Hampton Court Palace’s grounds are filled with colour this Spring in its first ever Tulip Festival.

Over 100,000 bulbs have bloomed in spectacular displays across the regal gardens, in tribute to the estate’s long royal history of tulip cultivation.

First introduced to the British Isles in the 1630s and with around 100 species now in existence, tulip planting at the palace dates back to the reign of Queen Mary II.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Tulips in bloom © Historic Royal PalacesTulips in bloom © Historic Royal Palaces From April 12 – May 3 visitors can marvel at types of tulip that have not been on show at the palace since the 17th century, as part of the Historic Royal Palaces partnership with a bulb garden in the Netherlands.

Ten different heritage and modern types of the flower have been planted, including Parrot, Triumph, Rembrandt and Darwin tulips.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Tulips in bloom © Historic Royal PalacesTulips in bloom © Historic Royal Palaces

Visitors can follow a self-guided trail around the grounds, taking in both the courtyards and the gardens.

Graham Dillamore, Gardens and Estates Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “We’re so excited to welcome our visitors back to the palace this spring to experience the dazzling floral displays on offer across our glorious gardens.

“Our gardens team have spent a backbreaking few months hand-planting over 100,000 bulbs and we can’t wait for visitors to enjoy them and their array of colours in full bloom this April.”

For more information and to book, visit: www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/tulip-festival-2021