PHOTO SPECIAL – TULIPS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE
FOR FULL DETAILS ABOUT TICKETS FOR THE HAMPTON COURT PALACE TULIP FESTIVAL GO TO: Tulip Festival | Hampton Court Palace | Historic Royal Palaces
The glorious and famous tulips of Hampton Court Palace were in full bloom today offering up a dazzling cascade of colour a week before the start of the official Tulip Festival. (April 3)
Traditionally, tulips can be seen at their best in mid-April but mild winters often bring that date forward.
It is estimated that over 100.000 bulbs were planted and their historic link to Hampton Court Palace goes back to the late 1600s during the reign of Queen Mary II.
Mary II, who ruled with William III, was passionate about gardening and exotic plants and tulips had recently arrived in England from Europe and because William III was Dutch, strong links to the Netherlands influenced the gardens—especially tulip cultivation and display styles.
The first official Tulip Festival was launched in 2021. Displays include historic varieties, artistic planting schemes, and locations like the Privy Garden and Fountain Court.
The gardens were recognised as Britain’s largest tulip heritage garden in 2024.
🌷 Why tulips matter at Hampton Court
Tulips at Hampton Court are not just decorative—they represent:
- Royal taste and status (especially Mary II’s influence)
- International exchange (Dutch horticulture shaping English gardens)
- Continuity of heritage planting (some varieties grown for centuries)
- Modern heritage tourism (the annual festival draws large crowds)