If you enjoy stunning spring flowers and exploring historic landmarks, the Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace is a must-visit event. Just a short journey from central London, this annual floral celebration transforms the palace gardens into an explosion of spring colour. With over 100,000 bulbs in bloom, the display of tulips at Hampton Court is one of the most breathtaking in the UK. Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply in search of a beautiful day out in Surrey, Hampton Court Palace tulips offer a truly unforgettable experience.
This year, the Hampton Court Tulip Festival is running from 2nd April – 5th May 2025.
We have updated this post for 2025.
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Although tulips have been grown at Hampton Court Palace since the reign of Queen Mary II in the 1690s, the Hampton Court Tulip Festival has only been an annual event since 2021. Preparations for the event begin in August, with over 100,000 bulbs planted in pots, planters, and flower beds throughout the palace’s historic gardens.
We visited on a beautiful spring day and were greeted by a stunning array of Hampton Court Palace tulips, looking stunning against the magnificent backdrop of Henry VIII’s Tudor palace.
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The gardens at Hampton Court Palace
The gardens at Hampton Court Palace are always a joy to explore, but during tulip season, they become truly extraordinary. Visitors are free to take a self-guided tour, exploring the palace courtyards and beautifully maintained formal gardens at their own pace.
The Baroque-style layout of the Hampton Court gardens, with its symmetrical design and sweeping vistas, provides a striking setting for the bold tulip displays. Many flower beds feature single-colour plantings, vivid yellows, fiery reds, or rich purples, creating dramatic blocks of colour and visual impact.
What really sets the Hampton Court Palace tulips apart is the sheer scale of the display. With thousands of bulbs planted across the grounds, this is one of the largest and most impressive tulip festivals in the UK. If you’re looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of gardens at Hampton Court, this is the perfect time to visit.
The Lower Orangery Garden
In addition to the sheer abundance of flowers, the Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace showcases an impressive diversity of tulips. With over 80 different varieties on display, including rare, specialist, and heritage types, this event is a true celebration of the tulip’s rich history and horticultural beauty. Many of these tulips are historic varieties, reflecting centuries of tulip-growing tradition at the palace.
One of the highlights can be found in the Lower Orangery Garden, where where you’ll find a special collection of tulips dating back more than 400 years! These carefully chosen varieties were selected to complement the rich red brick of the Tudor courtyards, creating a visually stunning harmony between plant and palace.
Of course, whilst exploring the grounds, you can enjoy the year-round beauty of the Hampton Court gardens. I love the grand, historic yew trees which line the majestic avenue in the Fountain Garden. Plus, you’ll find elegant water features, classical marble sculptures, covered walkways and royal carriages.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just looking for a beautiful day out, the Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace is a truly enjoyable experience. It really is one of our favourite spring gardens to visit in Surrey.
If you enjoy the Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace, you could return for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in late summer, another highlight for the gardening calendar.
Practical information for your visit to the Hampton Court Tulip Festival:
Tickets for the Hampton Court Tulip Festival
The Hampton Court Tulip Festival takes place from 2nd April – 5th May 2025.
You can buy your tickets in advance online, or on the day at the ticket office.
Admission to the Tulip Festival is included with admission to the palace, but members can go for free.. The Tulip Festival is open from 10am until 5.30pm.
Places to eat near Hampton Court Palace
There’s no shortage of great food options during a visit to Hampton Court Palace. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely riverside lunch, you’ll find plenty of choice both within the palace grounds and nearby.
Inside the grounds, the Tiltyard Café at Hampton Court offers a selection of hot and cold dishes, with both indoor and outdoor seating. For lighter options, you can buy drinks, snacks and ice-creams from the Wilderness Kiosk. If you prefer to bring your own food, there are designated picnic areas withing the gardens or you could head across the road to Bushy Park.
If you’re looking for places to eat near Hampton Court, head across the bridge into East Molesey, where you’ll find a variety of good cafés and restaurants. The Mitre Hotel, located right by the bridge, boasts a stunning riverside terrace overlooking the Thames. For more casual dining, there’s Zizzis (Italian) and Mezzet (Lebanese) and a few cosy pubs, which serve food. These riverside spots are popular, so it’s wise to book in advance, especially on weekends or sunny days.
We chose to eat at Eight on the River, a hidden gem located at the East Molesey Rowing Club. Just a 10-minute scenic walk along the Thames towpath, it offers a relaxed atmosphere, a solid selection of lunch dishes and all-day breakfast options, plus beautiful views over the water.
Places to stay near Hampton Court Palace
If you’re visiting from further afield, there are plenty of excellent places to stay near Hampton Court Palace, whether you’re after luxury, history or self-catering accommodation.
One of the top hotels near Hampton Court Palace is the Mitre, a luxury boutique hotel located right by the gate. Overlooking the River Thames, this historic hotel has been welcoming guests since the reign of Charles II in 1665. Its prime riverside location and easy walking distance to the palace make it a popular choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in the local charm.
Another excellent option is The Kings Arms, one of the closest hotels to Hampton Court. Dating back to 1709, this hotel features a stylish cocktail bar, alfresco terrace, and a range of comfortable rooms.
For visitors who prefer self-catering accommodation, the Lion Gate Mews is a great choice. Located just behind the palace near the entrance to Bushy Park, it offers modern 1- and 2- bedroom apartments, which are perfect for families.
Directions to Hampton Court Palace
Getting to Hampton Court by car
Hampton Court Palace is in East Molesey, Surrey in south-east England. The postcode is KT8 9AU. It is easy to get to via the M3/A308 or A3/A309. There is limited on-site parking on site or at nearby Hampton Court Green car park. Parking currently costs £1.60 per hour.
Getting to Hampton Court by train
It is easy to get to Hampton Court from central London. Regular trains run from London Waterloo and take about 35 minutes.
The nearest train station is Hampton Court, which is only a 5-minute walk from the palace.
Have you been to the Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace? We’d love to hear your comments below.
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