Hampton Court Tulips: An Easy Spring Day Trip from London
If you’re visiting London this spring, you have to visit the Hampton Court Palace tulips!
And I don’t say that lightly, because I almost skipped it.
I mean, anything involving tulips usually means overwhelming crowds, queues, and displays that look better in photos than in real life, right?
So it’s safe to say I wasn’t totally convinced it would be worth the effort – or the money.
But after visiting the Hampton Court Tulips Festival for the first time back in 2023, I have been back every year since!
So, if you’re wondering when the best time to go is, what you’ll actually see and do, and whether it’s worth adding to your London itinerary, I’ll share everything you need to know.
Let’s plan your dream spring day trip from London – no car needed!
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What is the Hampton Court Tulip Festival?
The tulips at Hampton Court Palace are spread across 12 different locations throughout the gardens and courtyards, which means you’re always seeing new displays as you explore.
There are tens of thousands of tulips and spring flowers in bloom every year!
And throughout the day, you go from formal gardens with perfect borders bursting with every colour imaginable, to tiny courtyards with tulips blooming in old-fashioned wagons.
It makes the day feel like a proper experience, rather than just taking a photo and done!
And, of course, it also helps that the setting is pretty hard to beat!
Your backdrop is the breathtaking Hampton Court, a royal Tudor Palace built in 1515, which instantly makes the Hampton Court tulip display SO much more than your average garden!
Plus, the tulip festival was even recognised as Britain’s Largest and Greatest Tulip Heritage Garden at the World Tulip Summit in 2024!
Is It Worth Visiting the Hampton Court Tulips?
I first visited the Hampton Court Tulip Festival in 2023, fully prepared for it to be overcrowded, overpriced and overhyped.
But I have now been back every year since and fall in love a little more every time!
So I can confidently say that the Hampton Court tulips are one of those rare spring attractions in London that actually live up to the hype (and the gorgeous photos online!)
What makes them so worth visiting isn’t just the flowers themselves (although they are stunning!) but how easy the whole experience is.
You don’t need a car or a full-on itinerary, or even a plane ticket to other famous tulip displays like Keukenhof in the Netherlands.
Instead, the Hampton Court tulips are a really simple, low-effort day trip from London that still delivers an unforgettable spring experience!
Plus, compared to a lot of other tulip gardens, Hampton Court feels a lot calmer.
Don’t get me wrong, it does get busy at peak times. But because the tulip displays are spread all across the palace grounds, you’re never stuck on one narrow path or in the same small garden as everyone else.
So, if you want a beautiful, low-stress spring day out that’s easy to plan from London, seeing the Hampton Court tulips this spring is 100% worth it!
Best Time to See the Hampton Court Tulips
For 2026, the Hampton Court tulip festival is expected to run from April 3rd to April 26th, with my experience being that peak bloom usually sits towards the early-middle of that.
So, if you want to see the full, vibrant display, aim to visit in mid-April.
BUT, this is just what the Hampton Court gardeners are predicting right now, so you can stay up to date with the latest bloom predictions here.
Weekday vs Weekend (What It’s Actually Like)
What makes the biggest difference to your experience isn’t just when in the season you go, but also what day and time you visit Hampton Court.
Weekends
Weekends, especially during peak bloom and good weather, are the busiest time.
You’ll still enjoy the Hampton Court tulips, but definitely be prepared for a lot more people around (especially in the main courtyards) and less space to spread out.
I’ve visited the tulips on a weekend once, and it isn’t chaotic, but the gardens definitely lose their calm feel that I really love and appreciate on weekdays.
Plus, on the weekends, the tickets are more expensive (more on that in a bit!)
If you do want (or have to) visit Hampton Court on a weekend, explore the gardens earlier or later in the day, when it’s a bit quieter.
Weekdays
Weekdays are a completely different experience!
It’s a lot quieter, you can spread out more and get away from the crowds, and it’s so much easier to relax, enjoy and photograph the tulips at Hampton Court Palace.
I always go on a Tuesday or a Wednesday if I can. And I also explore the gardens most during the morning, for an even quieter experience.
How to Get to Hampton Court from London
One of the best things about the Hampton Court tulips is how ridiculously easy they are to get to – even if you don’t have a car!
I travel from my home on the South Coast of England in a couple of hours, but if you’re already staying in and around London, it’s even easier for you.
Getting to Hampton Court Palace Without a Car
There’s no need to drive to see the Hampton Court tulips!
You can get a direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court in about 35 minutes, with South Western Railway.
Then, from the train station, it’s an easy 5-minute walk (crossing a bridge over the beautiful River Thames) to get to the palace entrance.
