I lived in Japan for a couple of years and Hanami was one of my most favourite times of the year. Cherry Blossom season lasts for a few short weeks and reminds the Japanese that life can be short to make sure you enjoy it.
During Cherry Blossom Season, picnics are enjoyed amongst the trees. There is something rather mesmerising in watching the pale pink and white petals floating above your head.
My two favourite places to enjoy the Cherry Blossom in Edinburgh are Lauriston Castle and Starbank Park.
Lauriston Castle
Lauriston Castle is set within beautiful grounds between Crammond and Davidson’s Mains in Edinburgh. The grounds are a public space and throughout the year workshops and events are hosted in the old house.
Within the grounds there is a stunning Japanese garden and for a few weeks in Spring the trees and floor are carpeted in delicate white sakura petals. There are plenty of benches or grass to sit underneath the trees and just soak it all in.
Lauriston Castle has a decent carpark, plenty of grounds to wander, and some lovely views looking down to the Firth of Forth. There is a Mimi’s Bakehouse on site serving take away hot drinks and sweet treats and there is a public toilet block.
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Starbank Park
Starbank Park is a small community park nestled on a hill in Newhaven Edinburgh. The top of the park is set within a walled garden and is full of pink Cherry Blossom trees during Spring. There are plenty of benches to sit on and admire the glorious views, which stretch across to the Firth of Forth. The park is maintained by group of volunteers who work very hard to keep it blooming.
There are two little libraries on site, one for children and one for adults. On a sunny day its lovely to borrow a book and sit under the blossoms to read. There is also a small nature trail for children to follow within the grounds. There in on-street parking outside the park.
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