Where to see the cherry blossoms in London

If you think St. Paul's already excels in beauty on a regular day, then you need to see it throughout spring. Several cherry blossom trees spring to life in St. Paul's Churchyard, providing a stunning border around the Baroque-style cathedral designed by the legendary Sir Christopher Wren.

Every spring, this tiny garden in Mayfair is treated to rows of cherry blossoms exploding into fluffy pink versions of themselves. Comfortable benches line the footpaths, each inscribed with a message dedicated to Americans who have visited and loved the park in its time, like "a Texan who spent many happy hours here." It's almost too easy to forget the gruesome history of this former burial site; it hasn't always been so picturesque but is undoubtedly a sight to behold come spring.

You could visit St James's Park solely to see its resident pelicans, who have called the park their home for nearly 400 years. But it's not just the colony of big-beaked birds that live here; it's also home to a handful of cherry blossom trees that bloom to life in spring. Take a stroll in the Buckingham Palace side of the park to see some standing tall by the lake. There's also another cluster by Storey's Gate in front of the Treasury.

Greenwich Park is one of the best places in London to surround yourself with voluptuous cherry blossom trees. Climb up the Greenwich Park hill and beyond the Planetarium and Observatory, and you'll reach the path by Ranger's House. It's one of the best spots to snap a pink pic for the gram, where a whole row of trees leads to the elegant Georgian villa.

There are cherry blossoms throughout Regent's Park, so finding them needn't be too difficult. However, to get the best snap for your grid, head to Avenue Gardens and Chester Road, where you'll find Japanese-style cherry blossom tunnels and paths blanketed with pink petals.

If you want to see different varieties of cherry blossom trees, then the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Gardens is your best bet. They have all kinds of Japanese types, like double-flowering Kanzan, flowering apricot mume trees, white-flowered Hatazakura and Tai Haku. Stroll along their famous Cherry Walk behind the Palm House, continuing to Asano Avenue to make the most of this seasonal show. 

Kensington Gardens is home to the cherry blossom viewing parties set up by the Japanese Society Conservation Group, so you know it will be a good spot to see these blooms in full force. Head to the Albert Memorial and Lancaster Gate for the best views.

This elegant landscaped garden, nestled within Holland Park, was a gift from the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991. It features everything a traditional Japanese garden should, like water features, koi fish ponds, and lots of pink sakura trees. Do as the Japanese do and find a spot to picnic with your pals under the canopy of pink petals – take a bottle of saké to really embrace the tradition.

Alexandra Palace is one of the best spots in the city for epic views of London's skyline. There are also around thirty cherry trees scattered throughout the park,  which explode to life in spring, turning it into a museum of stunning Japanese sakura trees.

This park in Bloomsbury is a memorial and peace garden where the statues and trees honour historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and a beautiful big cherry tree dedicated to the victims of Hiroshima. The park is scattered with benches, so take a moment of silence amidst nature to remember these prominent historical figures surrounded by pretty pink petals.

Get up close to blooming cherry trees in Paddington Sussex Gardens, a small square a few hundred meters from the Italian Garden. It's bordered by pretty quintessential London townhouses and hotels and is a wonderful spot to take a breather and rejuvenate away from the city's hectic streets.

Located only a stone's throw from Regent's Park, Primrose Hill not only has some of the best views in the city but is also home to a sprinkling of cherry trees, not only in the park but also dotted around the borough. Head to St. Mark's Church for beautiful blossoms with the pretty church as your backdrop.

This small green space in Islington makes a lovely spot to perch on a bench and admire the beautiful blossoms. You can also stroll along the tree-lined path underneath a canopy of trees and listen to the sound of birds chirping away. The canal is also right next door, so take a stroll along the waterway afterward.

Cecile Park is lined with quaint Edwardian houses and trees; it's one of those classic picturesque London streets. Despite its name, it's not a park, it's a street lined with voluptuous cherry blossom trees that look particularly pretty throughout the spring months.

As if Battersea Park wasn't picturesque enough with its Buddhist Peace Pagoda and endless green space, it's also home to an avenue of cherry blossom trees at Cherry Trees Avenue. Grabbing a coffee from Pear Tree Café, a waterside café located inside the park, then wandering around the lush garden is a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.