Plus, you can use a contactless card or an Oyster card the whole way if you wish.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re staying in London and visiting Hampton Court as a day trip, I recommend the Wellington Hotel, which is just steps away from Waterloo.
Getting to Hampton Court Palace By Car
There’s no general visitor parking at Hampton Court Palace itself (only accessible parking).
Because of this, you’ll need to park at Hampton Court train station and walk over the bridge to get to the palace entrance, the same as you would on the train.
Getting to Hampton Court Palace With a Tour
If you want to visit two iconic London landmarks in one day – Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle – you can also visit on a guided tour from London!
This amazing experience starts with a panoramic bus tour of London, then you have plenty of free time to explore Hampton Court Palace and gardens (including seeing the stunning tulips), before you finish your day at Windsor Castle (still occupied by the Royals today).
If you want to make the most of your day and learn about the palaces you’re visiting from a passionate and knowledgeable local guide, this is the perfect option!
Tickets, Prices & Entry (What You Actually Need to Book)
This is kinda confusing. Because while the Hampton Court tulips are known as the “Hampton Court Tulip Festival”, there isn’t actually a separate ticket for it.
The Hampton Court tulips are included in your standard Hampton Court Palace admission, so once you’re in, you can explore everything from the palace interior to the gardens with their beautiful tulip displays!
Right now, tickets are £29 for adults on weekdays (off-peak pricing). Or £32 for adults on weekends of bank holidays (peak pricing).
So it is cheaper to visit Hampton Court on a weekday.
But regardless of when you visit, I’d always recommend booking your ticket in advance online, as it means you can walk straight in instead of queuing.
If you’re joining the guided tour of Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle, your tickets are included for you, so you don’t have to pay any extra.
Hampton Court Palace is open daily during tulip season, from 10am to 5:30pm.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you live in the UK or want to visit multiple royal palaces on your trip (including the Tower of London or Kensington Palace), you could also upgrade to a Historic Royal Palaces membership. This gives you unlimited visits to all of the palaces for a year. I did this for two years and loved going back in every season!
Best Photo Spots for the Hampton Court Tulips
What I love most about the Hampton Court tulips is that it’s not just one photo stop and then you’re done – there are actually lots of displays throughout the gardens and courtyards!
This means you can take your time, always find quieter spots away from the crowds, and enjoy a full spring day trip without getting bored after an hour.
Some spots are iconic and busy, but others are totally underrated (and easy to miss), so here are the best ones to know about before you go:
1. Clock Court
Clock Court is the first display of tulips you’ll see when you enter Hampton Court Palace, and it is a truly spectacular start!
You’ve got the famous façade of the Tudor palace right in front of you, with old wooden wagons, troughs, and pots overflowing with colourful tulips.
At any time of year, it’s one of the most classic photo opportunities at Hampton Court Palace, but with the spring blooms, it’s even more magical and photogenic!
But because it’s the entrance point to the palace, it is also the busiest spot for tulips, so be prepared to share this photo opportunity with lots of fellow tourists.
The morning (when the palace opens) is the quietest time for photos here.
But if it is busy when you arrive, don’t worry! Because the close-up details of the tulips in their little wagons and wooden planters are equally stunning for photos.
Katie’s Top Tip: I often spend a good half an hour walking around the different displays to capture the smaller details. And as a bonus, during that time, there’s almost always a lull in arrivals for an uninterrupted wide-angle shot too!
2. Fountain Court
This is another one of the most iconic views of the tulips at Hampton Court Palace, and it really is as stunning as the photos!
Fountain Court is transformed into a ring of bright red tulips that surround the central fountain, with the palace’s red brick and white archways creating the perfect backdrop.
I swear it’s impossible to take a bad photo here!
Because it’s so beautiful, it is again busy. But because the courtyard is so open and surrounded by archways, it never feels overwhelming.
Katie’s Top Tip: Walk all the way around Fountain Court. A lot of people stop for a quick photo and then leave, so you’re always able to find a quieter side for photos if you walk all the way round. Plus, the lighting and backdrop change too!
3. Great Fountain Garden
If you’ve ever watched the TV series Bridgerton, the Great Fountain Garden will feel familiar!
It’s where the ton often promenades throughout the seasons, and where Benedict and Eloise begin their search for the Lady in Silver in season four.
But even if you’ve never seen the show, the Great Fountain Garden is another beautiful spot for Hampton Court’s tulips!
In this part of the grounds, you’ll see colourful pots dotted around the central fountain, along with beds of colour spread throughout the wider garden.
It’s the perfect spot for a gentle walk and to capture the iconic photo of the Hampton Court façade with the fountain in the foreground!
