Planning a spring weekend away in London? South Kensington is one of the best places to embrace the season, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.
A City in Bloom
Spring in London means warmer weather, lighter nights and of course lots of flowers! From March onwards, daffodils and crocuses begin bursting through the soil, transforming the royal parks and pathways into vibrant displays of yellow, purple, and white.
One of the most spectacular places to see them is Green Park, where an incredible one million daffodils bloom each year. Usually a wide, tranquil stretch of green, the park becomes a dazzling sea of colour, making it one of the most impressive floral sights in the city.
As the season progresses, cherry blossom takes centre stage. These beautiful clusters of pink attract a devoted following every year, with many asking ‘where is the best cherry blossom in London?’ and flocking to capture the perfect springtime photo. Near South Kensington, some of the best cherry blossom spots include the edges of Kensington Gardens, Royal Albert Hall’s surrounding streets, and the elegant crescents tucked behind Exhibition Road.
A Spotlight on The Serpentine Gallery
Spring blooms and pretty parks may be a visual treat for the eyes, but this isn’t the only beauty to gaze at throughout Spring in South Kensington. This area is a cultural hub for many art galleries, installations and exhibitions – visit the V&A, Design Museum, The Royal Academy of Arts and more.
A must visit when staying in South Kensington is a trip to the Serpentine Gallery, renowned for its free admission and contemporary art exhibits. This gallery is split across two sites just a short distance from each other on opposite sides of the Serpentine Lake. An usual feature of this gallery is that it unveils a new architectural pavilion design each year. For 2026, Lanza Atelier has designed a striking Serpentine Pavilion inspired by the gallery’s namesake lake and the historic English classic “crinkle‑crankle” wall. The flowing brick structure showcases the beauty of curved architecture, while serving as a café and event space throughout the season.
Inside the galleries, two major free exhibitions are scheduled for 2026:
- David Hockney (12 March – 23 August) – A monumental work inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, capturing the shifting seasons around his former Normandy studio.
- Cecily Brown: Picture Making (27 March – 6 September) – A deep dive into the painter’s expressive, layered approach to storytelling through art.
Make sure to book your free tickets to the exhibitions before you go to avoid any queuing or disappointment.
Spring Events Around the Corner
At The Bentley we are excited for lots of well-loved spring events just around the corner like The London Marathon, The Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom. Make sure you book your stay in plenty of time to be able to enjoy these events to the full.
The Bentley Hotel is not only in a great location but it’s a great place to add some luxury to your London trip. Treat yourself to a stay above the rest in opulent rooms and suites fit for royalty and a trip to our well-loved spa – Le Kalon. Make sure to take a look at our latest South Kensington spa packages designed to refresh and rejuvenate, like our band new spring packages or chocolate themed Easter packages.
With 3 bank holiday weekends on the horizon there is plenty of opportunity (or excuses!) to book a long weekend in London. Take a look at our offers page for the best deals when you book direct, stay for longer or to take advantage of our Spring Escape offer valid on stays until the 31st May.










