If you are a regular reader, then you already know how much I love Scotland and that I used to live there about 20 years ago for three years.

More specifically, I lived on the Shore, a picturesque and historic area situated in the heart of Old Leith, Edinburgh’s harbour district. 

The city was more than just a geographical location; it witnessed my growth, my struggles, my success, and it has played a significant role in shaping my personality.

It holds a very special meaning for me, as I have many cherished memories from living there, some beautiful and some amazing.

Read More: 10 Unforgettable Edinburgh Day Trip Ideas From a Former Local

Ever since I moved and settled on Ireland’s West Coast, I have attempted to revisit Edinburgh whenever the sentimental yearning to go back to the city strikes, which usually happens at least once a year, and last year was no different.  

When I realised that the Easter break at school perfectly collided with the time when cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom, I took it as a sign to bundle up the girls and whisk them off to Edinburgh.

I couldn’t have picked a better time to set foot on Scottish soil.

Not only did we have unique opportunities to create shared memories and experience new things together in a way that routine life often doesn’t allow, but we also caught a glimpse of the city’s many cherry blossom trees blooming abundantly against the dramatic backdrop of the historic architecture and green spaces.

Without further ado, here are some of the best spots to enjoy cherry blossoms in Edinburgh.

Read More: What To See and Do In Edinburgh: 12 Amazing Ideas For First Time Visitors

---

The Meadows

The best place to see cherry blossoms in Edinburgh is the Meadows, an expansive public park that was once a shallow lake known as the Borough Loch.

The lake was drained in the 1740s and converted into parkland, where nowadays you can find locals going on leisurely strolls or enjoying the sun on those rare sunny days.

The park is beautiful at any time of the year, but come April, the rows of trees burst into delicate pink and white blossoms, transforming the grassy meadows into a magical place.

The Meadows attract a fair number of visitors every day, but in spring, eager to catch a glimpse of fleeting blooms, the number of visitors doubles and triples.

Therefore, if you want a few moments of solitude cocooned by these flowers, visit early in the morning.

• Address: Located  in the South Side, next to the University of Edinburgh’s George Square campus and Quartermile development

• Getting there: You can walk or take a short bus ride – routes 27, 30 are good options from Princes Street

Read More: 11 Beautiful Hidden Gems in Edinburgh, Scotland Even Locals Don’t Know

---

Market Street

On Market Street, just around the corner from the Waverly Station, you’ll find a quaint little café, varnished in vivid red colour, that provides an atmospheric setting for cherry blossom viewing.

The tiny cafe, once a police call box, is nestled right beneath a grand cherry tree. This is a truly enchanting corner for capturing cherry blossoms in all their glory.

What makes this location extra special is the ability to capture great photos of the Scott Monument.

This stretch of the road is called Market Street due to a vegetable market being positioned on the north side where the Waverley Station stands.

The Market gave way to the development of the station and the present Waverley Bridge in 1896.

• Address: Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE

• Getting There: Located near Waverley Station and running parallel to Princes Street, it is easily reachable on foot, by train or by bus.

Read More: A Local’s Guide: Some Of The Best Things To See And Do In Edinburgh’s New Town

---

Princes Street Gardens

You can’t miss Princes Street Gardens that lie in the centre of Edinburgh, nestled between the Old and New Towns.

It is one of the easiest green spaces to access, and while it is famous for having the world’s oldest floral clock, come April, the attention shifts towards the blooming cherry trees.

What makes the Princes Street Garden cherry blossoms special is the historic Edinburgh Castle in the background – nothing comes close to capturing the iconic Scottish landmark with the seasonal blooms.

These are also often the first city centre trees to blossom, and it’s a pretty explosion!

Good to know – it can be a bit of a challenge to capture the blooming trees because of the heavy foot and vehicle traffic. You have to wait for a gap in the traffic, or simply capture some close-ups.

• Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4BA

• Getting There: Accessible via multiple Lothian bus routes; the nearest tram stop is Princes Street.

Read More: Some of The Best Things To See At The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

The Canongate Kirk

Once you see the blooming cherry trees outside Canongate Kirk, you will know that someone must have put a lot of thought into creating perfect symmetry, because the trees frame the bright red door of the Kirk perfectly!

Canongate Kirk is the Kirk for Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyrood House. It has Royal and Army connections, and their graveyard is absolutely fascinating too.

On the street outside, you’ll find the statue of local poet Robert Fergusson, who is buried there.

It’s best to visit early before Canongate gets busy, and you will be rewarded with one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful sites.

• Address: 153 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN

• Getting There: A short walk from the city centre; accessible via Lothian bus routes 35 and 36.

Read More: 8 Incredible Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh At Least Once

---

North East Cumberland Street 

Unlike the large crowds often found at the most popular spots, North East Cumberland Street offers a quieter, more “hidden gem” feel where the blossoms look stunning against the New Town’s grand neoclassical buildings. 

The picturesque lane is part of the New Town, a historic area of Edinburgh. 

Originally, I hadn’t marked North East Cumberland Street as my must-see cherry blossom spot. It was a rather unexpected find while we walked towards the Stockbridge neighbourhood.

We were cheerfully marching down Dundas Street when I caught a glimpse of these beautifully fleeting flowers.

We stopped briefly to capture a few photos and continued on.

Read More: Your Guide to the Best Edinburgh’s Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring

---

Other Noteworthy Cherry Blossom Locations in Edinburgh

There are, of course, many more incredible places where you can see the blooming trees in all their glory.