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t rush this area, even though it may look like there are less tulips here. I love the Great Fountain Garden and wider grounds for a relaxed walk.
4. Privy Garden
The Privy Garden is the most formal of all the gardens at Hampton Court.
And while there aren’t huge numbers of tulips here compared to other areas of the gardens and courtyards, you’ll still see pockets of spring colour mixed in with the traditional symmetrical planting and ornate hedges.
Plus, for my fellow Bridgerton fans, it’s also another filming location. (Anthony and Edwina’s wedding scenes in season two, where the Queen hosts a party in their honour!)
Katie’s Top Tip: It’s also well worth walking to the bottom of the privy garden, where you’ll find another fountain and a lovely photo opportunity looking back on the palace, with the gardens and water in the foreground.
5. The Knot Garden
The Knot Garden is so easy to just walk past and overlook, but I love it!
It’s tucked just next to the Privy Garden, on a little path that leads towards the beautiful Pond Gardens and Great Vine Border.
Again, there aren’t huge swathes of tulips here. But there are smaller displays of spring blooms in pots, as well as a small garden with box hedges arranged in an intricate design.
6. The Pond Gardens
The Pond Gardens are such a hidden gem, and honestly, one of my favourite spots for photos at Hampton Court in spring!
They’re closed off, which means you view the gardens from slightly elevated lookout points through the surrounding hedges, rather than walking through them.
And I love this because you can get uninterrupted views without people walking into your photos!
Whenever I’ve visited, this beautiful pair of gardens has been best for its stunning purple wisteria, but in the borders, you’ll also see spring bulbs and more tulips.
Katie’s Top Tip: Walk around the pond gardens (on both sides) and stop at all of the different viewpoints. The angles constantly change the whole look of the garden, and on the side furthest from the palace, it’s a lot quieter.
7. The Great Vine Border
This is by far my favourite spot for tulips at Hampton Court, and it’s so underrated!
By the time you reach the Great Vine Border (after passing the Privy Garden, Knot Garden, and Pond Gardens), a lot of people have already moved on, so it feels a lot quieter.
But the displays here, of both tulips and other spring blooms, are absolutely stunning and shouldn’t be missed!
When I visited, the whole border was bursting with flowers in purples, blues and oranges, with beautiful pink and red tulips dotted throughout.
Katie’s Top Tip: You’ll definitely want to take your time here for both close-ups and wider-angle photos. The display at the Great Vine Border is always my highlight!
8. The Orchard Garden
The Orchard Garden feels like a little escape within the palace grounds!
There aren’t loads of tulips here, but there are some scattered through the grass, along with beautiful blossom trees overhead.
It’s peaceful, a little tucked away, and so many people either completely miss it or just walk straight past without stopping.
Plus, there is a lovely angle in the Orchard Garden where you can photograph the red brick of Hampton Court Palace with the blossom tree in the foreground!
Katie’s Top Tip: If the weather’s nice, this is the perfect, quiet spot for a picnic! I love bringing my lunch here and sitting under the blossom tree.
9. Master Carpenter’s Courtyard
This is yet another really underrated spot that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
Back inside the palace and tucked away from the busy main courtyards, the Master Carpenter’s Courtyard has some of the most charming tulip displays!
Throughout the small courtyard, different coloured tulips are dotted in wicker baskets, old wagons, and metal pots.
And yes, that is every bit as quaint and picturesque as that sounds!
I love that this courtyard feels so natural, and because it’s not on the main route, it’s usually a lot quieter too (which makes it a great spot to take your time with photos).
10. The Tiltyard Kitchen Garden
This is one of the most colourful parts of the Hampton Court Tulip Festival, but on my first visit, I completely missed it!
The Tiltyard Kitchen Garden is near the restaurant, and in 2023, I (wrongly) assumed that a kitchen garden wouldn’t have tulips, and I didn’t need to use the restaurant anyway.
So I completely missed out!
But next to the restaurant, you’ll see one of the most stunning displays in the grounds. The border bursts with yellows, purples and blues, with large pink and red tulips dotted throughout.
It does get busy, though (so avoid it if it’s around lunchtime), but it is so worth seeing.
And then right next to that is the main kitchen garden, which has more of a “tulip field” feel to it, with different varieties of tulips grouped together.
What Else to See and Do at Hampton Court Palace
Even if the Hampton Court tulips are your main reason for visiting this spring, it’s still 100% worth exploring the rest of the palace and grounds while you’re there!
Hampton Court Palace is one of the most famous historic buildings in England, best known as one of Henry VIII’s residences.
Inside the palace, you can explore the beautifully preserved rooms, see the famous Great Hall, and there’s even a fascinating free audio guide that guides you through it all.
And no, you don’t have to love history to enjoy it!
