Where to See the Best Blossoms in the Cotswolds This Spring (Before They’re Gone!)
Spring in the Cotswolds is a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of magic. One day, the trees are bare, and the next, the air is filled with soft pink petals drifting in the breeze. If you love seeing the countryside burst into life, now’s the time to get outside because those blossoms won’t stick around for long!
Here’s where (and when!) to catch the best spring blossoms in the Cotswolds, including some hidden gems you might not have thought of.
Cherry Blossoms (Late March – Mid April)
The stars of the show! These fluffy pink and white blooms only last a couple of weeks, so timing is everything.
Cirencester Park – a peaceful spot with ornamental cherry trees that lead down from the Old Kennels to the caravan park, known as the Jubilee Walk.
Berkeley Garden (Cheltenham) - a patch of grass by the crossroads of Hewlett Road and London road is home to a collection of cherry trees that always look stunning when in full bloom. An unexpected spot in Cheltenham to see such an amazing display, but one worth visiting.
Batsford Arboretum - a must-visit in spring, boasting one of the UK’s largest private tree collections, with it’s cherry blossoms being the main stars of the show, creating dreamy pink canopies perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Magnolia (Mid March – Early April)
Magnolias bloom early and don’t hang around. Catch them before they drop!
• Hidcote Garden – home to a beautiful, big magnolia tree that looks absolutely stunning when it blooms.
• Bibury – everyone knows Bibury for the cottages, but the magnolia trees near Arlington Row are just as magical.
• Snowshill Manor – this National Trust gem has stunning gardens, including a dreamy magnolia tucked away near the main house. The house is also a fantatsic place to look around, with lots of rooms to explore filled with all sorts of extraordinary items on display.
Apple & Orchard Blossoms (Mid April – Early May)
Delicate white and pale pink blossoms fill the orchards before the fruit starts to grow.
Daylesford Organic, Kingham – their orchard is full of apple blossoms in late April, and it smells amazing.
Colesbourne Park – famous for snowdrops, but if you visit in late April, you’ll find apple and cherry trees in bloom too.
Bourton-on-the-Water (Hidden Orchards!) – walk the footpaths just outside the village, and you’ll find pockets of old apple and pear orchards in full bloom.
Wisteria & Lilac (Late April – May)
Not technically blossoms, but just as stunning!
• Lower Slaughter – The wisteria-covered cottages here look straight out of a fairytale in May. You’ll find some on the walk down from the pub towards the mill, following alongside the river.
• The Royal Crescent, Cheltenham – The lilac bushes along the crescent bloom in late spring and smell incredible.
• Woodstock Village – the wisteria-draped cotswold stone houses are magical here. I always have a wander into the village to see them after a visit to Blenheim Palace.
If you’re planning to visit these beautiful blossom spots, why not turn the moment into something you can keep forever?
Blossom season is short, but it makes the perfect setting for a photo shoot - your child playing beneath the falling petals, running through orchards in full bloom or a burst of colour in the background of your child’s portrait. It’s the perfect setting for natural, stunning photos. My photo shoots are super relaxed and child-led, so whether your little one loves to run wild or take it all in at their own pace, we’ll capture them just as they are.
🌸 Blossoms won’t last forever, but your photos will. Book a shoot today and let’s make the most of this beautiful season! 🌸