The most famous and renowned place to enjoy cherry blossom is in Japan but did you know you can also see an incredible display in Washington D. C? Are you a fan of Harry Potter? You might like to make a combined visit to Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts) in Northumberland. Here are some other places where you can enjoy the magical display of cherry blossoms here in Scotland.
The Best Places To Enjoy Cherry Blossoms In Scotland
Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a number of places to enjoy the beautiful blossoms, but three are particularly amazing! You can read more about the three best places to see cherry blossoms in Edinburgh, these include The Meadows, Princes Street Gardens and one other that may surprise you.
Glasgow
Bellahouston Park was once lined with beautiful cherry trees, earlier this year they were removed to accommodate water pipes. Don't fret these are to be replaced once the works are completed and can be enjoyed in years to come.
Have you heard or seen the magical display of cherry blossoms by Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum? The park was created in 1952 when the ground was acquired by Glasgow City Council, with design contributions by Charles Wilson and Sir Joseph Paxton.
The park has many architectural features including sculptures, fountains, bridges and a bandstand. There are also a number of paths across the park including those that follow the River Kelvin.
Falkirk
There are small clusters of cherry blossoms around the Falkirk area including by Callender Road, along Polmont Road and by the Falkirk Trinity Church.
Denny once a small village, expanded in 1825 with the production of linen and other industries including coal and iron founding. Today you can explore the town and enjoy a 1.5-mile cherry tree walk. It starts by the Town House building and leads beyond the sports centre. The trees are just coming into bloom now, another few days and there will be an abundance of pink blossoms. There are several walks in the area including woodlands, a castle, broch and a mysterious blue pool. Well worth a visit!
Kinneil House, Bo'ness
One of my favourite places to have visited during lockdown has been, Kinneil House. Located in the town of Bo'ness with links to the Roman period (Antonine Wall), coastal walks and beautiful woodlands. This small but interesting town has lots going for it, including a motor museum, steam railway, one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in Scotland (1912) and much more! Bo'ness dates back to the 1400s, historically part of Linthigow when the port was built, today in the town you can still see segments of the Antonine Wall, which was named as an extension to the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site UNESCO status in 2007.
Kinneil House "was once the principal seat of the Hamilton family in the east of Scotland. The house was saved from demolition in 1936 when, 16th-century mural paintings were discovered, and it is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland". Built-in 1553 but the lands were acquired by the hamiltons in 1323. The first mention of Kinneil dates back to 731 AD making it one of the earliest settlements in Scotland!
Kinneil House once had a kitchen garden and was stocked with leeks, carrots, onions, turnips and radish. The best part was said to have been the orchard with pear trees and surrounding the walls was not only cherry but peach and apricot trees. During the 1680s a full-time gardener was employed, James Miller. Read the extensive blog written by historian Geoff Bailey from Falkirk Local History Society and Falkirk Community Trust. It is a wealth of information!
As well as the beautiful cherry blossom trees, there is a museum, remains of the engineer James Watts workshop, where he developed the prototype of the steam engine. You can also see the remains of Kinneil Parsh Church with a timeline dating back to the 6th century when St Serf arrived across the Firth of Forth. There are also three walking trails and lovely walks around the pond.
Dollar
The small picturesque town of Dollar is located in the county of Clackmannanshire, the smallest historic county in Scotland. It is well worth a visit not only to see the cherry blossoms (trees were planted to celebrate the Coronation in 1953) but also for its quaint shops and a visit to Dollar Museum. Don't miss a walk through Dollar Glen, with stairs that lead up to Castle Campbell. From the top, there are incredible vistas out over the town and surrounding areas.
Dundee
Dundee known as the home of jute, jam, and journalism is a must-visit! Today you can visit the V&A Museum, RRS Discovery, Verdant Works the Dundee Science and more.
Dawson Park located between Dundee and Broughty Ferry is the result of a bequest in 1940, by Mr. William Dawson of Broughty Ferry "for the purpose of providing playing fields, sports grounds or other recreational facilities ..." The ground was purchased from the Douglas and Angus Estate in 1949, and the park was opened in the mid-1950s. Today it is mainly planted with mature Prunus Padus - Bird Cherry. While in Broughty Ferry you might like to also visit Broughty Castle or enjoy an adrenaline-filled boat trip around the Tay Estuary, wildlife spotting, hearing about the local history, as well as seeing the new V & A Dundee museum from another perspective with Pirate Boats.
I hope you have enjoyed reading, the best places to see cherry blossoms in Scotland, and are inspired to visit some of these beautiful places.
This year I am excited to offer seasonal family portraits. Get in touch to organise your pre-session chat.
As always, I love to hear from you with any comments/questions you may have. You can reach me via email at: enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com
Until next time, stay safe, happy and well.