The Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival: Your Spring Plans, Sorted

You know when spring finally decides to show up, and suddenly, everyone’s out in their best trench coat, pretending winter never happened? Well, there’s no better way to embrace the season than a full-blown floral spectacle—and Hampton Court Palace’s Tulip Festival is exactly that.

From 11 April to 5 May, the palace’s already-glorious gardens will be taken over by 100,000 tulips in every shade imaginable. We’re talking rows of bright reds, soft pinks, and even those moody, almost-black ones that look like they belong in a luxury perfume ad. No wonder it’s officially Britain’s biggest and best tulip festival (a title won at the World Tulip Summit—yes, that exists, and yes, it’s serious business).

It’s Basically a Rom-Com Set in a Garden

Picture this: You’re strolling through 60 acres of royal gardens, the sun is making a rare guest appearance, and everywhere you turn, there’s another jaw-dropping tulip display.

There are floating tulip bowls in the Great Fountain, blooms spilling dramatically from Henry VIII’s old wine fountain, and perfectly arranged displays in vintage horse carts. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect to see Colin Firth brooding in the distance.

Then there’s the Lower Orangery, home to some of the rarest, most historic tulip varieties—the kind that once decorated royal palaces and still look ridiculously photogenic centuries later. If tulips had a VIP section, this would be it.

An Excuse to Escape London (Without Actually Going That Far)

Only a short train ride from the city, this is peak ‘main character energy’ territory. Whether you’re planning a cute day out, a leisurely solo wander with an overpriced oat latte, or just need somewhere to wear that spring outfit you panic-bought in February, this is it.

And the best bit? If you’re a Historic Royal Palaces member, you get in free—no faff, no booking, just waltz in like you own the place. For everyone else, standard admission applies, but honestly, it’s worth it for the sheer “I am in a period drama” vibes alone.

The Need-to-Know Bit

📅 When? 11 April – 5 May 2025
⏰ Time? 10:00 – 17:30
🎟 Tickets? Free for members, standard admission for everyone else

So, shall we? Tulips, a royal palace, and an excellent excuse for cake afterwards—what’s not to love? 🌷✨