When I visited the Japan Centre, I picked up a map showing the best places to see cherry blossoms around London. I chose to visit Ravenscourt Park because I’d never been to that part of London. The park has several features, which make it a lovely spot to spend a few hours or have a picnic. I arrived at the park around 11:20 on a Tuesday morning. Although I enjoyed my morning, I didn’t stay for a picnic. Although benches are dotted around the park, the cherry blossom area was too busy for a picnic under the trees. If you live in the burbs with blossoming trees, you don’t have to rush to Ravenscourt, in my opinion. Look for a hidden gem in your locality. However, if Insta and TikTok posts have inveigled you to visit, I will share a few helpful tips for visiting Ravenscourt Park.
A Brief History Of Ravenscourt Park
Ravenscourt Park goes back to medieval times! The lake we now see was part of the moat that surrounded Paddenswick (or Palingswick) Manor. In 1888, the 32-acre site was opened to the public.
‘King Edward III’s mistress Alice Perrers lived in the manor during the 14th century. The manor house was rebuilt in 1650, and in 1747 it was sold to Thomas Corbett, who named it Ravenscourt, probably derived from the raven in his coat of arms, which was itself a pun on his name as corbeau is French for raven.’
The last private owner of the estate was George Scott. He bought it in 1812. Scott was a builder and philanthropist. He developed nearby St Peter’s Square. Scott employed leading landscape architect Humphry Repton to lay out the gardens of the estate.
Ravenscourt Park Facilities
As I mentioned earlier, on a fair day, you could easily spend several hours in the park, with or without children.
The facilities include:
- Four play areas for 0-5-year-olds
- One play area for 5-13-year-olds
- Paddling pool
- Sandpit
- Tea house
- Tennis courts
- Ffootball pitch (astroturf)
- Basketball courts (outdoor)
- Netball courts (outdoor)
- Bowling green
- Garden centre and cafe
- Wildlife garden
Have a look at the map to plan your visit and check out their tree trail as well!
Sakura Season At Ravenscourt Park
When the Sakura (cherry blossom) blooms in Spring, it’s busy where those trees are. I recommend, if you are going to film content, you probably need to go very early morning or a few hours before closing.
My trip was for content creation. I packed my lunch, a DJI Osmo camera, and a memory bank for my mobile phone. The prospect of lunch under a cherry seemed very inviting. Lunch in the park never happened. The experience taught me that even 11:20am on a week day is too late, if you are visiting for this reason. I did capture a few cute pics though.
TIP: Footage for social media purposes? Take a friend or photographer for assistance.
Other Places To See Spring Blossoms
Last year I visited the Kyoto Garden in London and Coombe Park in Croydon for the first time. They did not disappoint. Further afield in Sussex, you will find the hidden gem Worth Park.
Do you have a favourite place to see spring blossoms? Comment below.
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