When April arrives, London and the surrounding South East of England become the perfect spots to enjoy the stunning tulips in full bloom. You don’t have to fly all the way to the Netherlands to experience the vibrant beauty of these flowers.
The UK offers some of the best tulip gardens, including those in free London parks like Embankment Gardens, where you can find picturesque tulip beds. These gardens, full of colour, showcase the season’s glory, making it an ideal time to visit.
The surrounding countryside and nearby regions also feature magnificent tulip gardens, offering a mix of vibrant flowers and serene fields that are a delight to explore. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the tulip festival season is the right moment to enjoy nature’s beauty.
If you’re looking for the best tulip gardens, this guide will help you find the perfect spots to witness the dazzling displays of these amazing flowers. From the heart of London to the peaceful countryside, there’s no shortage of glory to admire in the spring.
Does Tulip Gardens in London – The Short Answer
In April, London and the South East offer stunning tulip displays, with gardens like Victoria Embankment and Regent’s Park showcasing vibrant blooms. These locations, along with nearby regions like St Albans and Surrey, provide peaceful spots to enjoy tulips.
The tulip season lasts from early April to late May, depending on the weather, making it the perfect time to explore these gardens and festivals. The guide highlights the best spots, from London’s iconic parks to hidden gems like Dunsborough Park and Arundel Castle, offering breathtaking tulip experiences.
Top London Tulip Locations (Spring 2026)
- London offers a colourful spring experience with tulip beds spread across central areas and major Park spaces.
- Iconic locations feature over 100,000 bulbs, often touted as the UK’s largest and most historic tulip displays.
- Many gardens are botanical, artistic, and carefully curated, creating Extensive seasonal varieties for visitors.
- Regent’s Park and St James’s Park stand out for their prominent, well-maintained beds that are free to explore
- A beautiful, hidden spot in Mayfair feels smaller but peaceful, making it A top place to slow down and enjoy spring.
Top Nearby Tulip Fields (Outside London)
- Tulip Fields Near St Albans in Hertfordshire are a new location featuring over 100 varieties with relaxed photo spots.
- A popular Garden Fest in West Sussex, close to Crawley, features 1.5 million tulips and many photo opportunities.
- The Fest is well known for its Dutch-themed attractions, making it feel different from typical tulip gardens.
- A Park in Surrey is known for stunning, organised tulip gardens, typically open for a limited number of spring days.
- Heath in West London has a new, large tulip patch thatfeaturess various photo spots.
Tulips at Victoria Embankment Gardens
Victoria Embankment Gardens is a hidden gem in central London, offering a stunning green space along the north side of the river. As one of the most incredible public tulip gardens in London, it was a pleasant surprise for me to discover such a beautifully tended tulip park.
I had always overlooked it, not considering it a spot to visit in April, but after experiencing it, I now realise how much it deserves attention. The gardens offer a unique experience with different colour schemes in each section, making it a perfect place to explore every spot for the full experience of vibrant tulips.
If you’re in London during tulip season, make sure to visit this park. Its location along the river makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. The variety and careful arrangement of the tulips here make it a top choice for anyone looking to experience nature’s glory in the heart of the city.
Hampton Court tulip festival
The Hampton Court Palace tulip festival offers a perfect mix of tulips and historic past. In the formal gardens and walled gardens, you can find stunning tulip displays that highlight the beauty of the grounds. One of my personal favourites is the sunken garden, where vibrant tulips beautifully surround a small water feature, creating a picturesque scene.
You’ll also spot wisteria nearby, adding even more charm to this special place in the main grounds. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates both nature and history.
Design Museum in London – A great place for design enthusiasts, showcasing how design influences both everyday life and art.
Cannizaro Park tulip gardens
Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon is a hidden gem in London for those looking to enjoy tulip spotting in springtime. The park has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century, when it was part of the Cannizaro House estate, originally built for the Duke of Cannizaro.
The estate is home to beautifully landscaped gardens, with a formal garden featuring a stunning tulip display. This peaceful spot is perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the beauty of tulips surrounded by a historical setting.
Tulips at Ham House
Ham House in Richmond is one of my all-time favourite spots in London, especially during tulip season. The kitchen garden features neat formal tulip rows, while wild tulips bloom freely on the lawn behind the historic National Trust house. If you’re lucky, you may even catch some wisteria blooming on the cafe walls.
Last time I visited, I was able to buy a fresh bouquet of tulips for just a few pounds. With so many things to do in Richmond, it’s worth making a whole day of the visit to enjoy the beauty of the season.
