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Plan your blossom-viewing day at Kew
Your guide to the best blossom spots, picnic locations and where to go for afternoon tea.
The best time to see spring flowers at Kew is from mid-March to mid-April. Our gardens come alive with magnolias, cherry blossoms, tulips, bluebells and daffodils. Here’s how to plan your blossom-viewing day at Kew for the perfect springtime or Mother’s Day treat.
From 14 March to 6 April 2026, don't miss Sounds of Blossom, when you can take in our enchanting springtime gardens while listening to new compositions by students from the Royal College of Music.
The best places to see blossoms at Kew
Known as hanami in Japan, cherry blossom viewing is the perfect way to welcome spring. The best spots to see cherry blossom at Kew are south of the Palm House; in the Japanese Landscape; and outside either end of the Temperate House. The path at the north end of the Temperate House is called Cherry Walk for its lines of flowering Yoshino cherries, with hundreds of tulips blooming underneath. The best time to see cherry blossom and tulips is from late March to early April.
Magnolias are some of the first trees to bloom in spring and they’re at their best in early to mid-March. Head to Magnolia Walk (on the north side of the Great Broad Walk) and Magnolia Grove (on the north side of Princess Walk).
Map of blossom spots and Sounds of Blossom music experiences
Where to eat, drink and have an elegant afternoon tea
Treat yourself, your mum or your loved one to afternoon tea at the Botanical Brasserie in Kew Gardens. Go ahead and add prosecco for the ultimate decadent treat.
You can also find tasty sandwiches, cakes, drinks and hot food at our cafes and restaurants around the Gardens.
The Orangery is close by the stunning magnolias in our Magnolia Grove.
Victoria Plaza is a short walk from the cherry blossoms behind the Palm House.
The Pavilion Bar and Grill is the closest restaurant to the cherry blossom and tulips on Cherry Walk and near the Temperate House.
The best picnic spots at Kew
You’re welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy outdoors on our benches and lawns. The benches with the best views of blossoming trees are bordering the Rose Garden, outside both ends of the Temperate House, along the Great Broad Walk or next to the lake.
There are wide lawns perfect for a springtime or Mother's Day picnic in front of Kew Palace, near the Children’s Garden and in front of the Orangery, as well as along Cedar Vista.
Catch live performances from the Royal College of Music
Every weekend during Sounds of Blossom, you can see live performances from students at the Royal College of Music, playing enchanting pieces to welcome spring.
Look for the live performance tent near the Mediterranean Garden at 11am and 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We’ll feature new quartets and setlists every week: a perfect opportunity to come back again and again.
Become a member
Did you know Kew members get unlimited visits to the Gardens? Plus discounts, exclusive access and much more.
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.jpg.webp?itok=a6UYLJoZ "Cherry blossom, Jeff Eden © RBG Kew")
