In case you haven’t heard from everyone who’s walked into your office today: it’s finally sunny in the capital (for now) — and just in time for spring. And as well as more upbeat commuters and pints in the sun, the new season also means you’re likely to see gorgeous cherry blossom trees.
You may know about sakura season in Japan, which draws thousands of visitors to see the iconic natural displays of the pastel pink blooms, but London isn’t short of places to spot it if you don’t fancy trekking half way across the world.
Typically the flowers erupt from April, though this year we’ve already spied some early bloomers on London’s streets. So if you want to plan a trip to see cherry blossom trees in all their glory — now is the time. From royal parks, to central sights, these are the very best places to see it. Though do try to leave the selfie stick at home, so you don’t ruin it for the rest of us.
Where to see cherry blossom in Central London
St Paul’s Cathedral
It’s hard to miss the cherry blossom trees outside St Paul’s, they beautifully frame the iconic dome on the cathedral and seriously pop on a sunny day as you look up to blue skies. Find them in the Churchyard to the south if you want to get up close and personal with the blooms.
St James’s Park
This central park is the best place to see early flowering cherry blossom. Standing in front of its five imposing candy floss-coloured trees is also the place to get one of London’s money shots. Just head to the Buckingham Palace end of the park and as you face the Horse Guards, the buildings of Whitehall will peek out in the background.
Regent’s Park
Head to the park’s Chester Road entrance at the right time of day to see these beauties at their finest. The trees were removed in 2015 due to disease, but fortunately they’re back in place now, and when the light hits them right, they’re a feast for the eyes. For more candyfloss-coloured photo opps, head down to the Avenue Gardens by the Broad Walk to spot a few more trees.
Where to see cherry blossom in East London
Olympic Park
Stratford’s Olympic Park might be a fledgling addition to the scene, but its London Blossom Garden, which are a memorial to those who died in the pandemic, house 33 blossom trees — one for each London borough. It’s a great spot for quiet contemplation.
Where to see cherry blossom in West London
Holland Park’s Kyoto Gardens
These Japanese-style garden were built to celebrate a festival held in the country’s honour in 1991. Now they’re a serene place to spend a sunny afternoon, and like in the real country, they are bursting with sakura in spring. It’s also home to a koi carp pond and miniature waterfall.
Portobello Road
Notting Hill’s dreamy streets arguably look their best in springtime, when the area’s plentiful cherry trees come into bloom. While most of the streets boast Instagram worthy views (make sure to check out St Luke’s Mews to see cherry blossoms framed against a street of pastel-hued houses), it’s also just as lovely to walk down Portobello Road and drink in the sight of the sakura above the famous market.
Kensington Gardens
Hyde Park has no cherry trees to speak of, but if you’re in the area, head down to its sister park, Kensington Gardens, for the chance to catch some blossoms in central London. Start at Lancaster Gate, before finding your way to the Albert Memorial, which is framed by six big, blossom-covered trees just as lovely as anything you’ll see at Kew.
Where to see cherry blossom in South London
Kew Gardens
Obviously, Kew excels at displays of flower and fauna, and it’s no different when it comes to cherry blossom. The capital’s biggest botanical garden houses multiple varieties in the rose garden behind the iconic Palm House.
Greenwich Park
This South London favourite is one of the city’s most famous places to see cherry blossoms. Read: watch out for the crowds of influencers. There is a beautiful arch of cherry blossom trees which lead to the Georgian villa, Ranger’s House. Plus there are plenty of benches, so try to nab a spot to sit and soak them in.
Battersea Park
It might not be a Royal Park, but it has a lovely spring tree walk to see plenty of cherry blossom with Battersea Power Station peeking out in the background.
