There are now three Sussex tulip festivals, each very different and each absolutely resplendent in an explosion of opulent colour. Is there any better way to burst into spring than by time spent in amongst the tulips?
Arundel Castle Tulip Festival, West Sussex
Set in the grounds of the magnificent Arundel Castle, visitors this year can expect vast splashes and waves of colour from the moment they arrive. The less formal grounds and the banks of the castle will be covered with 30,000 tulips before the path leads you to The Collector Earl’s Garden. Here you are taken through a feast of tulips from the tiered cakes to the Wildflower Garden and The Stumpery, all against the backdrop of the cathedral.
With a display that consists of over 110,00 bulbs this is quite an event. Takes places in April but dates to be confirmed.
Pashley Manor Tulip Festival, East Sussex
Pashley Manor has 11 acres of beautiful gardens set in the grounds of the Grade I listed house (built in 1550 with a Tudor front and a Georgian addition at the back). You’ll find sculpture here too and 40,000 tulips, planted in colour themed garden ‘rooms’ throughout the grounds and in pot displays.
If you are lucky, the bluebells may be in bloom at the same time and more tulips are on display as cut flowers in the marquee. The festival opens on the 21 April.
Tulleys Farm Tulip Fest, Mid Sussex
The newest and possibly the largest of these three Sussex tulip festivals, Tulleys have planted 1.5 million tulip bulbs, with over 100 different varieties of tulips, planted in rows in fields. There is also a light up trail in the woods, Tulipa Lake, a Tulip Trail and a windmill. You might even meet musicians in amongst the blooms and be sure to stop for some Dutch street food at the Tulip Bar.
Tulip Fest opens on the 5 April (although the early dates have already sold out at time of writing).
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