Each spring, the capital of the UK transforms with bursts of delicate pink and white blooms. From late March through April, these stunning trees create magical canopies throughout the city’s parks, gardens, and even residential streets.
Whether you’re a photographer, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful spring day out, here’s your comprehensive guide to finding the best cherry blossom in London.
1. Cherry Tree Avenue in Battersea Park
Located in southwest London, Battersea Park’s aptly named Cherry Tree Avenue offers one of the most spectacular cherry blossom displays in the city. The avenue, running near the Peace Pagoda, creates a stunning pink tunnel when in full bloom.
The contrast of the delicate blossoms against the park’s open spaces makes for perfect photo opportunities. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the morning light filtering through the petals.
2. London Blossom Garden at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Created as a living memorial to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this thoughtfully designed garden in Stratford features 33 blossoming trees representing London’s boroughs and the City of London. The garden includes cherry, plum, and pear trees, creating a succession of blooms throughout spring.
The symbolic nature of this space adds poignancy to its beauty.
3. Yalta Memorial Garden in Knightsbridge
This small but charming garden near Brompton Road in Knightsbridge offers a secluded spot to enjoy cherry blossoms in central London. Commemorating victims of the post-WWII Yalta Agreement, the garden features several cherry trees that create a contemplative pink canopy each spring.
Its central location opposite the V&A museum makes it perfect for a quick blossom break during a day of shopping or sightseeing.
4. St Paul’s Cathedral
The grounds surrounding this iconic London landmark are home to several cherry trees, creating a stunning juxtaposition of historic architecture and natural beauty. The sight of delicate pink blossoms framing the cathedral’s dome offers one of London’s most photogenic spring scenes and a unique perspective on this famous monument.
5. Colebrook Row Gardens in Islington
This charming residential street in Islington is transformed each spring as its cherry trees burst into bloom. The blossoms create a picturesque tunnel effect over the pathway, making it a favorite spot for locals and photographers alike.
The quiet neighborhood setting offers a more intimate cherry blossom experience away from the busier parks.
6. Blithfield Street in Kensington
This residential gem in Kensington becomes a pink paradise during blossom season. The carefully maintained cherry trees lining this upscale street create a spectacular canopy effect.
Walking beneath the blossoms here offers a glimpse into London’s residential beauty and makes for stunning photographs.
7. Sussex Gardens in Paddington
Despite its central location near Paddington Station, Sussex Gardens offers a surprisingly serene cherry blossom experience. The long stretch of road is lined with cherry trees that create a pink corridor in spring.
This spot is perfect for travelers arriving or departing from Paddington who want to experience London’s blossoms without venturing far from transport links.
8. Greenwich Park
With its sweeping views of London’s skyline, Greenwich Park offers a magnificent setting for cherry blossom viewing. The trees are scattered throughout the park, with particularly beautiful specimens near the Rose Garden and the National Maritime Museum.
The combination of blossoms, historic buildings, and panoramic vistas makes this a must-visit location.
9. The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead
This hidden gem on Hampstead Heath features an Edwardian pergola intertwined with various climbing plants and surrounded by cherry trees. When the blossoms are in full bloom, the combination of the historic pergola structure and delicate flowers creates a romantic, fairytale-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city.
10. Ravenscourt Park in Hammersmith
This west London park transforms each spring with impressive cherry blossom displays. The trees are concentrated in several areas of the park, creating pink clouds that reflect beautifully in the park’s small lake.
The children’s play area is surrounded by cherry trees, making it a magical spot for families during blossom season.
11. Stradella Road in Herne Hill
This residential street in south London has become increasingly famous for its stunning cherry blossom display. The trees create a perfect arch of pink flowers over the road, making it one of the most photographed blossom spots in London in recent years.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds of photographers and influencers.
12. Kensington Gardens
Adjacent to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens offers several beautiful cherry blossom spots. The trees near the Albert Memorial and the Italian Gardens are particularly spectacular.
The formal garden setting provides a structured backdrop to the natural beauty of the blossoms, creating a pleasant contrast of ordered design and wild flowering.
