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As the cheery daffodils and crocus of early spring fade, it’s time for the graceful cherry blossom in London to take centre stage, charming locals and visitors alike with their impossibly pretty petals.
In Japan, cherry blossom (known as Sakura) symbolises life’s fleeting nature and is often associated with themes of renewal and hope. London has embraced this symbolism, and going to see the cherry blossom trees has become one of the city’s loveliest springtime traditions.
So, if you’re in London duringcherry blossom season, you won’t want to miss the spectacle of these stunningcherry blossom spots. London’s myriad cherry trees brighten the urban landscape, inspiring poets, painters and Instagrammers with their dainty pink and white flowers.
When Does Cherry Blossom Bloom in London?
Cherry blossom seasonin London typically occurs fromlate Marchuntil early May, with the best blooms in April, although a warm spring can bring earlier blooms and heavy rain or winds can mean they disappear early!
11 Perfect Places to See Cherry Blossom in London
London’s best-known cherry trees are in its parks, gardens and suburban streets. Here’s a collection of the verybest placesto visit and enjoy cherry blossom in London:
1. Greenwich Park
Beautiful Greenwich Park in southeast London – at the heart of theGreenwich Maritime UNESCO World Heritage Site – is known for its stunning display of cherry blossom trees which form theperfect backdropfor a stroll.
Where are the cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park?
The best trail of cherry trees, known locally as “Cherry Blossom Avenue“, is between the road that runs through the park –Blackheath Avenue– and the beautifulRose Garden (on the way to the Ranger’s House).
Pro tip:Greenwich Park’s cherry trees are popular with Instagrammers and photographers! Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best photos – the park is open from 6 am.
➡️ Save time and book your Royal Observatory admission tickets or get a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass, including access to the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
2. Regent’s Park
Beautiful Regent’s Parkis home to so many cherry blossom trees that it’s like walking through a sea of pink and white flowers.
Where to see the cherry blossom in Regent’s Park
The trees are located along a quiet, tree-lined street, accessible from the park’s Chester Road entrance.
When the park was originally laid out, a donation from the acclaimed artist Sigismund Goetze (1866-1939) was used to line Chester Road with Prunus ‘Kanzan’ cherry trees, but these trees reached the end of their natural lifespan in 2015 and were removed.
Thanks to generous donations from the local community, 100 new cherry trees of the variety Prunus ‘Sunset Boulevard’ were planted in November 2015, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful Regent’s Park cherry blossom again.
➡️ The best way to see Regent’s Park, if you’re tired or can’t walk far, is on a canal boat ride from Camden Lock. As a bonus, you’ll also see London Zoo and the world-famous Hampstead Road lock!
3. Battersea Park
Battersea Park, near Battersea Power Station, is one of the best places to see cherry blossom in London. The blooms typically appear for two weeks in late March or early April, depending on the weather conditions.
Top Tip: Keep an eye on the park’s social media pages for updates on when the cherry trees start blooming!
Where to see cherry blossom trees in Battersea Park
Battersea Park’s spectacular avenue of white cherry blossoms is in the southwest of the park, near the beautiful Peace Pagoda. The appropriately named Cherry Blossom Avenue has around 40 very pale pink “Yoshino” cherry trees, donated to the park by the governor of the Nara province in Japan, where these trees originate.
4. St. James’s Park
St. James’ Park has eight glorious cherry blossom trees to admire at Storey’s Gate, with more beautiful blooming flowers arching out over the lake at the Buckingham Palace end of the park.
The delicate pink and white flowers of these Japanese cherry trees provide a beautiful backdrop for picnics and photo shoots,
The cherry trees in St James’s Park are among the first to flower in London most years, so be sure to go and see the petals as soon as the season gets underway.
5. Kew Gardens
TheCherry Walkat Kew inWest Londonstarts at theRose Garden. , withdifferent varieties of cherry blossom treesto admire, from delicate pinkPrunus Matsumae-hana-guramato delicate whitePrunus Shirotae and Prunus Tai-Haku,to name just a few.
Strolling along theCherry Walk, taking in the stunning pink andwhite blossomsdisplay, is an experience you should not miss if you’re in the area duringcherry blossom season.It’s the perfect way to spend a spring day.
