Each spring, the United Kingdom bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour as tulip season blankets the country in a vibrant tapestry of blooms. From the enchanting countryside fields of Norfolk to the regal gardens of Hampton Court Palace, the UK becomes a canvas painted with the hues of tulips in full bloom. Join us as we embark on a journey through the country's tulip hotspots, exploring the beauty, diversity, and cultural significance of this beloved flower during its fleeting yet magnificent season.
Arundel Castle Tulip Festival: The festival, known as one of the top tulip displays in Europe, takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Castle. Visitors can expect to be greeted by a sea of colour as the festival showcases over 120 different named tulips meticulously planted by the castle’s esteemed Head Gardener, Martin Duncan, and his team. This year, the festival boasts over 100,000 tulips. Among the highlights is the new main display in the Wild Flower Garden, adjacent to the Thatched Round House, featuring thousands of Narcissus Thalia (white daffodils). Varieties such as Oxford, Golden Oxford, Purple Pride, and a 'Foxtrot Party' comprising Foxtrot, Foxy Foxtrot, and Red Foxtrot, contribute to an unmissable sight.
Burnby Hall Gardens: Pocklington's Gardens, often hailed as "a jewel in Yorkshire's crown," boast a unique charm and are home to a National Collection comprising over 100 varieties of Hardy Water Lilies. These lilies grace the Upper and Lower Lakes with their vibrant blooms from June through August. Spanning nine acres of woodland and gardens, the lakes also harbour Carp and Roach, offering visitors the delightful opportunity to hand-feed these aquatic inhabitants. Traversing the grounds, visitors can explore walkways encircling both lakes, cross an ornamental bridge, and wander through a Victorian Garden. An Aviary adds to the serene atmosphere, while a recently replanted Rock Garden adds a fresh burst of botanical beauty. Throughout the spring and summer, the Gardens host the popular annual Tulip Festival.
Hampton Court Tulip Festival: At the Hampton Court, over 100,000 tulip bulbs burst into a kaleidoscope of colour, creating one of the UK's most impressive displays of planted tulips. One can embrace the arrival of spring by embarking on a journey to Hampton Court Palace and delight in 60 acres of vibrant royal gardens, immersing in the historic grounds once frequented by Henry VIII. This year, the palace and its magnificent gardens will be open seven days a week throughout the Tulip Festival, inviting visitors to revel in the seasonal splendour.
Tulley’s Farm: Nestled in the picturesque West Sussex countryside, Tulley’s Farm promises a spectacle beyond compare. This year, the collection includes an astounding 500,000 tulip bulbs, showcasing an extraordinary array of 100 distinct tulip species. As one wanders through the fields, a breathtaking tapestry of colours, ranging from the deepest purples and blues to the most radiant yellows and reds pleasant the sight. Each tulip variety contributes its own unique charm and personality to the landscape, weaving together a mesmerising visual symphony. Whether a devoted tulip enthusiast, a connoisseur of natural wonders, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat colour fields beckon as the perfect destination to escape and reconnect with the wonders of the natural world.
The Norfolk Tulip Garden: The Norfolk Tulip Garden stands as a unique attraction, being the sole tulip field in the UK accessible to the public for a fleeting two-week period every spring. During this brief window of time, visitors have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of these exquisite flowers before they are harvested and distributed to destinations worldwide. In the previous year, a staggering fourteen million bulbs, boasting an extensive array of hues, were meticulously planted across the expansive 28-acre field. The resulting spectacle is nothing short of breathtaking, offering visitors a visual feast of colour and beauty.
