Immerse yourself in a splash of colour at Kenwood House and gardens in May.

One of the highlights of north London in May is a visit to Kenwood’s gardens. Head straight for the former Flower Garden, to the west of the house, where a mass of dazzling rhododendrons and azaleas surrounds the lawn. To one side of the lawn, a large mature handkerchief tree flutters in the breeze.

Elsewhere, you’ll find camellias and, opposite the front of Kenwood House, woodland interwoven with a carpet of bluebells and clumps of foxgloves.

Explore beyond Kenwood’s boundary fence to walk across Hampstead Heath up to Highgate or into Hampstead. If you’re looking for more bursts of colour, head for the wisteria-draped Pergola in the Hill Garden.

Entry to Kenwood gardens is free.

Getting there: walk to Kenwood from Hampstead or Highgate tube station, or from Hampstead Heath Overground.

Kenwood Garden in May