Plus, for all my Bridgerton fans, part of the audio guide is dedicated to the secrets (and gossip) behind the filming of the show at Hampton Court!
How to Plan Your Perfect Visit (One-Day Itinerary)
The best way to enjoy the Hampton Court tulips – and all of the other amazing things to do inside and outside the palace – is to keep your plan simple.
I recommend this one-day itinerary for your visit:
- Start your day with an early train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, so you arrive shortly after opening (at 10:30am).
- Take photos in Clock Court, Fountain Court and the Great Fountain Garden first, while it’s quieter, as these are the most popular spots.
- From there, slowly walk through the rest of the different garden areas and photo spots I’ve mentioned in this guide.
- Grab lunch from the Tiltyard Café or enjoy a picnic in the Orchard Garden or the Privy Garden.
- Then, once you’ve had lunch and explored the gardens, head inside the palace. The audio guide makes it really easy to follow!
- Finally, if you’re in the mood for more exploring, you could leave the palace and enjoy a walk along the Thames or in Home Park (where there are deer!), before you head back to London.
Katie’s Top Tip: You can visit Hampton Court in half a day, but for the most relaxed experience (and to see everything both inside and out), I recommend dedicating a full day.
Final Thoughts: Visiting the Hampton Court Tulips
I don’t think every London “must-see” lives up to the hype, but the Hampton Court tulips genuinely do.
And they also happen to be one of the easiest spring day trips from London!
For your visit, I recommend a weekday in mid-April for the best experience and cheaper tickets, and don’t forget to book in advance so you don’t have to queue.
Once you arrive, head straight to the gardens first, while it’s quieter, and then explore the palace afterwards with the fascinating audio guide!
And that’s it. No complicated logistics, strict itinerary or stress.
Just 35 minutes on the train from London Waterloo and you’re exploring one of the most beautiful tulip gardens in the UK, for the perfect spring day out!
Hampton Court FAQs
How long do you need at Hampton Court?
The answer really depends on how you like to travel, but I recommend at least half a day to see the highlights of Hampton Court Palace and, of course, the beautiful tulips.
If you’re just coming for the tulips, you could see everything in around 2-3 hours.
But to make the most of your ticket, I highly recommend you spend closer to a full day at Hampton Court, so you can see all of the interiors and gardens without rushing!
What to pack for a spring tulip day at Hampton Court?
Spring weather in London can be… unpredictable! And that’s putting it nicely!
Plus, because the tulips are all outdoors (apart from Fountain Court, which is under cover), dressing comfortably and for the weather conditions is so important.
The main thing is layers. Even if it looks sunny when you leave, it can get chilly suddenly. So I always wear at least a light jacket over a top when I’m out in spring, usually paired with jeans.
For shoes, definitely go for a pair that are comfortable for walking (you’ll be on your feet most of the day and rack up more steps than you think!) I always wear trainers.
And a small bag like a crossbody or backpack is essential for storing your things.
Finally, I also recommend you bring your camera (or a phone with a good camera), a portable charger, a reusable water bottle and a snack (or picnic!) to enjoy in the grounds.
Where to eat and drink at Hampton Court Palace?
There’s an on-site café called the Tiltyard Café at Hampton Court, which is the most convenient option if you want something quick and easy. Here you’ll find hot and cold meals, snacks, cakes, and hot and cold drinks – which you can eat inside or outside.
The café does get very busy around lunchtime though, so eating earlier or later helps.
Also, in the grounds of the palace, there is the Wilderness Kiosk. This is for takeaways, serving ice creams, snacks and drinks.
But if you’d rather avoid the queues (and the prices!) bringing your own picnic is such a good option too. There are plenty of benches around the garden where you can sit, and my favourite spot is the Orchard Garden.
Are the Hampton Court tulips good for solo travellers?
Yes! I have always visited Hampton Court solo, and it is the perfect, easy day trip from London to do on your own without stress.
You’re in a well-managed (and very popular) historic palace, with clear signage, friendly staff always around to help, and visitors of all ages (couples, families, other solo travellers…)
I never feel out of place or uncomfortable when I visit Hampton Court alone!
But apart from all that, it’s just a nice place to be solo. You can explore the gardens and palace at your own pace, stop and take photos without feeling rushed, and just enjoy the quiet.
I highly recommend a day trip to see the Hampton Court tulips for any fellow solo traveller!
Read More About Travel in England:
- Hampton Court Tulips: An Easy Spring Day Trip from London
- Leeds Castle in Spring: A Dreamy Photo Diary & Travel Guide
- 11 Bridgerton Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit
- Ultimate Bridgerton-Inspired England Itinerary (7 Days!)
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