In London they will now be in flower, with the effects of global warming. Probably next weekend here in Oxford and other areas of southern England.

Should be out in a week or ten days in Leicester.

They're already out up in the northern wastes of Cheshire :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Lilac blooming today

There is a good collection of lilacs in Kew Gardens which you can easily reach via London Underground - District Line. Unfortunately, admission price for Kew has risen to £10 this year.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kew Gardens website

I can confirm that the lilacs are indeed in bloom in London at this precise moment! :) I passed a tree this morning resplendent in flowers.

I too recommend seeing Kew Gardens, however, if you pass anywhere near Waterloo station it's *much* quicker to get an overground train from Waterloo to Richmond (there's one about every 10 mins) and then a bus (um..the 156 springs to mind, but people at Richmond will be able to tell you) from the bus stop opposite Richmond station. This will drop you right outside the Victoria Gate entrance. Total journey time: 20 mins - the Waterloo train also takes you past MI6 HQ (as seen in James Bond films) and other interesting, if less famous, landmarks um...and a few industrial estates :) Should you feel a little more adventurous, Waterloo station is, of course, the London terminal for the Eurostar train which will take you to Paris, Brussells or Lille. Get a 1 day travel card which will cover both trains, buses and tube (doesn't cover the Eurostar though!).

Enjoy London
Alcina

Thank you - thank you - thank you! This is such great news. That lilac tree is amazing - I didn't know they would grow like that! Thanks so much for the info about Kew and getting there, except for the bad news about the admission fee.... You've all been so kind and helpful, and I can't wait to take mum to see the lilacs in London town!

Thanks again, and happy gardening to you!