13. Regent’s Park
Home to Queen Mary’s Gardens and the famous Avenue Gardens, Regent’s Park offers an abundance of cherry blossoms in various locations. The Chester Road entrance features some spectacular specimens, while other trees are scattered throughout this expansive royal park.
Combine your blossom viewing with a stroll along Regent’s Canal.
14. Courtfield Gardens in South Kensington
This private garden square (visible from the surrounding streets) bursts into bloom each spring with magnificent cherry trees. While the gardens themselves are only accessible to residents, the cherry blossom display is visible from the perimeter and offers a glimpse into London’s exclusive garden squares.
15. Redcliffe Road in Chelsea
This residential street in upscale Chelsea offers one of the most concentrated cherry blossom displays in London. The trees form a continuous canopy of pink flowers that transform this already charming street into something truly special during blossom season.
16. Alexandra Palace
The grounds surrounding this iconic north London venue feature numerous cherry trees, with the added bonus of panoramic views across London. The combination of blossoms in the foreground and the city skyline in the background creates unique photographic opportunities not found elsewhere in London.
17. Stanley Crescent in Kensington
This elegant curved street in Notting Hill features a row of cherry trees that create a stunning pink archway in spring. The white stucco-fronted houses provide a perfect backdrop for the vibrant blossoms, creating a quintessentially London scene that attracts photographers from across the city.
18. St Mark’s Church in Primrose Hill
The churchyard of St Mark’s becomes a pink haven each spring as its cherry trees bloom. The contrast of the blossoms against the historic church building creates a picturesque scene.
The surrounding Primrose Hill neighborhood offers plenty of charming cafes perfect for a post-blossom-viewing refreshment.
19. Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew offer perhaps the most diverse cherry blossom experience in London. With over 50 different varieties of ornamental cherry, the blossoms here appear at different times throughout spring.
Cherry Walk near the Rose Garden and the area around the Temperate House are particularly noteworthy. The scientific approach at Kew means trees are labeled with their specific varieties, making it educational as well as beautiful.
20. St James’s Park
One of London’s most central royal parks, St James’s offers beautiful cherry blossom displays with the added bonus of potential pelican sightings by the lake. The trees near Buckingham Palace and along the Blue Bridge provide classic London views enhanced by delicate pink flowers.
Its central location makes it perfect for combining with other sightseeing.
21. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
This Japanese-style garden in Holland Park offers perhaps the most authentic cherry blossom viewing experience in London. Designed to celebrate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain, the garden features traditional Japanese elements alongside several cherry trees.
The cultural context adds depth to the blossom viewing experience, connecting London’s trees to the Japanese tradition of hanami (flower viewing).
22. Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath
The grounds of this stunning stately home feature several mature cherry trees that create magnificent displays each spring. The formal gardens and surrounding woodland offer various blossom viewing opportunities, with the added attraction of the historic house as a backdrop.
The elevated position on Hampstead Heath also provides beautiful views across London.
23. Swiss Cottage Open Space in Camden
This year, the cherry trees outside Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre and Library won’t be accessible for photos. Metal fencing surrounds building works in the area, so you can’t get up close to the sakura blossoms.
24. Southwark Cathedral
This historic cathedral near London Bridge houses two stunning pink cherry blossom trees within its peaceful garden. What makes this spot particularly special is that one of the trees can be perfectly framed with The Shard and the Cathedral in the background when photographed from Borough Market.
This creates one of London’s most iconic cherry blossom compositions – ancient architecture, modern skyscraper, and delicate pink blossoms all in one frame. The cathedral garden offers a tranquil oasis amid the bustling market area, making it ideal for a moment of quiet contemplation surrounded by spring beauty.
In Conclusion: Cherry Blossom in London Hotspots
Cherry blossom season in London is a fleeting but magical time that transforms the city. From royal parks to hidden residential streets, these beautiful trees offer moments of natural wonder amid the urban landscape.
The season typically runs from late March through April, with different varieties blooming at slightly different times, but is highly dependent on weather conditions each year. For the best experience, aim to visit on a weekday morning when sites are quieter, and bring a camera to capture these ephemeral blossoms.
Whether you’re a longtime Londoner or just visiting, taking time to appreciate the city’s cherry blossoms connects you to both a global springtime tradition and London’s own unique natural heritage.
