A city in Scotland has been named among the best "alternative" places in the world to see the cherry blossom bloom this spring.

Discussing the iconic cherry blossom, The Times newspaper said: "The Japanese have celebrated the arrival of sakura, or cherry blossom, and the associated coming of spring for centuries — and plenty of other countries have caught on.

"Festivals are now held in honour of the delicate pink and white petals all over the world, with many nationalities following the Japanese custom of picnicking with friends and family beneath the canopy.

"The flowers are here for one or two weeks only, so catch them before they’re gone."

East Lothian Courier: Cherry blossoms usually bloom in late April in Scotland's capital.Cherry blossoms usually bloom in late April in Scotland's capital. (Image: Getty)

Scottish city named one of the world's best 'alternative' places to see the cherry blossom bloom

Edinburgh was the Scottish city named one of the best "alternative" places in the world to see the cherry blossom bloom.

The Times said: "Spring arrives a bit later in the Scottish capital, with the blossoms usually unfurling in late April. The best way to see them is on a wander around town — they look particularly striking against the weathered sandstone of Edinburgh’s older buildings.

"Don’t miss the Meadows Park just south of the Old Town, Princes Street Gardens, where the blossoms frame Edinburgh Castle, or the grounds in front of pretty Canongate Kirk. The Hotel du Vin is conveniently located amid the three locations."

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East Lothian Courier: London and Edinburgh were the only UK locations named among the best places to see the cherry blossom bloom.London and Edinburgh were the only UK locations named among the best places to see the cherry blossom bloom. (Image: Getty)

Other locations in the UK were featured on the list with London in England being praised as "a lovely place to indulge in a bit of quiet flower-viewing."

The newspaper said: "There are several varieties of cherry trees in the city’s parks — try Greenwich, Regent’s, St James’s or Battersea, or just wander the residential streets around Primrose Hill and Chelsea, where the blooms look particularly pretty against the pastel-coloured townhouses.

"Kew is a wonderful spot — bring a picnic and enjoy it alfresco by the “cherry walk”. The Mei Ume restaurant at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square near the Tower of London also puts on a special hanami menu."