Spring has Sprung: London’s Best Tulips
As the clocks sprung forward so has Spring, London is becoming a bit brighter as the flowers begin to bloom. With an array of colors, tulips are a favorite amongst the public, and London is home to some of the best spots to view or buy them. Take a look at out top five spots in London to see tulips.
St James Park
Where: London SW1A 2BJ
When: Everyday, 5am – 12am
Parallel to ‘The Mall’ (the Queen’s Driveway), St James Park was the first Royal park to be opened to the public. The land was acquired by King Henry VIII as a hunting ground. In 1660 King Charles II (the party king known as the Merry Monarch) redesigned the park and opened it to the public.
Near the Horse Guards Parade area, you can find some beautiful beds of tulips as you stroll the park.
This park is the perfect place for a rest after watching the Changing of the Guard on our Royal Morning in London Tour.
Tour Guide Tip: Roses are red, but tulips are never blue. Tulips come in hundreds of species but none of them have a blue variety
Stevens of Sibsey
Where: Various Locations, check their socials for updated locations
When: Varying Times
Stevens of Sibsey is a family owned business that began in 1929. They have specialized in growing plants, flowers and bulbs. The local family has mentioned their preference for selling their flowers at farmers markets across London rather than shipping internationally or at grocery stores.
You can find them across London from High Street Kensington to Pimlico Road. One of our personal favorites is the Marylebone Farmers Market on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. Visit their Instagram or Facebook to see where they will be next!
Tour Guide Tip: Tulips are heavily associated with Holland, but they’re actually native to Central Asia
Columbia Road Flower Market
Where: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Columbia Road Flower Market is a flower lovers dream. It is home to various stalls running down Columbia Road offering some of the freshest flowers in the city. During April, you can find an abundance of tulips at the market with varying price ranges and colors.
The market also has several family businesses with generations of flower sellers. You may come for the tulips and leave with a hand full of new plants. The market has stalls selling fresh herbs, lemon trees, succulents, and more!
Tour Guide Tip: Visit the market early to get the best pick and avoid the crowds
Hampton Court Palace
Where: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
When: Everyday, 10am – 5:30pm
If you are a true tulip enthusiast, Hampton Court Palace has to be added to your never ending list of things to do in London. The palace hosts a tulip festival every Spring that is included in the palace’s price of admission.The tulips will be in their best shape mid-April so be sure to visit soon.
With over 100,000 tulip bulbs, you are bound to stand in amazement as you stare at the same garden that Henry VIII once frequented. The festival also hosts a daily Tulip Talk from 11am to 2pm where they discuss everything you have ever wanted to know about tulips, such as their link to William III and Mary II, and Tulipmania.
Tour Guide Tip: Tulipmania was during the Dutch Golden Age where the price of tulip bulbs surged and led to the alleged first asset bubble in history
Arundel Castle
Where: Arundel Castle, Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AB
When: Everyday, 10am – 5pm
If you’re thinking to yourself, “that’s not even in London,” you are completely right. We simply could not write this without giving it a mention. It’s about a two hour journey by train or car perfect for a day trip from London!
Arundel Castle houses one of the largest displays of tulips in the country with the impressive backdrop of a castle. With over 100,000 bulbs and 120 species of tulips, the arrangement is beautifully designed by the award-winning head gardener, Martin Duncan, alongside his incredible team.
The festival began April 1st and will continue for three weeks. Each week features the tulips in a different stage of bloom. The tulips’ radiating vibrant colors are sure to leave you in awe.
Tour Guide Tip: Tulip blooms only last 7-10 days so be sure to plan your tulip sighting soon
At Totally Tailored we can completely tailor a tour to best suit your goals for your upcoming trip. Looking for a tulip tour, but you don’t see it on our website? No worries, contact us here to discuss how we can totally tailor your tour.
Written by Isabella Abouhana
