Every spring, London transforms into a sea of pink and white. Cherry blossom (sakura) season typically runs from late March to early May, with April being the peak.
In Japan, hanami (flower viewing) is a tradition where people gather under cherry trees to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the blossoms. You don’t need to fly to Tokyo for that experience. London has plenty of stunning spots.
Here’s where to find the best cherry blossom in London in 2026.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is arguably London’s most famous cherry blossom spot. Walk up the hill past the Royal Observatory and Planetarium, then take the footpath towards Ranger’s House.
Along this path, cherry trees lean into each other, creating a pink tunnel that’s perfect for photos. It’s the closest you’ll get to Japan without leaving London.
The Georgian villa of Ranger’s House at the end of the path makes for a beautiful backdrop.
Best time: Mid to late April
How to get there: Cutty Sark DLR or Blackheath station. Search “Greenwich Park Cherry Blossom” on Google Maps for the exact spot.
Tip: Go at sunrise if you want photos without crowds. This is one of the most Instagrammed spots in London.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a must for serious blossom chasers. The Royal Botanic Gardens have multiple varieties of Japanese cherry trees, all meticulously labelled.
Start at the Rose Garden behind Palm House, where two rows of Japanese cherries form a pink runway leading to Temperate House. Follow the path around to Cherry Walk for even more trees. If you’re lucky, magnolias will be blooming at the same time.
Best time: Mid to late April
How to get there: Kew Gardens station (Overground)
Entry: £16-24 (unlike most London parks, Kew charges admission)
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park offers cherry blossom in multiple locations.
Chester Road near the park entrance has rows of Prunus ‘Sunset Boulevard’ trees lining both sides. These replaced the older Kanzan variety in 2015. Further inside, Avenue Gardens near the Broad Walk has beautiful arched canopies.
Best time: Chester Road blooms around the second week of April. Avenue Gardens peaks mid to late April.
How to get there: Regent’s Park, Baker Street, or Great Portland Street tube
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
It wouldn’t be a cherry blossom guide without a Japanese garden.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park was built to celebrate the Japan Festival in 1991. It features a koi pond, a waterfall, and — of course — cherry trees. The pale pink blossoms tower over the water, creating a tranquil scene that feels like an escape from London.
Best time: April
How to get there: Holland Park tube (10-minute walk)
Battersea Park
Battersea Park’s cherry blossom avenue is one of London’s hidden gems. The trees line a path near the Buddhist Peace Pagoda, with the Thames and Battersea Power Station chimneys in the background.
It’s a beautiful combination of nature and industrial London.
Best time: April
How to get there: Battersea Park or Queenstown Road station
St Paul’s Cathedral
The cherry trees outside St Paul’s Cathedral are minimal but iconic. Frame your shot right and you’ll get pink blossoms crawling over Sir Christopher Wren’s famous dome.
Find them in St Paul’s Churchyard, south of the cathedral.
Best time: These bloom early — sometimes late March. Check in advance.
How to get there: St Paul’s tube
Notting Hill and Kensington
West London is covered in cherry blossom during spring. The pastel townhouses of Notting Hill look even more stunning when framed by pink trees.
Key streets:
- Stanley Crescent — the most photographed spot
- Blithfield Street
- Redcliffe Road
- Courtfield Gardens
These are residential areas, so be respectful.
How to get there: Notting Hill Gate, Gloucester Road, or West Kensington tube
When Is Peak Bloom?
Cherry blossom timing depends on the weather:
- Mild winter: Blooms can start as early as late March
- Cold winter: Delayed until late April or early May
Generally, April is the safest bet for most locations.
Different varieties bloom at different times. If you want to catch everything, plan multiple visits throughout April.
Hanami Tips
Bring a picnic In Japan, hanami means sitting under the trees with food and drinks. Grab a coffee and a pastry, find a bench, and enjoy the view.
Go early Popular spots like Greenwich Park get crowded. Sunrise visits mean better photos and fewer people.
Check the weather Rain and wind can knock petals off quickly. A warm, calm week is ideal.
Don’t touch the branches This should be obvious, but please don’t shake or climb the trees for photos.
Summary
London has world-class cherry blossom viewing, and it’s all free (except Kew Gardens). Whether you want Instagram-perfect tunnels at Greenwich Park or a peaceful afternoon at Kyoto Garden, there’s something for everyone.
Get out there before the petals fall.
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Written by Ayaka Uchida – CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.