Spring in Edinburgh brings a quieter kind of beauty. Across the city, cherry blossoms begin to appear, from the tree-lined paths of The Meadows to the calm of the Royal Botanic Garden, adding a dream-like elegance to familiar streets and green spaces.
It’s a season best experienced at a gentler pace, which is why our Stay Longer, Pay Less offer gives you the time to do just that. Stay three nights or more and enjoy up to 15% off, with more time to explore, pause, and see the city at its seasonal best.
For a seasonal stroll
Edinburgh offers a wealth of places to enjoy the quiet beauty of cherry blossom season, each one with its own character, charm, and sense of calm.
St Andrew Square
Just steps from InterContinental Edinburgh The George, this elegant square is a perfect starting point. Cherry trees bring a softness to its Georgian surroundings, offering a calm pause amid the buzz of the New Town.
Princes Street Gardens
A short walk away, these gardens sit beneath Edinburgh Castle and showcase cherry blossoms in a setting rich with history and views. It’s an ideal blend of city and nature, beautiful in every direction.
Canongate Kirk
Located along the Royal Mile, this historic church is flanked by blooming cherry trees in spring. The nearby statue of poet Robert Fergusson becomes especially photogenic, framed by petals and soft seasonal light
The Meadows
One of Edinburgh’s most iconic blossom displays. A long, tree-lined avenue creates a striking tunnel of pink each spring, perfect for a relaxed wander, a picnic, or simply sitting beneath the blooms.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A peaceful retreat just beyond the city centre. Japanese cherry trees line tranquil paths and frame Sakura Brae, a beautiful avenue planted to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Guided group tours are also available for those who want to explore the garden’s seasonal highlights in more detail.
Top spot of the season
Head Concierge, Scott, shares his favourite places to experience Edinburgh in bloom, including his personal top spot for catching the city’s most enchanting avenue of cherry blossoms.
InterContinental Edinburgh, 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PB, UK
Phone: +44 131 225 1251 | Email: edinburghthegeorgereservations@ihg.com
Car
Travelling by car from elsewhere in the UK? Find your route from the link below and enter our postcode: EH2 2PB.
Tram
There is a regular tram service from the airport that costs £5.50 for a single trip, or £8.50 for a return. It takes about 40 minutes and stops at St Andrew Square, just a minute’s walk from the hotel.
Train
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley Station, which has direct services to London King’s Cross. Getting a taxi from the station takes approximately five minutes, and the fare is between £6 and £8. However, the walk won’t take you more than ten minutes.
Airport
Edinburgh International Airport is just seven miles, or 25 minutes by taxi, from the hotel. A typical fare is under £25 (this may be higher on public holidays).
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Slater Menswear Edinburgh, George Street, Edinburgh, UK
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