As spring unfolds its gentle embrace, cities worldwide witness a remarkable metamorphosis, adorned with pretty blooms. The cherry blossom season in London adds a touch of ethereal beauty to the city that captivates both residents and visitors alike. If you’re planning to snap some blooms for social media or a photoshoot as a souvenir from your spring trip to London, you should definitely keep some classic spots in mind. The cherry blossom season in London is somewhat ephemeral, typically lasting from late March to early May. The peak bloom, when the flowers are at their most vibrant and abundant, occurs in April. However, the exact timing can vary each year depending on the winter’s severity and the early spring weather conditions. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on local bloom forecasts if you’re planning a visit specifically for the cherry blossoms. This is also a great time to relax in one of the many beautiful parks the city has to offer as we enjoy more daylight hours. To start your hunt for the prettiest cherry blossoms in London and immerse yourself in this floral wonder, consider stopping at the places mentioned below!
Top Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in London
Greenwich Park
One of London’s Royal Parks, Greenwich Park, presents a spectacular display of cherry blossoms each spring. The avenue near the Ranger’s House is especially picturesque, creating a canopy of pink blossoms that seems almost surreal against the backdrop of historic Greenwich and the distant city skyline.
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Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park, known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, becomes a cherry blossom haven in spring. The English Garden area within the park is a hotspot for cherry blossom enthusiasts, offering a tranquil setting to enjoy the blooms.
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St James’s Park
Another of London’s Royal Parks, St. James’s Park offers a central location to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The park’s picturesque setting, complete with views of Buckingham Palace, makes it a popular spot for both tourists and Londoners during the blossom season. To fully appreciate the extravagant blossoms of St James’s Park, it’s best to take a complete loop. Starting at Storey’s Gate, you’ll encounter a group of about eight pink trees; continue towards the Buckingham Palace side, and you’ll discover graceful cherry trees bending over the lake. Often the first to bloom each year, make sure to visit at the start of the season to catch the petals before they drift away.
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Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an impressive collection of cherry blossoms among its vast plant collections. The Japanese landscape around the Chokushi-Mon (Japanese Gateway) is particularly stunning, with several varieties of cherry trees that blossom in a sequential wave of pinks and whites.
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Kensington Gardens
During cherry blossom season, West London becomes a haven of sakura. The elegant pastel houses of Notting Hill Gate are adorned with branches laden with flamingo-pink blossoms. However, attempting to pose against the ornate facades of these mansions might earn you some displeased glances. A more welcoming alternative is Kensington Gardens. Begin your blossom tour at Lancaster Gate, where you’ll be welcomed by a flourish of blooms, and make your way towards the Albert Memorial, home to six large, flamboyantly pink trees.
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St Paul’s Cathedral
As if St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London wasn’t already a sight to behold, during cherry blossom season, you’ll discover numerous flowering cherry trees dotted throughout St Paul’s Churchyard, situated south of the cathedral. These blossoms provide the historic building with a breathtaking floral adornment.
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Tavistock Square Gardens
Not only is this memorial and peace garden in Bloomsbury visually stunning, but it also holds profound significance. The statues and trees within the garden pay tribute to a variety of historical figures and events. Among them stands a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by a cherry tree planted in remembrance of the victims of Hiroshima.
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Mount Street Gardens
Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair comprise a quaint yet charming public area, complete with ample benches where you can savor your lunch beneath the shade of a lush cherry blossom tree.
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Outside the V&A Museum
In springtime, the V&A Museum takes on an additional layer of beauty, courtesy of these splendid blossoms. Nestled within a small oasis of greenery between Thurloe Square Garden and the V&A Museum, the cherry blossoms in The Yalta Memorial Garden provide a picturesque backdrop for capturing shots of the striking building in South Kensington.
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Sussex Gardens
Sussex Gardens in Paddington boasts a collection of townhouses and hotels, along with several cherry blossom trees adorning the street. What’s even more delightful is their strategic placement near a cluster of red telephone boxes, offering a quintessential London photo opportunity. Take this as an opportunity to enjoy a lovely weekend brunch in Paddington!
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Swiss Cottage Station
While it may seem unexpected, this gem is certainly worth noting. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Swiss Cottage Station, don’t miss the opportunity to wander along the charming cherry blossom path nearby.
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Pergola and Hill Gardens in Hampstead Heath
The Pergola and Hill Garden, formerly the private garden of a now-demolished manor house in Hampstead, showcases an array of vibrant flowers, including the beloved pink cherry blossoms. Though resembling a scene from a fairy tale, this enchanting setting is, in fact, a small garden located in the western part of Hampstead Heath.
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Tower Bridge Road
Yet another picturesque spot where cherry blossoms meet iconic telephone boxes awaits on Tower Bridge Road, south of the Thames. While the street may not be the most scenic otherwise, you can simply head straight to Borough Market afterward to indulge and satisfy any appetite you’ve worked up while on your cherry blossom hunt!
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Battersea Park
Battersea Park is another place to be for breathtaking cherry blossom views. There, you’ll encounter an actual avenue lined with cherry trees that bloom very early every year, ensuring an impressive sight to behold.
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Stanley Crescent, Notting Hill
Stanley Crescent in Notting Hill stands as London’s quintessential Instagram-worthy locale for cherry blossoms. When springtime comes to London, this becomes perhaps the most enchanting front yard in the entire neighborhood.
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Ravenscourt Park
Ravenscourt Park in Hammersmith undergoes a delightful pink transformation every spring. The park’s captivating beauty draws attention on social media, and its lined path of cherry blossoms can get busy depending on the time of day.
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Photoshoot at the Cherry Blossoms in London
What about capturing the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms in London with a professional photoshoot? As spring paints the city in delicate pink hues, seize the opportunity to create timeless images amidst these natural wonders. Whether against famous parks or hidden corners adorned with blooms, consider one of the professional photoshoots below to make the most of this time of year!
To fully enjoy the breathtaking cherry blossoms in London, keeping an eye on bloom predictions is key for planning your visit when the flowers are at their peak. Visiting during early mornings or on weekdays can significantly reduce encounters with large crowds, ensuring a more serene experience. Treating the trees with care by not picking the blossoms or branches and staying on designated paths is crucial for their preservation. If picnicking amidst the blossoms is on your agenda, remember to do so thoughtfully, leaving no trace behind and observing any specific park rules. The cherry blossom season, though brief, provides a unique spectacle that transforms London, offering a memorable experience to both residents and visitors, capturing the essence of the city’s natural beauty in a profoundly magical way.