Where to see the best cherry trees in bloom at Kew Gardens
The best way to see thecherry blossomsis to start at the Cherry Walk (behind the Palm House) and then move onto Asano Avenue (near the Temperate House).
6. St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedralis such an evocative spotto see cherry blossoms in London. The pretty pink and white flowers contrast beautifully with the stonework of one of London’s most iconic landmarks, making it a firm favourite with photographers.
Before exploring the cathedral, wander around St Paul’s churchyard to snap your favourite angle of this beautiful spot.
➡️ St Paul’s Cathedral is ALWAYS busy! Pre-book your admission tickets here and skip past the line when you get there 🙂
7. Kensington Gardens
The Kensington Gardens cherry blossoms are located near theLancaster Gate entranceof the gardens, making them easy to find and enjoy.
8. Holland Park
Kyoto GardeninWest London’s Holland Parkis a Japanese-inspired garden with several beautiful cherry blossom trees. The delicate pink andwhite blossomsdance and sway above the garden’s immaculate miniature waterfall and koi carp pond, lending seasonal colour to this tranquil city centre oasis.
Thebest timeto see the cherry blossom inKyoto Gardenis early or late afternoon when soft light filters through the branches and the pink petals seem to glow.
The closest Tube station to the Kyoto Garden within Holland Park isHolland Park, on the Central line.
9. Alexandra Park
Alexandra Palaceis one of the best places to experience the beauty of cherry blossom trees inNorth London. This iconic venue is home to a stunning array of cherry blossom trees. Visitors can take a brisk walk up the hill, to marvel at these gorgeous trees’ delicate pink andwhite petals.
10. Herne Hill
The roads around Herne Hill have some of the best cherry blossoms in London. Head for Brockwell Park, Stradella Road and Winterbrook Road to see the beautiful trees which line the streets, making you feel like you’re walking down a Japanese boulevard.
11. The London Blossom Garden
Created in 2021 in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to commemorate all who lost their lives during the pandemic, the London Blossom Garden will become more beautiful as the young cherry trees mature.
This lovely location is less well-known than many of London’s other cherry blossom spots, making it a serene and uncrowded place to visit and enjoy cherry blossom season.
More Places to See Cherry Blossoms in London
There are many more residential streets and parks where you can spot London’s cherry blossoms. They may not be as large or as ostentatious as the most famous cherry blossom spots, but each one is a little bit special in Sakura season!
Here are some of the most beautiful:
- Notting Hill (lots of the residential streets)
- Westminster Abbey
- Southwark Cathedral
- Mount Street Gardens
- The Albert Memorial
- Portobello Road
- Chelsea Embankment
- Swiss Cottage, Stanley Gardens
FAQs: Cherry Blossom in London
When can you see cherry blossoms in London?
Many of London’s parks and residential streets are festooned with beautiful pink and white blossoms in the spring months.
Which park is best for cherry blossoms in London?
Greenwich Park and Battersea Park each have outstanding displays of cherry blossom, although Regent’s Park and St James’s Park are also spectacular,
Where is the best cherry blossom in London?
Personally, I love the beautiful cherry blossom outside St Paul’s Cathedral
How long does cherry blossom last in London?
Typically, London’s cherry blossom season lasts from mid-March until late April, although this is weather-dependent.
Are there cherry blossoms in London?
London is filled with pink and white cherry blooms in the springtime
What date do cherry blossoms bloom in the UK?
Cherry blossoms in London usually start to bloom in mid-March and last until late April.
Conclusion – Cherry Trees In London
London is known for its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and rich history, but it might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking about cherry blossom.
However, there is lots of cherry blossom in London – if you know where to look! The trees are scattered throughout the city, but the city is home to numerous parks and gardens where visitors can enjoy these stunning blooms.
From Kew Gardens to Greenwich Park, you can immerse yourself in a sea of pink and white petals during springtime. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, taking in the beauty of these delicate flowers is an experience not to be missed.
So why not plan your next trip to London around cherry blossom season and witness one of nature’s most beautiful displays that is now a beloved part of the city’s landscape?
Out of all the cherry blossom trees in London – which will you pick as your favourite?
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