Postcards: A Spring Spell in Edinburgh

FOR THOSE who have been following for a long time, you’ll know that I loved the cherry blossoms along Princes Street in April. It was one of my very favourite things about living in the city. But did you know that Edinburgh actually has numerous cherry blossom spots that transform the cityscape each spring? Cherry blossoms, known as “Sakura” in Japanese, were introduced to the UK in the late 19th century. In Japanese culture, these blossoms symbolise the fleeting nature of life due to their short blooming period. In Edinburgh, cherry trees have been thoughtfully planted in various patterns and locations, enhancing the city’s beauty each spring.

To celebrate this natural spectacle, events like the Sakura at Lauriston Castle festival are held annually, featuring traditional Japanese activities amidst the blossoms. The story of cherry blossoms in Edinburgh is a blend of commemoration, cultural exchange, and civic beautification: It is one of symbolism, diplomacy, and a thoughtful dedication to the city’s natural beauty. These trees, whose blossoms seem to hang in the air as the first whispers of spring, are more than ornamental. They represent a blend of international friendship, royal commemoration, and urban foresight—each petal a chapter in Edinburgh’s evolving relationship with nature.

The cultural significance of the cherry blossom first reached British shores in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Western appreciation for Japanese art and garden design blossomed in tandem with diplomatic ties. In Japan, the fleeting bloom of the sakura symbolises the impermanence of life—beauty in transience, a moment both celebrated and mourned. Edinburgh embraced this philosophy not only in sentiment but in landscape.

Nowhere is this more evident than at Lauriston Castle, where a traditional Japanese garden was created to honour the enduring friendship between Scotland and Japan. In spring, the delicate blush of the cherry trees transforms this quiet corner of the city into a serene reflection of Eastern aesthetic values, rooted deeply in tradition and mindfulness.

Cherry blossoms in Edinburgh are not only a nod to international ties but also a living monument to national heritage. In Braidburn Valley Park, over 400 cherry trees were planted in 1935 by the Girl Guides to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. Arranged in the shape of a trefoil—a symbol of the Guides—the layout remains a touching tribute to both loyalty and legacy.

The planting was not just ceremonial. It was a statement of hope and unity, and the trees, now mature, continue to stand as graceful sentinels marking an occasion of national significance.

Throughout the 20th century, cherry trees found their way into Edinburgh’s streetscapes and parklands through deliberate and thoughtful urban planning. City planners recognised not only the ornamental charm of the cherry blossom but its practicality. These trees are resilient, well-suited to the Scottish climate, and offer a spectacular seasonal display that lifts spirits and transforms familiar spaces.

Today, cherry blossoms line the walkways of The Meadows, frame the pathways of Princes Street Gardens, and quietly bloom in places like Starbank Park and Canongate Kirk, offering residents and visitors alike a brief but unforgettable moment of floral splendour each spring.

To witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom is to catch a fleeting glimpse of nature’s most poetic performance. The best time to experience this is typically from mid-April to early May, though timing can vary slightly with the weather. For just a few precious weeks, the city seems to breathe a little more softly—draped in pinks and whites, whispering stories of friendship, memory, and beauty that does not last, but is never forgotten.

1. The Meadows
Where: Southside, near the University of Edinburgh
Highlights: Long, iconic avenues lined with cherry trees (especially along Middle Meadow Walk)
Best Time to Visit: Mid to late April

2. Lauriston Castle & Gardens
Where: Davidson’s Mains, northwest Edinburgh
Highlights: Japanese Friendship Garden filled with cherry blossoms, designed in a traditional Japanese style
Events: Hosts the annual Sakura Festival, celebrating Japanese culture and the cherry blossom season

3. Braidburn Valley Park
Where: South of Morningside, near Oxgangs
Highlights: Over 400 cherry trees arranged in a trefoil (clover-like) pattern, planted by Girl Guides in 1935 to commemorate King George V’s Silver Jubilee

4. East Princes Street Gardens
Where: City Centre, below Edinburgh Castle
Highlights: Scattered cherry trees framing views of the Castle and Scott Monument, a peaceful place during blossom season

5. Starbank Park
Where: Newhaven area, north Edinburgh
Highlights: A quiet Victorian-style park with cherry trees and sea views over the Firth of Forth

6. Canongate Kirk (Royal Mile)
Where: Lower Royal Mile
Highlights: Cherry trees lining the entrance, creating a beautiful contrast with the church’s 17th-century stone architecture

7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Where: Inverleith
Highlights: A wide variety of cherry species, including rare and ornamental varieties, blooming in April and May

Discover a Curated Cherry Blossom Walking Route Through Edinburgh

Experience the enchanting beauty of Edinburgh in spring with this thoughtfully curated walking route, showcasing the city’s most picturesque cherry blossom spots. Designed to be both scenic and accessible, this route offers a charming and leisurely way to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and serene atmosphere of the season.

