100,000 Tulips at Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival

Every spring, Hampton Court Palace’s world-famous gardens become a sensational flourishing display of colourful blooms spread everywhere across the 750 acres (304 hectares) of parkland and the 60 acres of outstanding formal gardens gorgeously located within a loop of the River Thames.

2021 introduced a special twist which made it more special than usual since it brought the inaugural edition of the Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival that celebrated the Home Park’s long royal history of tulip cultivation that goes back to the reign of Queen Mary II.

With approximately 100 species in existence, the European craze for tulips crossed the English Channel in the 1630s. Once they were introduced to the British Isles, they remained a constant source of joy and were often used to emphasize the red bricks of Tudor courtyards.

Visitors are welcomed to admire three National Plant Collections, wander around the record-breaking grapevine, explore the world's oldest puzzle maze, and discover an impressive variety of wildlife, including the descendants of Henry VIII’s deer herd.

Graham Dillamore, Gardens and Estates Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “We’re so excited to welcome our visitors back to the palace this spring to experience the dazzling floral displays on offer across our magnificent gardens.

Our gardeners have spent a backbreaking few months hand-planting over 100,000 bulbs and we can’t wait for visitors to enjoy them and their array of colours in full bloom this April.”

Book your Hampton Court Palace tickets (note that you have to purchase a Palace admission as there are no exclusive tickets just for the Hampton Court Gardens).

📍 Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU.

📆 Visit the Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival between 8 April - 29 April 2024.

🎫 Adult tickets start at £27.20. Family savers available.

*All photos were taken by Ina/WithinLondon unless stated otherwise.

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