Did you know that you can see cherry blossoms in
London? Though it's most famously associated with Japan, the country doesn't have a monopoly of this beloved blush-colored flora. Many other cities, including the British capital, boast several spots that feature cherry blossoms. Here, you can see these beautiful blooms at the Kew Gardens, Regent's Park, Greenwich Park, near St. Paul's Cathedral, and along Herne Hill, among many others. Each more enchanting than the next, these places provide a pretty pinkish glow in a usually and notoriously grey metropolis. Go to any of them in spring and enjoy their loveliness.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Let's start with Holland Park, one of the more underrated
neighborhoods in London. It's here where you'll find the very zen Kyoto Garden, a unique escape in one of the most expensive parts of the city. As cherry blossoms are mostly associated with Japan, wouldn't a place that replicates the country's unique ambiance be the perfect place to see them? Here, you're not just seeing cherry blossoms, but you'll also get to enjoy its soothing atmosphere and natural wonders. A serene waterfall sets the perfect mood with its relaxing streams and fresh energy. You won't find anything quite like it anywhere else in London.
Kew Gardens
Now, let's focus on the more popular
parks in London, starting with the Kew Gardens. As the city's biggest botanical garden, many would argue that this is the best place to see cherry blossoms in London. Not only is the place all about botanical bliss but the trees are perfectly set up in rows that lead to its famous Palm House. You couldn't have found a better place to take your spring selfies than on this blossom-lined path. You're shot is sure to go viral on social media and others will want to follow suit.
Kensington Gardens
Picture it: bright pink cherry blossoms set amid lush grassy fields, almost as if you're in a forest in Japan. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it
is true and it's the Kensington Gardens. Beyond the beloved Kensington Palace, this breathtaking park is one of the best slices of nature you'll find in the bustling metropolis. Spring is understandably one of the best times to go here, especially if you want to see cherry blossoms in London. There are so many of them here that the park is almost comparable to any rural field in Japan.
Regent's Park
Enter Regent's Park through its lavish Lancaster Gate and you'll instantly see the cherry blossoms here. You'll even find that there are so many here that they could practically constitute a forest in the middle of the park. Naturally, it's a different kind of park forest with these cherry blossoms here. They provide a lovely pinkish glow in the usually cloudy British capital that's just as beautiful but different from the more fairytale-like
English countryside. Since they're also right in the middle of the park, it's easy enough to hold a picnic or simply sit under these precious blossoms.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is another lovely spot that features a beautiful pathway lined with cherry blossoms. It leads up to Greenwich Park Hill and is just a little beyond the Planetarium and Observatory. The trees here are clustered so close to each other that the path practically resembles a rosy tunnel, one that you won't mind seeing in your dreams. Fortunately, this area also has a few benches here and there, making it a great place to sit down with your special someone on a romantic date. Your partner surely wouldn't mind just doing this since it's free and the cherry blossoms in Greenwich Park are just that enchanting.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is already a stunning man-made marvel on its own, but when you see it in spring and the cherry blossoms have bloomed, it becomes an even more breathtaking scene. The stark contrast between the delicate, light pink petals and the almost cold-looking concrete of the church, not to mention the place's grand Neoclassical architecture, is something else. It's a sight straight out of a postcard which, despite how beautiful London is, isn't something you could say about the many other parts of the city. Though there's barely any spot where you can sit down and enjoy the view, stopping right by St. Paul's Cathedral for a moment to capture this beauty is a must!
Herne Hill
Beyond the usual parks and garden squares, cherry blossoms also line some of London's picturesque streets. Technically a
London suburb in south London, cherry blossom trees are spread throughout this serene neighborhood. Much like in St. Paul's Cathedral, the pink petals beautifully contrast these stark white townhouses and red-brick
luxury homes in London. Hence, this is also one of the more colorful neighborhoods in the city, a place so picturesque that even locals who see these trees regularly still can't help but stop and enjoy the view. Even if you don't have anything to do in Herne Hill, it's still worth visiting for the cherry blossoms alone!
Redcliffe Road
Chelsea, one of London's central neighborhoods, also boasts cherry blossoms. Many of its streets have them but the best and most beautiful are on Redcliffe Road. It's just right by the more famous Fulham Road but since it's largely residential, ending up here will feel like you stumbled upon a new city altogether. Especially since Redcliffe Road is dominated by gorgeous townhouses where the rich and famous reside. Living in any of them will surely be expensive but it's a small price to pay if you could see these cherry blossoms every single day. What's not to love?
Did you know that there are many places to see cherry blossoms in London? The some of the city's famous parks to even beautiful streets, these places add a special kind of beauty to an already-grand city.
