Your Essential Guide to Tulip Season Travel from St. Pancras

As spring emerges and the days grow longer, it’s time to think about those unforgettable experiences that make this season extra special. What better way to welcome spring than by immersing yourself in the vibrant world of tulips? Whether you’re eager for a European escapade or a blossoming journey closer to home, St. Pancras International opens the door to spectacular tulip displays. From the iconic fields of Amsterdam to charming floral gems right here in the UK.

What is Tulip Season?

If you haven’t experienced tulip season yet, get ready to be amazed. Every spring, millions of tulips bloom, transforming gardens and fields into a stunning tapestry of colour. The Netherlands is famous for its seasonal spectacle, particularly in Amsterdam, which serves as the epicentre of this vibrant event. Typically, tulip season spans from late March to mid-May, drawing visitors from all over the globe. If you prefer to stay local, the UK boasts its own beautiful tulip fields, with one standout destination being Kent—a must-visit for any flower enthusiast.

Amsterdam

Tulip season in the Netherlands is an experience everyone should consider adding to their bucket list, and a visit to Keukenhof is a must. Known as one of the world’s most famous tulip fields, Keukenhof is located just outside of Amsterdam and is known as the Garden of Europe. Spanning an impressive 32 hectares, it is home to around 7 million flower bulbs that are planted each year, creating a stunning display that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. The gardens are open from Thursday, 20th March to Sunday, 11th May, welcoming guests daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including weekends and holidays. If you’re looking for a vibrant way to celebrate spring, a trip to Keukenhof should definitely be at the top of your list, offering breathtaking landscapes and a colourful explosion of blooms that will delight flower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Kent

If a trip to Amsterdam isn’t feasible, worry not—there’s a stunning tulip festival right here in the UK. Tulleys Tulip Fest, nestled in Crawley, West Sussex, is the ideal place to bask in the beauty of spring without leaving the country. Open from the 5th – 27th of April 2025, this festival will feature an astonishing 1.5 million tulips in full bloom, offering a picturesque setting for a delightful day out. But it’s not just about the flowers at Tulleys Tulip Fest, you can meander through a Secret Garden, savour mouth-watering Dutch-inspired street food, and discover breathtaking floral backdrops for that ultimate photo opportunity.

How to Get There from St. Pancras International

Amsterdam

The famous tulip fields in Amsterdam are located in Keukenhof, just outside of Amsterdam. Here is how to get there from London St. Pancras:

From St. Pancras International hop on the Eurostar and, in just over four hours, your adventure in the Netherlands begins.

Upon your arrival, getting to the stunning Keukenhof Gardens is easy. Here’s how:

• By Bus: Once you’ve arrived at Amsterdam Centraal Station, catch a quick 15-minute train to Schiphol Airport. From there, the Keukenhof Express Bus will transport you directly to the gardens in around 35 minutes.
• By Taxi: The drive from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Keukenhof is roughly 40 minutes.

No matter how you choose to travel, you’ll be greeted by vibrant fields of tulips, winding floral paths, and countless opportunities for that perfect Instagram moment.

Kent

Getting to Tulleys Tulip Fest from St. Pancras International:

By Train and Bus: From St. Pancras International, take a Thameslink train to Crawley Station—this journey takes just over an hour. Once at Crawley, board Metrobus Route 84 and let the driver know you’re headed to ‘Tulleys SITE B TULIP FIELDS.’ You’ll find yourself right at the entrance to the festival.

Whether you choose to visit the famed Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam or opt for a delightful day at Tulleys Tulip Fest, tulip season truly is a sight to behold. With stunning floral displays, delectable treats, and endless photo opportunities, it’s the ultimate celebration of spring’s beauty. So why not start planning your adventure today? Thanks to St. Pancras International, the world’s most beautiful tulip fields are just a train ride away.