AS SPRING emerges, your Instagram feed will soon look like a sea of pink as people head off to find cherry trees blossoming – and the UK has some great free spots to see them.
Known as ‘hanami’, the tradition of seeing cherry blossoms is a centuries-old Japanese custom.
Taking place in the spring, the tradition celebrates the blossoms which symbolise new beginnings, mortality and the beauty of life.
While the UK doesn’t have anywhere near as many blossom trees as Japan does, there are several locations across the UK where you can catch them blooming for free – here’s some of the best.
Battersea Park, London
In South West London, head to Battersea Park and you will find a long run of cherry blossom trees on Cherry Tree Avenue.
If heading to the park, make sure to enjoy a wander next to the River Thames whilst seeing the 40 blossom trees.
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The trees are the pale pink Yoshino variety that are usually found on the hills of Nara – they grow to about 3.6 to 4.2metres tall.
The park is also home to a Peace Pagoda which you can see, as well as a couple of popular cafes.
Keele University
Keele University campus is open year round to visitors, with free parking at the weekends.
Cherry blossoms are scattered across the campus, but you can download a map of where they are from the university’s website.
Flowering cherry trees have been at the university since the 1940s and in total, there are around 300 trees of 240 species and varieties.
This makes it one of the largest blossom collections in Europe.
Cathays Park, Wales
In Cardiff, head to Cathays Park and find the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens.
Here you will find flourishing cherry blossom trees that usually bloom in late March to early April.
The trees surround the war memorial and are pink and white blossoms.
There are also some other flower beds, with tulips, to see.
To make the most of your time in the park, there are several benches nearby ideal for enjoying coffee whilst seeing the blossoms.
Greenwich Park, London
Greenwich Park is a lovely day out anytime of the year, with the Observatory and the Planetarium.
But during the spring months, near the Ranger’s House and Rose Garden, you will find a path of cherry trees.
There are even benches underneath the trees so you can sit and enjoy them.
The Stray, Harrogate
In Harrogate, make sure to visit the Stray – 200 acres of parkland near the town centre.
Long lines of pink cherry blossom bloom in late March to early April, often with daffodils underneath them.
Around 200 cherry trees were planted back in 1953 in the park to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
People even have wedding celebrations under the blossom…
Windsor Great Park
In Windsor, head to The Savill and Valley Gardens to see a collection of Japanese cherry trees.
The gardens sprawl over 250 acres and you will also be able to spot magnolia trees in full bloom.
Whilst in Windsor Great Park, make sure to stroll past the Heather Gardens as well.
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
Working in the city? Well, during your lunch break head down to St Paul’s Cathedral, where you will see a number of cherry trees.
They are scattered throughout the churchyard and make the ideal scenic foreground for a shot of the iconic London landmark.
If you haven’t visited St Paul’s before, you could tie in seeing the blossom with a day trip to the cathedral.
Sun Travel Reporter recently visited and has shared a full rundown of what it is like.
The Meadows, Scotland
The Meadows is a large public park south of Edinburgh‘s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
The park is even protected by an Act of Parliament, that was created in 1827.
During the spring, there are avenues of cherry trees.
They are known to bloom a little later than other places, usually starting to bloom in April.
Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline
Up in Dunfermline, Scotland, head to Pittencrieff Park and walk along the path near the main entrance to enjoy a row of cherry trees that line the path.
The cherry trees usually blossom here in late April and whilst you are exploring the park, make sure to look out for its resident peacocks and the Andrew Carnegie statue.
Nearby, you can also visit Dunfermline Abbey and Palace.
Castle Park, Bristol
Castle Park in Bristol is an open space between the city’s Shopping Quarter and the Floating Harbour.
In addition to ruins in the park, visitors will be able to find different cherry trees.
One spot is the cherry avenue, with 21 trees.
And the other spot is a singular, white Japanese Cherry Tree that was planted in 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of Hiroshima.
This type of cherry tree had actually died out completely in Japan, but was saved when a single specimen of the tree was found in England in 1923.
Paid-for spots to see cherry blossom in the UK
- Kew Gardens, London – has a dedicated cherry walk and Sounds of Blossom festival
- Alnwick Garden, Northumberland – home to the world’s largest orchard of Taihaku (Great White) cherry trees
- Batsford Arboretum, Cotswolds – over 120 Japanese flowering cherry trees
- RHS Wisley Garden, Surrey – an avenue of 140 Yoshino cherry trees
For more things to do this spring, here’s a huge list of 100 free family days out in the UK – from concerts to kids festivals.
Plus, free things to do across the UK this month including huge parades, story festivals and rugby screenings.