Tulips in St James’s Park
St James’s Park in central London is a stunning spot for a beautiful display of tulips, particularly near Horse GuardsParade. The garden is home to tulips arranged in intricate patterns, creating a colourful tapestry of coloursthat is truly a sight to behold.
The tulips bloom in a rainbow of colours, adding vibrant hues to the park, making it the perfect stop for visitors who are strolling through central London. If you’re in the area, it’s a great way to break up a busy London day with a peaceful moment before heading to the many nearby museums.
Tulips in Holland Park
If you’re in Holland Park during April, you won’t want to miss the Dutch Gardens and their beautiful display of tulips. These vibrant flowers are carefully arranged in a formal garden, with diamond shapes that create a stunning pattern throughout the space.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the Japanese garden, which is always a special place to explore. It’s a perfect combination of nature and design, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in London.
Hyde Park Tulips
In Hyde Park, you can find beautiful tulips in several spots, including the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens near Kensington Palace. This sunken garden is open to the public when the palace is open and features vibrant springtime borders.
Another great spot in the park is the Italian Gardens, where you’ll see tulips planted along with elegant pools and fountains, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Tulips in Surrey: Dunsborough Park
If you’re looking for a hidden gem outside of London, Dunsborough Park in Ripley, Surrey, is a must-visit. This private estate opens twice a year for its tulip festival and dahlia festival, where you can explore exquisite tulip planting in a stunning garden. The tulip meadow is particularly breathtaking.
It’s a relatively quiet place to explore, making it perfect for a peaceful day out. You can buy tickets through their website or visit as part of the Open Gardens scheme. I love my biannual visits to this place – it’s a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of South West London.
Tulips at Guildford Castle
Guildford Castle is an unexpected spot for a tulip garden, but it’s a hidden treasure, especially during tulip season. The castle grounds are free to wander, and though it may not be a major destination year-round, it’s worth the visit in April. I was lucky enough to be in Guildford visiting family, so I decided to check out the tulip planting.
The beauty of the garden was breathtaking, with a formal arrangement of tulips that included a stunning white and pastel colour scheme. It’s a peaceful, lesser-known spot to enjoy the vibrant colours ofspring.
Arundel Castle tulip festival
Arundel Castle is the ultimate tulip destination in the UK, offering some of the most impressive tulip gardens you’ll ever see. The gardens feature both formal planting and more spontaneous planting, but the highlight is the stunning spiralling tulip maze, which frames a perfect view of the cathedral.
As you explore the glorious pockets of tulips throughout the castle grounds, you’ll be surprised and delighted by the beauty at every turn. It’s a bit pricey to enter at £30, but definitely a showstopper for any tulip lover. While the South East of the UK, including London’s parks, offers many formal gardens to admire, nothing compares to the scale of the tulips at Arundel in April.
Tulley’s Farm tulip fields
Tulley’s Farm in Sussex is a relatively new addition to the tulip scene and could be the answer to those searching for tulip fields near London. While there’s nothing quite like the famous fields of Holland, Tulley’s Farm boasts over 500,000 tulips that bloom in April, though the exact dates depend on the weather.
The farm is just a 10-minute cab ride from Three Bridges Station, and only about 40 minutes from London Bridge by train, making it an easy day trip. The stunning fields at Tulley’s Farm may very well rival the more famous tulip spots and are definitely worth a visit.
FAQ
Is there any tulip garden in London?
Yes, there are tulip gardens in London, and one of the most stunning is Victoria Embankment Gardens, located in the heart of central London. This green space along the north side of the river is home to one of the most incredible public tulip gardens in the city. It’s a peaceful spot that often surprises visitors with its beauty and vibrant tulips, making it a must-visit if you’re looking for a touch of nature in London.
What is the tulip season in the UK?
The tulip season in the UK varies depending on whether they are commercially grown or grown outdoors. Commercially grown tulips are typically available indoors from late November to April. However, outdoor-grown tulips, often cultivated by artisan flower growers, are a spring crop that starts blooming from early April and can last until the end of May. The exact timing of the season can shift depending on the weather, so it’s always a good idea to check for the best time to visit the tulip gardens.
Is the tulip garden worth visiting?
The Tulip Garden in Srinagar is definitely worth visiting, especially during spring when the garden is in full bloom. It offers a magical experience where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature. The vibrant colours of the tulips are set against the stunning backdrop of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Range, making it an unforgettable experience and a perfect opportunity for nature lovers and photographers alike.
What is the ticket pricefor the Tulip Garden?
The ticket price for visiting the Tulip Garden is quite affordable. For adults, the entry fee is Rs 75 per person, making it a great value for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the tulips. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this cost makes it easy to enjoy the vibrant colours of the garden without breaking the bank.
