you'll find it there!
37points
#11
Greenwich Park's cherry blossoms path also has black garden benches that you can use for your compositions.
36points
#12
If you are a fan of sakura avenues, add Battersea Park to your list. You will encounter a beautiful wooden gazebo at the end of Cherry Tree Avenue.
36points
#13
Isabella Plantation is an explosion of colors during late April/early May. This area of Richmond Park is a labyrinth of azaleas and rhododendrons where you can get easily and happily lost.
35points
#14
Magnolia trees are a sight to behold! If you head to Notting Hill, you'll find many of them. The colorful houses near the Portobelo Market offer a fun background for your photos
33points
#15
Tulips are among the most colorful spring flowers. You can photograph perfectly designed tulip beds inside the appropriately called Holland Park.
31points
#16
The Garden Avenue in Reagent's Park is picture-perfect with its Victorian design and elegant fountains. During springtime, you can walk underneath arches of pink cherry blossoms.
27points
#17
Tower Bridge is one of London's favorite landmarks. The trees surrounding the bridge can offer great photo opportunities when in bloom.
27points
#18
Use the streams as leading lines and the S-curves from the bushes to improve your compositions.
26points
#19
You can also find tulips in the gardens surrounding the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral. Place your camera close to the ground to get a low perspective. This angle allows you to get the cathedral and tulips in the same frame.
25points
#20
Spring in London usually starts with yellow carpets of daffodils. You can enjoy this spectacular display of colour in St. James's Park and Green Park. The first one offers views of the London Eye.
23points