Cherry blossom season has arrived in a stunning little town in the UK, and the scenes easily rival those of Japan. When they turn a vibrant pink, cherry blossoms attract people to take in their out-of-this-world beauty. They originate from Asia but, nowadays, are dotted around the UK and give a lovely lease of life to streets, villages, and towns when they come into full bloom.
One UK town has been beautifully transformed since the cherry blossom trees there have bloomed. Harrogate, in North Yorkshire has been transformed into a somewhat Japanese-like paradise with scores of cherry blossom trees brightening up the town. People in the town and from surrounding areas have been flocking to the trees to take photos, enjoying them in all their pink glory. One photographer even told the BBC that the cherry blossom trees are turning the area into a go-to photo opportunity destination in the UK.
Harrogate is located in North Yorkshire, 22 miles east of York. While it is a visit-worthy town in its own right, it might just become the home of a Japanese cultural tradition in the UK.
Hanami is the Japanese custom of viewing and celebrating cherry blossom trees during their blooming season. This is typically enjoyed by having a picnic under the trees to mark the arrival of Spring with friends and family.
The backdrop of the pink cherry blossom trees makes this one of the most beautiful annual customs in Japanese culture and indeed, the world. The cherry blossom trees here are located in The Stray, an area of parkland in Harrogate.
The trees were planted here in the 1950s and have become a major attraction ever since, especially with the emergence of photo-sharing social media sites like Instagram.
Many locals and visitors to the area have shared their experiences of spending time around the cherry blossom trees. One Tripadvisor reviewer from Yorkshire wrote: "I came across these trees with blossom reminded me of the cherry blossom season in Japan. I noticed several people taking photos of themselves amongst the blossom. The Stray is well worth a visit if you are in Harrogate, surrounded by beautiful houses, cafes, hotels and restaurants."
Another shared: "[We] visited The Stray for the first time and we were amazed by the cherry blossom display on the avenues of cherry trees. I understand the blossom only lasts for a couple of weeks and so we were lucky to see the display."
A third said: "In the Spring the beautiful cherry trees in The Stray in full bloom are guaranteed to make your heart sing."
The season for cherry blossom trees to bloom in the UK is usually in the month of April. However, some might flower in March and others might not bloom until May, depending on weather conditions in that particular year.
Aside from the cherry blossom trees, there are a number of reasons to visit Harrogate in North Yorkshire. The town is historically a spa resort and to this day, visitors can experience ultra relaxation at the Turkish Baths in the town.
In the town and in the surrounding area, there are a number of other top-rated attractions such as Brimham Rocks, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Valley Gardens and Riply Castle.