Cherry blossom season has arrived in Harrogate, with the town's iconic pink-lined avenues returning in full bloom.
Long rows of the candy floss-coloured trees are now in bloom across the Stray, attracting tourists and residents for 'Instagrammable' shots.
Sakura season in Japan attracts millions of visitors each year, but Harrogate residents say you don’t need to travel 6,000 miles to experience something just as magical.
The annual bloom offers a slice of that tradition closer to home, echoing the Japanese custom of “hanami” - or flower viewing - celebrated between March and May.
Check out our gallery below:
The cherry trees on the Stray have their own rich history.
Around 200 were planted in 1953 to mark the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, creating what has since become one of the town’s most recognisable seasonal displays.
The Stray itself dates back centuries, once forming part of the Forest of Knaresborough – a royal hunting ground that passed to John of Gaunt in 1369.
Today, the 200-acre public space remains under the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels


