Cherry blossom season in London
Japan is too far away to just say “I want to go to Japan to enjoy the cherry blossoms”, but I never thought that we can also have cherry blossom viewing in the UK, and you can see them all around London areas. I went to see them two years in a row, and feel really happy and satisfied!
In the UK, the cherry blossom season usually begins in late March and continues into early April. In some cherry blossom viewing locations, the flowering period can last until mid-April. Cherry blossoms are not limited to the areas around London; visitors can also enjoy stunning displays in cities such as Birmingham and Manchester, where the blossoms can be found in many public spaces and parks.
Around London, we recommend three parks that offer excellent spots for enjoying cherry blossoms.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park is located along the banks of the River Thames in southwest London. The cherry blossom viewing season typically begins in late March. The park is easily accessible by public transport: visitors can take a train to Battersea Park Station or use the London Underground and alight at Battersea Power Station. For those travelling by car, paid parking is also available within the park.
Upon arriving at the cherry blossom viewing area in Battersea Park, the light pink flowers made us have the feeling of being in Japan’s cherry blossom season. Cherry blossom trees lined both sides of the pathway, creating the impression of a cherry blossom avenue stretching ahead. The blossoms were in full bloom and the view was truly beautiful. However, the area can become quite crowded on weekends and public holidays, so a little patience and some skills are needed if you want to take good photos.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one of eight Royal Parks in London and located in southeast London, overlooking the River Thames. Cherry blossoms in the park usually begin to bloom in early April. The park can be reached by several means of transport. Visitors travelling by car can use the paid parking facilities within the park. By train, you can get off at Maze Hill Station or Greenwich Station. The nearest Underground station is North Greenwich, which is some distance away, so a bus transfer is required. Alternatively, you can take the DLR and alight at Cutty Sark station.
The cherry blossom trees in Greenwich Park are particularly eye-catching, as their petals are a deeper shade of pink compared with the lighter blossoms found in Battersea Park. When the flowers are in full bloom, the cherry blossom trees in Greenwich Park look very lush and beautiful. Like Battersea Park, Greenwich Park is spacious and is a good place for picnics and photos of cherry blossoms!
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is another of London’s Royal Parks and located in northwest London. The park is easily accessible by public transport, with several Underground stations nearby. Visitors can alight at Regent’s Park Station on the Bakerloo Line, Great Portland Street Station on the Circle Line, or Warren Street Station on the Northern and Victoria Lines. For those travelling by car, paid parking is also available within the park.
Cherry blossom season in Regent’s Park typically runs from late March to mid-April. The blossoms range in colour from soft light pink to white, creating a gentle and elegant spring atmosphere. As some of the cherry trees are relatively low, visitors can enjoy the flowers up close, making the park an excellent spot for photos taking and a relaxed spring stroll.
While the experience may differ from viewing the famous Kawazu cherry blossoms in Japan, enjoying the flowers while picnicking or walking across the wide green lawns in the UK is equally relaxing and pleasing. If you have free time between March and April, it is highly recommended to take the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in the UK.