Where to see the cherry blossoms in London

Alexandra Palace is one of the best spots in the city for epic views of London's skyline. There are also around 30 cherry trees scattered throughout the park,  which explode to life in spring, turning it into a gallery of stunning Japanese sakura trees.

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, with a whole row of trees leading to the elegant Georgian villa.

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.

This elegant landscaped garden, nestled within Holland Park, was a gift from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in 1991. It boasts 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.

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.

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 are your best bet. They have all kinds of Japanese types, like double-flowering Kanzan and white-flowered Hatazakura and Tai Haku cherries, as well as flowering plums. Stroll along their famous Cherry Walk behind the Palm House, continuing to Asano Avenue to make the most of this seasonal show. 

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.

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

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

 Just moments away from Regent's Park, Primrose Hill boasts some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in London. Beyond its scenic charm, the area is also adorned with cherry trees, both within the park and scattered throughout the neighbourhood. For a particularly picturesque spot, visit St. Mark's Church, where delicate pink blossoms frame the elegant church, creating a stunning backdrop for a springtime stroll.

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 right next door, so you can take a stroll along the waterway after you've gotten your fill of pink blossoms.

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 spaces, it's also home to an avenue of cherry blossom trees. 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.