If we’re being biased, London is at its best during the spring. The flowers start blooming, restaurant terraces reopen for the season, and the sun finally starts making an appearance. There’s so much to look forward to this spring, whether you fancy taking a boat out on Hyde Park’s Serpentine or soaking up the city’s cherry blossom locations. 

To help you out, we’ve put together a few ideas to inspire you. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here your whole life, we guarantee you’ll fall back in love with the city. 

1. Explore London’s parks

After months curled up inside, a walk is called for this spring. We have all been to the classic Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, which are always a good central option at this time of year, but how about switching it up? Here are a few parks worth visiting: 

Hampstead Hill Garden & Pergola

Hampstead Heath is known for its view of London’s skyline, but on the other side of the park lies the Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola. It’s an abandoned villa and gardens from the early 1900s that have become overgrown, offering up some great photo ops. The ancient architecture and the sense of nature make exploring this place feel like you are unearthing a piece of history. 

Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

Holland Park is full of many different nooks to explore, but Kyoto Garden is by far the most vibrant during the spring. It’s the perfect escape and can be found right off Kensington High Street. The Japanese-style garden features a beautiful pond with a few koi fish as well as a small, calming waterfall.

The perfect escape can be found right off Kensington High Street

Brockwell Park

Just south of Brixton lies Brockwell Park, the centre of the community with stunning views over the capital. With plenty of open fields to roam, it is a great place for families with children and dogs. 

Check out our round up of other great London parks to visit

2. See some cherry blossom trees 

You know spring is in full force when the blooms come out to play. You might have noticed the change in season when you walk to the tube every morning, but this week, why not spend some extra time exploring the city’s blooms in all their glory?

Cherry blossoms are the most recognisable and arguably our favourite. These flowers bloom between March and April and can be seen around St. Paul’s Cathedral, Greenwich Park, as well as in some random places, like along a few streets. 

Here are a few of our favourite cherry blossom spots in London

More into your wisteria? The vines, distinctive smell and bright purple flowers are a must-see whenever they are in season. They bloom between April and June and are most likely spotted in Holland Park or Hampstead Heath Pergola.

Here are some of our favourite wisteria places around London.

 
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3. Stop by a flower market or show

Flower markets are at their best in spring when all of the prettiest blooms return. From Columbia Road to Berwick Street, London is home to some beautiful markets.

Fancy a flower festival? Belgravia in Bloom is an annual festival that brings flower displays and installations from some of the best florists into the streets of the neighbourhood. If you want to do more this spring than just run into cherry blossoms on the street, this festival will most likely satisfy your spring needs. 

London’s best flower markets to visit

4. Spend time on the water 

As the weather keeps getting slightly warmer, you might be brave enough to take the plunge. From strolling along the River Thames to getting on a river cruise, there are so many different opportunities to appreciate being on the water.

Hot Tub Boat

The Hot Tub boat is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a floating hot tub that ventures through different canals in London. If you are in need of a fun activity to do with friends, this might be the one.

The Music Boat in Camden 

Get a taste of Italy in Camden with the music boat. Starting in Camden Lock and exploring through Regent’s Canal, you can be serenaded and be entranced by the hidden beauty of the canal. If the sun is out, this would be the perfect afternoon destination.

Take out a boat at Hyde Park

The blue boats are out once again on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Great for all the family, get peddling and this spring while out on the water.

 
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Visit one of London’s Lidos

If you prefer swimming over boating, you can take a dip in one of London’s many lidos. From the ponds at Hampstead Heath to the Pools on the Park in Richmond, once the weather is hot enough, be sure to check out our favourite lidos in London.

Give watersports a try

You might not think it, but London is home to loads of watersports if you prefer a more intense water activity than swimming. Expect to find everything from paddleboarding to sailing, rowing to scuba diving. Whether you are trying to get in shape or get outside more, these city watersports might be of interest to you. 

5. Visit an outdoor terrace

When the sun does make an appearance, where better to soak up the rays than on one of London’s stunning rooftops or terraces? These are our top three picks: 

Corinthia London

A little slice of the Mediterranean right in the heart of London, The Garden at Corinthia is perfect to take you from winter to spring. Expect a high-end take on Mediterranean favourites and elegant cocktails that reawaken past holiday memories.

A little slice of the Mediterranean right in the heart of London.

Sea Containers London

Anywhere with a backdrop of the Thames is a winner in our books. Combine that with some of the world’s best champagnes and cocktails on offer and brightly coloured interiors, and you’ve got yourself the best party venue in the house (well, city). To top it off, they’ve got an outside terrace too, so you can really soak up the best of the city’s views.

Anywhere with a backdrop of the Thames is a winner in our books.

6. Try out a new sport

Run club

Part exercise group, part alternative to dating apps. Whether you’re back from a running hiatus and you’re looking for a nudge to get back to it, or you’re just wondering what all the fuss is about (endorphins, they say), running groups in London are a great way to start exploring and meeting new people.

Paddleboard yoga

We all love yoga, but let’s be honest: it’s lost the fear factor. Too many of us can fail at the downward-facing dog, safe in the knowledge that there’s a soft mat for us to fall onto should we fail. The icy waters of St. Katherine’s marina? Now, there’s inspiration to nail your form. 

Padel

The hottest sport in London right now, padel, is taking over the city. Since 2022, padel has seen exponential growth, and while we can’t verify its claim to officially be the fastest-growing sport in the world, it’s not far off.

Here are some of the best spots in London, from Shoreditch to Hyde Park.

The hottest sport in London right now, padel is taking over the city

7. Visit a rooftop bar 

Often, great spots for date nights or a view, rooftop bars in the springtime are always a good addition to your night out. Here are our top choices for spring in London: 

Treehouse Hotel

Feel like a big kid as you explore London’s Treehouse Hotel, home to jungle-esque and lively interiors. Hidden upstairs is The Nest, their rooftop bar that offers unrivalled views over the capital.  Perch up here and sink into the sofas, listening to DJs spinning the decks, tucking into bar bites and sipping on playful cocktails.

Queen of Hoxton

This immersive rooftop really makes it feel as if you have left London and transported to Gothic Venice. A regular bar can get boring a lot of the time; over in Shoreditch, this one never gets bland. Known for its biannual immersive transformations, check their current 2026 spring theme before visiting.

Madison

Situated right by St. Paul’s Cathedral, the rooftop at Madison is the perfect place to relax and take in the view. The terrace is positioned perfectly to take in the awe of the dome on top of St. Paul’s. This is the perfect place for a romantic sunset dinner. 

Explore some of London’s other top rooftops


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