Where to spot the best cherry blossoms this spring

Despite some areas of the UK recording the wettest start to the year for over a century, the rainfall hasn't dampened the bloom of Yorkshire's blossom trees.

According to the Met Office, England's north-east recorded rainfall 134% above its average in January, although places in the south of the country fared much worse.

Luckily for those who see the bright displays of blossom as a benchmark for winter's end, the weather hasn't affected when or where we can spot the signs of spring.

Claire Tatler, garden manager at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate said that cherry blossom trees are "an important part" of the horticultural landscape.

"They're a really tangible sign that winter is over, and complimentary to the rhododendrons, magnolias and other spring plants that we have," she said.

"A lot of cherry blossom species are very tolerant of different types of soil and they can grow in lots of different environments".

Sunlight is more important in enabling flowering plants to bloom, Tatler explained, although milder winters can cause trees to come into leaf earlier.

"This can mean the blossom comes out earlier, which can be a bit confusing for our pollinators that rely on cherry blossoms as one of the early sources of nectar."

To see if blossom arrived earlier each year due to climate change would need tracking over multiple years, she added, to see whether trees can withstand shifting weather.

Cherry blossoms usually flower between March and May, and the window of opportunity to enjoy the displays in their full bloom can be a short as a fortnight.

Unlike Harrogate Stray, a well-known hotspot for the vibrant natural phenomena, the species at Harlow Carr are smaller, but have already started to bloom.

In Japan, enjoying blossoms is so culturally important it has a name, "hanami" or "flower viewing".

Sakura season attracts millions of tourists each year, with social media awash with beautiful photographs.

While Yorkshire would perhaps struggle to rival the volume of visitors, walking amongst the fallen petals is still a popular pastime - and has been for many years.

At Friarwood Valley Gardens in Pontefract, the first cherry tree was planted in 1950, the year the park was created.

According to the Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens, the trees - now around 70 years old - are nearing the end of their life, and are being slowly replaced.

Old or young, they remain such a beloved fixture of the park the group holds a BlossomFest event each year in homage their beauty.

This year's celebration is slated for 18 April, timed for when the blooms will be out in full force, the group added.

In Bradford, Bolling Hall Museum is hosting its own blossom-themed festival, with children's crafts and activities.

But often you don't even need to travel too far from home to spot a flower-filled tree.

Due to their hardiness, cherry trees can thrive in areas with higher pollution, Tatler explained, which is why they can be found on residential streets and in city centres.

"You can see how popular they're becoming because producers and nurseries are looking at more smaller varieties that are suitable for smaller gardens," she added.

"So definitely the interest in in cherry blossoms is growing."

North Yorkshire

The Stray, Harrogate: The Stray's two expansive avenues of cherry trees have proven popular with tourists, especially when in blossom.

Rowntree Park, York: A short riverside walk from the city centre, Rowntree Park also boasts tennis courts, a skate park, duck ponds, and a cafe/library.

West Yorkshire

Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley: Located next to Cliffe Castle Museum, the park was voted "Best in Yorkshire" in 2022 by Yorkshire in Bloom.

Friarwood Valley Gardens, Pontefract: According to the Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens, the first flowering cherry tree was planted on site in March 1950.

Bolling Hall Museum, Bradford: On 27 April, the museum is hosting a blossom festival in its grounds with children's crafts, entirely run by volunteers.

South Yorkshire

Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield: The public park is located west of the city centre, with its large lake being one of the central features.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Doncaster: The Victorian country house is hosting a new exhibition titled "A Season of Flowers" this year, in homage to its gardens.

Hull & East Yorkshire

East Park, Hull: Hull's largest park opened in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington: The Edwardian house and gardens is well-known for its amazing floral displays, and even hosts an annual Tulip Festival.

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