Starting Point: Edinburgh Waverley Station

Easily accessible by train; trams from Edinburgh Airport stop at St. Andrew Square, a short walk away.

1. The Meadows

• Distance from Waverley Station: Approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
• Route: Exit Waverley Station onto Princes Street, head west, then turn left onto Lothian Road. Continue south to reach The Meadows.
• Highlights: Renowned for its iconic cherry blossom avenues, especially along Middle Meadow Walk, creating picturesque tunnels of pink blooms in spring.
• Nearby Café: Victor Hugo Delicatessen – Ideal for grabbing a pastry or sandwich to enjoy in the park.

2. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

• Distance from The Meadows: Approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
  
• Route: From The Meadows, head north through George Square and along North Bridge. Continue onto Queen Street, then turn left onto Inverleith Row to reach the garden.
  
• Highlights: Home to a vast collection of cherry species, including rare and ornamental varieties. Notable spots include the Chinese Hillside and the Sakura Brae.
• Nearby Café: The Terrace Café within the gardens offers refreshments with scenic views.

3. Starbank Park

• Distance from the Royal Botanic Garden: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km)
  
• Route: Exit the Botanic Garden onto Inverleith Place, continue onto Ferry Road, then turn left onto Starbank Road to reach the park.
  
• Highlights: A tranquil Victorian-style park featuring cherry trees and sea views over the Firth of Forth. Known for its community-led Cherry Blossom Picnic in May.
• Nearby Café: Porto & Fi – A cozy café bistro nearby in Newhaven, perfect for a relaxing break.

4. Lauriston Castle & Japanese Garden

• Distance from Starbank Park: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km)
  
• Route: From Starbank Park, head west along Starbank Road, continue onto Lauriston Farm Road, then turn right onto Cramond Road South to reach Lauriston Castle.
  
• Highlights: Features a serene Japanese Friendship Garden adorned with cherry blossoms, symbolising the friendship between Scotland and Japan. Hosts the annual Sakura Festival.
• Nearby Café: Lauriston Castle Café – Offers light refreshments in a historic setting.

5. Braidburn Valley Park

• Distance from Lauriston Castle: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km)
  
• Route: Head south on Cramond Road South, continue onto Queensferry Road, then turn left onto Comiston Road. Proceed to Braidburn Terrace to reach the park.
  
• Highlights: Known for over 400 cherry trees planted in a trefoil pattern by the Girl Guides in 1935, offering a unique and beautiful display in spring.
• Nearby Café: The Hermitage Café – A charming spot for coffee and cakes near the park.

6. Canongate Kirk (Royal Mile)

• Distance from Braidburn Valley Park: Approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
  
• Route: From Braidburn Valley Park, head northeast on Comiston Road, continue onto Morningside Road, then onto Clerk Street. Turn right onto South Bridge, continue onto the Royal Mile, and find Canongate Kirk on your right.
  
• Highlights: Features cherry trees lining the entrance, creating a beautiful contrast with the church’s 17th-century stone architecture.
  
• Nearby Café: The Milkman – A stylish café on Cockburn Street, perfect for a final coffee stop.

7. East Princes Street Gardens

• Distance from Canongate Kirk: Approximately 0.6 miles (1 km)
  
• Route: Continue west along the Royal Mile, turn right onto North Bridge, then left onto Princes Street to reach the gardens.
  
• Highlights: Scattered cherry trees framing views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument, offering a peaceful spot during blossom season.
  
• Nearby Café: The Scottish Café & Restaurant – Located within the gardens, offering local dishes with garden views.

Additional Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-April to early May, depending on the weather.
• Public Transport: Edinburgh’s bus and tram network is extensive and can help you reach these locations efficiently. Consider using Lothian Buses or the Transport for Edinburgh app to plan your journey.
• Event Information: The Sakura Festival at Lauriston Castle is typically held in late April. Check the official website for exact dates and any booking requirements.