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A family walking through Osterley Park, framed by tree brances
A family in the garden in spring at Osterley Park and House | © National Trust Images Megan Taylor

Gardens and parks in London

Warmer days are on their way and the first signs of spring have already landed at gardens and parks in London. Colourful crocuses and cheery daffodils are brightening up lawns and terraces, while the very first blossom buds are appearing here and there.

Spring in and around London

Warmer days are on their way. Spot the earliest signs of spring as colourful crocuses and cheery daffodils start to brighten gardens and parks across London, while the very first blossom buds are appearing here and there.

Things to see and do in the garden at Ham House 

Early spring at Ham House brings a soft burst of colour as crocuses begin to open across the gardens. Their bright purple and white petals stand out against the still‑bare trees and quiet lawns, creating a cheerful first sign of the season. The crocuses tend to start flowering from mid February, but dates can vary depending on the weather.

Crocuses covering the lawn in front of the south side of Ham House

The garden at Osterley Park 

Bright yellow daffodils emerge in early spring, while bluebells form a brilliant splash of bright purple colour, creating a beautiful vista towards the house. As the season progresses, plum, pear and apple trees provide nectar for busy bees at this time of year.

Bright yellow daffodils in the foreground with Osterley House in the back ground against a blue sky

Things to do at Morden Hall Park 

Spot delicate snowdrops early in the year scattered under the trees at Morden Hall Park. As the weather gets warmer, daffodils start to pop up too. Later on horse chestnut and hawthorn blossom appears, the perfect opportunity for spring photography

A girl playing at Morden Hall Park, with fluffy white blossom in the foreground of the shot

Things to see and do at Rainham Hall 

Crocuses and daffodils provide early colour to the garden, a sign of warmer weather to come. As spring progresses, spot fluffy clouds of blossom in the orchard. Apple, pear, plum and quince trees burst into flower, bringing splashes of colour and a delicate fragrance to the garden.

Daffodils in the garden at Cotehele

Things to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke 

Spot fluffy goslings bobbing along the Thames at Runnymede during spring along with colourful splashes of bluebells in Coopers Hill Woods. The crab apple next to the tea-room comes into its own at this time of year with bright pink blossom appearing from mid April, signalling the start of warmer days to come.

The domed roof and pillars of the Magna Carta memorial at Runnymede, Surrey

Lend a hand in the places you love

Join our team of brilliant volunteers at National Trust places across London. You'll have a chance to learn more about gardening, to meet other people who are just as interested in pruning, mulching and garden design as you are, whilst making a difference to these special pockets of green.

Volunteering in London 

Find out how you could help to look after special places across London as a volunteer. You could join the teams at Ham House, Osterley Park and more.

Three people pour buckets of water into a newly dug pond to create habitats for wildlife
The Cherry Garden showing frosty lavender in winter with Ham House and a blue sky in the background

Discover more in London

From thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all, if you know where to look.