Is it just me, or has the weather been strange this winter? The east coast of the US is buried under snow, California is experiencing a drought, and London is having a relatively mild time of it. But even with above freezing temperatures in the UK, my inner San Franciscan struggles with winter. Which is why I’m excited that March is here and I’m seeing signs of spring in London.
There’s no better feeling for a sun-starved Californian expat than seeing the dead days of winter give way to the tiny floral promises of a new season in London. The past few weeks have been sunny (if still a bit cold), and I’ve been soaking up the Vitamin D in London’s parks and neighborhoods.
Incidentally, so have London’s trees and bulbs. Last weekend I took a walk in Notting Hill and came across the most cheerful pink tree in front of the candy colored houses on Portobello Road.
On the same walk, I discovered two secret gardens in Notting Hill pubs, each promising spring daffodils.
Later I lingered in Holland Park, making friends with a resident peacock who decided to show off his iridescent plumage for my camera.
The spring gardens in Holland Park are some of the prettiest in London during the season, and I can’t wait until the tulips come out next month.
In the meantime, I’ve found some pretty pastels on London’s streets.
Over in Chelsea, Priory Walk and Albert Bridge look ready for Easter with their pink and yellow paint, and some of my favorite mews streets in Kensington are sporting seasonal hues in the spring sunshine.
But the sun is gracing more of London than just houses and mews. The city’s top attractions are basking in the newfound light, too.
Big Ben has been showing off its famous tower in the golden afternoons, and Westminster Abbey looks a few centuries younger in such good light.
And the best thing about early spring in London is that it’s just the beginning.
January’s snowdrops and February’s crocuses may be on their way out, but March’s daffodils have only just started trumpeting their yellow horns and April’s tulips are still to come.
That’s to say nothing of May and June’s roses, which will take London into the long, happy light of summer.
The days might still be a bit chilly now, but the icy fingers of winter are losing their grip on London, and the city is excited for the sweet embrace of spring. Almost as excited as I am.
How about you? Has spring arrived where you live?
34 Comments on Lady Sees Signs of Spring in London
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Beautiful photos Julie!
I do feel like bursting into song every time the sun is out. Winter has been brutal and it’s just so good to get that much needed Vitamin D 🙂
Spring, Spring, Sping!
Thanks Ed! I’m glad you agree!
I’m experiencing the same phenomena in Zurich this week, and the sunshine has been been incredible. Meanwhile, my family in DC is buried in snow. It’s a topsy turvy world. I’m heading to London this weekend — fingers crossed the spring weather keeps up!
That’s great! I bet Zurich is beautiful in spring. I hope you get sunshine in London, too!
Beautiful photos! I feel similarly in Paris – this winter has been mild, but super gloomy and filled with lots of rain. This past week warmed up considerably and offered lots of sunshine, filling me with hope that spring is really close! I’m visiting London this spring and your post is making me really excited to see the city in bloom 🙂
That’s great! I hope you enjoy spring in London (and that the sun stays out in Paris!).
Hi Lady, here in Málaga the spring is coming too.
Lovely post, to be honest I prefer to visit London when the weather is good like a Spring, Summer and even Autumn. I hope to visit London in April.
Beautiful pictures.
Greetings from la Costa del Sol.
I love spring in London, too! April is a great time to visit, so I hope you’re able to make it to the UK then.
I’m going to London by the end of this month. I really hope it’s less cold than it was back in February when I was there too!
xx
I hope so, too! Have a great trip!
Loved it!
Thanks!
Isn’t it lovely?! I always feel butterflies whenever the weather changes for the better. We’ve been living under these grey clouds and in the cold for so long, it’s absolutely the best feeling ever to see the sun peer through and to feel the warmth on your skin. Looking at these pictures, London is wearing the Spring weather like a glove! Such a beauty!
We had gorgeous weather in the Netherlands yesterday. Unfortunately I had to work, so not much time to enjoy it, but my bike ride from and to work was such a lovely experience.
I’m glad you feel the same way! That’s great that spring is coming to the Netherlands, too!
I’ve sure missed hearing from you on my side of the blogging block, Julie 🙁 Yes, the weather here today is absolutely spectacular and exactly what your inner San Franciscan craves 🙂
Thanks Mike!
Great photos…I can’t wait until it’s just a little warmer!
Thanks! Yeah, I can’t wait until the weather warms up!
Spring has arrived early in Vancouver this year. I can see the cherry blossoms around the city almost a month earlier! And it is sunny and around 15 C currently so I can’t complain 🙂
That’s great! I bet the city is beautiful!
spooky – I took the same shot of that pink blossom in front of those cute colorful houses on the portobello road just last week – must have been stalking each other! Xx
Wow, what a coincidence! That’s great!
Frankfurt is looking a lot how you are portraying London here and to say I am relieved is an understatement! Winter was a cold and depressing time for Germany!
That’s great! I’m glad spring has arrived!
Also enjoying the spring flowers in London. Do love your photos especially the pastel coloured mewses! I shall try to find those secret pub gardens next time I’m in Notting Hill.
That’s great! Enjoy the secret gardens!
A lovely post – spring can’t come soon enough, I’m filling my flat with daffodils in anticipation!
Nice! I love daffodils. Such great spring flowers!
London looks amazing, I’ve always wanted to visit and Spring looks like a perfect time to do so 🙂 wonderful post x
Thanks! I hope you’re able to come to London sometime!
I’ve recently moved out of London (having lived there all my life) and agree with you that it is wonderful when you start to see signs of spring in London. It was seeing the first snowdrop or crocus that always did it for me. Now that I live in the country I find I am noticing signs of spring even more. The snowdrops here are just amazing. I’ve also noticed that spring changes my mood to. Suddenly I see opportunities blossoming everywhere!
That’s great! Spring puts me in a really good mood, too!
All those photos are so pretty, I love cities at this time of year. I’m excited for the sun to move up north x
Thanks! I hope it moves north for you soon!