Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival 2025: Here’s what to expect

I have to pinch myself that I’m not somehow in The Netherlands as I stroll through swathes of beautiful tulips at Hampton Court Palace… all 100,000 of them! But no, just under 40 minutes from central London I’m met with picture-perfect petals as far as the eye can see.

Gleaming beautifully on the first day of the annual Tulip Festival, these pretty, proud flowers poke out of the grounds surrounding the palace (and even in unexpected spots within the complex), creating colourful centrepieces against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s former home.

What is the Hampton Court Tulip Festival?

This popular event draws crowds from far and wide (yes, even The Netherlands) to see the stunning displays each year. The most famous tulip festival in London launches the spring season at the palace which – even without the tulips in bloom – has some of the capital’s most beautiful gardens, covering more than 60 acres.

This annual showcase is so impressive that it was awarded “Britain’s Largest and Greatest Tulip Heritage Garden” in the World Tulip Summit in 2024. Bloomin’ marvellous, I’d say!

What will I see at the Tulip Festival?

The tulips are spread throughout the grounds, including the palace courtyards, but the larger beds are centred mostly within the formal gardens surrounding the palace.

I caught up with the palace’s Head Gardener, Graham Dillamore, to find out his top tips on what to see at this year’s festival.

Graham says the festival offers “a chance to get up close and personal with our tulips and to see them planted within the historic courtyards and gardens. Find out about their history, how to grow them and what makes them very special in the world of gardens.”

What’s his favourite part of the festival? “The courtyards are my favourite”, he says. “To see the flowers when you turn a corner – in places where you least expect them, is very exciting.” These courtyard displays include the new horse cart display in Base Court.

His favourite blooms? “I love paeony flowered tulips; the colours are so vibrant and the heads so sturdy.”

So, what are my top tips?

I love the vibrant, ordered beds in the Great Fountain Garden, a contrast to the dark greens of the fairytale-like topiary behind. I also spend lots of time lingering alongside the Great Vine Border which, although tucked away, makes a big impression with its seductive mix of oranges and pinks inspired by the palace’s chimneys.

Don’t miss rare and exotic blooms in the Lower Orangery Garden – including the eye-catching Duc Van Tol Red & Yellow, the oldest variety of tulip on show and top in my affections (just pipping the feathery-edged petals of the Blue Heron which, surprisingly, is… pink!).

How much work goes into the festival each year?

Graham describes the preparations as being a real team effort. “The whole team of gardeners plays a part, with choosing colours, designing plant arrangements, and most importantly planting the bulbs”, he says. “100,000 tulip bulbs, all planted by hand is a tough job. My role is to coordinate all these tasks and make sure we have everything purchased, planted and in the ground by Christmas.”

The team doesn’t rest on its laurels (or should that be tulips!), as there’s no let-up in planning for the following year, according to Graham…

“We start thinking, planning, and looking at options 12 months in advance. What looks good, what’s a good colour combination, what hasn’t worked, all those sort of things...”.

Why are there so many Hampton Court tulips?

Tulips were first brought to the palace in great number by King William III (formerly the Prince of Orange from The Netherlands) and Queen Mary II, soon after a period in the 1630s dubbed “Tulipmania”.

Graham explains that “when William III began his reign in 1689 and moved to Hampton Court Palace, he expanded the gardens and plant collection, including a large collection of tulips. In this early period of William’s reign, the majority of tulips were used for cut-flower displays. Mary insisted that her apartments were full of fresh flowers every day, so the demand in spring for tulips must have been considerable.”

These displays have since blossomed into something even bigger, becoming the breathtaking installations we see today. You can learn more about tulips and their history at the palace during daily Tulip Talks (11.30am and 2.30pm) at the Wine Cellar, via the palace shop.

What is the entry fee to Hampton Court Tulip Festival?

Entry to the festival is included within the standard ticket price for Hampton Court Palace and its gardens. Ticket prices start at £28 for adults. Book your Hampton Court Palace ticket now.

As part of your experience take time to explore the palace, from its famous Tudor Kitchens and imposing Great Hall to the Baroque interiors of Queen Mary II and King William III’s State Apartments.

What are the dates of Hampton Court Tulip Festival?

The Tulip Festival runs from 11 April until 5 May 2025. Make sure to book ahead, as the festival is very popular.

Also, keep an eye on the weather to ensure you see the blooms at their best – and follow Historic Royal Palace’s social media for the latest updates.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London

Train: Hampton Court Palace is a five-minute walk from Hampton Court station, which has National Rail services from London Waterloo every 30 minutes. The journey time is 39 minutes.

Tube: There’s no Underground service near Hampton Court Palace, but buses run from Richmond Underground station where there is a connecting R68 bus to the palace.

Accessible parking: There are 10 disabled parking bays, with free parking available for Blue Badge holders only.

If you’re looking for even more floral displays this spring, check out London’s best gardens as they burst into life. Or seek out the capital’s top parks, many of which have trees cloaked in blossom and spring bulbs in full flower. Also keep an eye out for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival 2025, which runs from 1 to 6 July.