Register Place

Find pockets of cherry blossom beauty along this street near the city centre.

Harrison Park

This hidden gem in the Polwarth area features cherry blossom trees lining the Union Canal, creating a peaceful and dreamy atmosphere.

BraidBurn Valley Park

With over 400 cherry trees in the park, the Braidburn Valley Park in southern Edinburgh is a sight to see.

These beautiful trees were planted in 1935 by the Guides Association in the shape of their emblem – a trefoil. Because these trees are now over 70 years old, they are in decline and are slowly being replaced.

Read More: Top 11 Things To Do in Edinburgh This Autumn That Are Good For Your Soul

St Andrew Square

The park features beautiful pink cherry blossoms, especially around the Melville Monument, offering a picturesque setting in the heart of the city’s New Town.

The blossoms add a vibrant touch to the square, enhancing its beauty and providing a lovely backdrop for the monument and surrounding buildings. 

Kyoto Friendship Garden at Lauriton Castle

The Japanese memorial garden in the grounds of Lauriston Castle, with views across the Forth to Fife, is a beautiful place for quiet contemplation.

While it is located a little bit outside of the city, it is a lovely place if you are looking for a little space for your own thoughts and memories. 

Strandbar Park

Strandbar Park is a lovely little hidden gem, located in Newhaven. The walled garden has plenty of benches to sit on and a wee nature trail for kids. It also hosts a Cherry Blossom Picnic every May.

Read More: A Short Guide to The Best Attractions Along The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

---

Botanical Gardens

You could also add Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens to the list of places to visit in search of spring blooms.

Here you can find a gorgeous Yoshino cherry tree that was planted near the East Gate in 1938 and continues to delight visitors.

We spent a few hours at the gardens and were quite impressed by the tranquillity, beauty and tidiness of the place.

It is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. 

The gardens are free to enter, and in addition to flowers, you can also visit glasshouses and spot a few curious squirrels.

Read More: A Short Guide to The Best Attractions Along The Royal Mile in Edinburgh

---

Best Time To Visit Edinburgh for Cherry Blossoms

Wondering when the best time is to visit Edinburgh to see the city adorned with delicate pink and white cherry blossoms?

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Edinburgh is usually from mid-April to early May. Specifically, the last two weeks of April are often the best chance to catch the peak bloom.

We visited Edinburgh on the 20th of April, and the blooms were at their peak.

We also experienced warm temperatures and gorgeous blue sky, perfect for exploring the city’s many sights and green spaces.

• Weather: You can expect an average high of 14°C (57.2°F) and a low average of 2°C (35.6°F).

Read More: Your Essential Guide To Planning The Best Edinburgh Vacation in Scotland

---

Tips For Photographing Cherry Blossoms

 To make the most of your cherry blossom photography, I’ve gathered some tips for capturing these stunning displays of Spring’s arrival.

• Shoot in the Golden Hour: Early mornings and evenings, particularly during “golden hour,” provide soft, warm light that enhances the colour and detail of the blossoms, making for more beautiful images.

• Avoid Midday Sun: The harsh light of midday can create strong, unflattering shadows and wash out the colours of the flowers.

• Zoom in tight: Zoom in for a close-up showing a small grouping of blossoms.

• Blur the Background: Use a large aperture on your lens to create a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and emphasise your main subject. 

• Arrive Early: Go to popular locations very early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. 

• Get Creative: If crowds are unavoidable, get close to your subject, use your telephoto lens to “compress” the scene, or find unique angles from inside the trees. 

Read More: 10 Incredible Attractions and Places You Have to Visit In Glasgow, Scotland

---

Where to Stay in Edinburgh for Cherry Blooms

If you want to be near the blooming sakuras, you have a few options.

You can settle into any of the hotels located on Princes Street. Not only are you just a short walk away from the blooming trees, but also close to the historic centre.

Another popular area to find accommodation is on the Royal Mile.

We stayed in the Adagio Aparthotel on the Royal Mile. The hotel was located on the lower end of the Royal Mile, just a few steps away from Canongate Kirk, a lovely little church whose grounds have cherry trees that create a beautiful scene in spring.

*Good to know – most of the hotels in Edinburgh have check-ins around or after 2pm, and check-out is between 10am and midday. If you arrive before or leave after the official check-out time, you can ask for them to keep your luggage in the hotel and visit Edinburgh comfortably.

Read More: The Book-lovers Guide to Edinburgh’s Bookshops-12 Stores You Should Visit

And that’s a wrap

And there you have it, some of my favourite places to see the fleeting blooms in Edinburgh.

I find that Edinburgh’s cherry blossoms offer a memorable experience that brings a sense of renewal to the city each spring.

Whether you’re strolling through The Meadows or discovering hidden pockets of beauty in places like Starbank Park and Cannongate Kirk, the city’s cherry blossoms provide a visual feast that’s as ephemeral as it is enchanting.

Read More: What It’s Like to Travel from Belfast to Scotland by Stenaline Ferry: A Local’s Guide

…    …    …    …    …    …    …    …     …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …

Now, over to you!

Have you been to Edinburgh during the cherry blossom season? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Edinburgh and have travel-related questions

Subscribe

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to stay up to date with all our outdoor adventures

Enter your email below to receive updates

You can also find Our Crossings on Facebook and on Instagram