I’ll be real with you: London in May is so lovely, it’s borderline unbearable. Vibrant flowers assaulting you from every direction, the occasional specks of aggressive sunshine, and of course, previously green parks painted with pasty, optimistic tanners.

I’m just joking – I love it. I love it so much that I’ve come back for it three years in a row. London in May is the Romeo to my Juliet, the jam to my scone, and the awkward eye contact to my Tube ride. You catch my drift? London in May completes me. 

Typically, my Annual May escape to London is one in which I usually empty my wallet of any savings, pad my waistline with needless indulgences and of course, give into the madness of whatever flower(s) are in bloom. By the end of it, my blood stream is half tea, and the other half, cider.

This year’s visit was perhaps the loveliest of all, with wisteria out in full force and more sunshine than London has seen in…… probably ever?

Now, those of you who stalk my Instagram Stories will know that I recently had the most incredible few days in London. If you missed out on my play by play though, here’s a quick recap (with plenty of photos) of what London in May has to offer:

Give in to wisteria hysteria

Wisteria hysteria is far more than a jokey hashtag, it is a VERY REAL illness that causes dramatic symptoms like incessant drool, severe shamelessness, and a sociopathic need to laugh candidly into the purple abyss.

After narrowly escaping its clutches for the past few years, 2018 was the year I succumbed.

My short few days in London had their fair share of wisteria hunting, but as psycho as I was (with my location scouting and star-filled Google Maps), I was bested when I saw two girls who had hired themselves a rickshaw driver to cart them around to the best wisteria spots around Notting Hill. Genius. 

 

Actually, just embrace floral madness all around

On my visit last year, I had just missed the purple clenches of wisteria hysteria, but made it just in time to see roses in bloom and the beginnings of the Chelsea Flower Show & Chelsea in Bloom.

One of the most brilliant things about visiting London in May is that there’s always something in bloom, turning even the simplest of walks into photogenic masterpieces (or genuine death traps if you have allergies like me). I somehow neglected to photograph all the other beautiful floral facades I encountered, so here are some photos snapped around Chelsea this time last year:

Explore London’s most colourful neighbourhoods

Colourful houses are my kryptonite. Never underestimate the power of colours to turn this girl into an actual puddle of goo. Needless to say, I got my fill on this last visit…

Enjoy London’s green spaces

In a city known for its glorious skyline, endless attractions and stuffy Tube system, it’s easy to forget that London also has its fair share of beautiful parks. I mean, I sure had no idea.

On this visit, thanks to the abundant sunshine, I got to experience London like a true local: sprawled out on the grass, desperately trying to get a tan while juggling a can of cider at the same time.

Jokes aside, there is something very liberating about visiting London after you’ve checked off all the touristy “must-sees”. On this trip, I may not have seen Big Ben, but I did see sheep frolicking in the park… and really, you tell me – which is better?

Last but not least, dine like a millennial queen

I’m not sure what it is about London that makes me chuck any financial sensibility out the window. It’s like the city has this weird power over me that whispers “speeeeend” in my ear as it slides over a plate of £10 avocado toast. Do I need rose petals in my latte? Most definitely not, but I will have it, alongside my comically small açai bowl topped with edible flowers. What’s that, bank account? I can’t hear you over the crunch of my hemp seeds.

Anyways, as you can tell – I had the best time ever and took way too many photos, but I hope you enjoyed that London in May photo diary! For the most candid and up-to-date scoop on my travels, be sure to follow along on my Instagram stories. I’ve been told they’re kinda funny? Anyway, I best get back on that treadmill now, I have approximately 50 million calories to burn off.