If you’ve been anywhere near Instagram or TikTok in recent weeks, you’ll already know that tulip season has well and truly arrived and honestly, I am not complaining one bit.
Every spring without fail, my camera roll fills up with the most incredible shots of endless rows of colour stretching out as far as the eye can see. There’s something about a tulip field that just stops you in your tracks. The kind of scene that makes you forget you’re still in England.
The good news? You don’t need to book a flight to the Netherlands to get your fix. Some of the most stunning tulip fields in the country are right on London’s doorstep and this spring I finally made it to what I can confidently say is my favourite one yet.
My Personal Favourite: Tulley’s Tulip Fields, West Sussex
Location: Tulley’s Farm, Turners Hill Road, Crawley, RH10 4PE
Distance from London: Approximately 45 minutes by car
Parking: Free
Best time to visit: April to early May
I visited Tulley’s this spring and I genuinely wasn’t prepared for how beautiful it was going to be. The scale of the place hits you immediately, row after row of the brightest, most vivid colours you can imagine, stretching out in every direction. It’s one of those places that makes you want to just stop, take a breath and soak it all in before you even think about reaching for your camera.
What makes Tulley’s really special for photography is that you can actually sit between the tulips, not just stand at the edge looking in. That immersive feeling completely changes the kind of shots you can get. Some people had gone all out and dressed up for proper mini photoshoots, which honestly looked incredible against the backdrop of all that colour.
We went on a Saturday afternoon and yes, it was busy, but the site is so vast that it never felt cramped or overwhelming. You always had space to find your own little corner of the field and make it feel like yours.
Why Tulley’s is Perfect for Photography
What makes Tulley’s really special for photography is that you can actually sit between the tulips, not just stand at the edge looking in. That immersive feeling completely changes the kind of shots you can get and honestly, it makes such a difference to the final images. Some people had gone all out and dressed up for proper mini photoshoots, which looked incredible against the backdrop of all that colour. It’s that kind of place where you naturally want to put in a little effort because the setting does so much of the work for you.
What to Expect at Tulley’s
We went on a Saturday afternoon and yes, it was busy, but the site is so vast that it never felt cramped or overwhelming. You always had space to find your own little corner of the field and make it feel like yours.
Parking is free which is always a win, and at just 45 minutes from London by car it makes for a genuinely easy day trip. There’s a lovely selection of Dutch-inspired stalls dotted around selling authentic snacks which adds a really lovely touch to the whole experience. There’s also a Greek gyros spot on site that I would strongly recommend. The gyros were seriously good and the halloumi fries, do not skip the halloumi fries. You can also buy tulips to take home in a pot which is a beautiful idea, though I’ll be honest with you, they are on the pricier side.
If you’re looking for one tulip experience near London this spring, make it Tulley’s. It delivers on every level.
Photography Tips for Tulip Fields
Shoot in golden hour: The light just after sunrise or before sunset is warm, flattering and gives your shots that extra magic.
Get low: Dropping down to flower level completely transforms the composition and gives you that immersive, dreamy look.
Go beyond the wide angle: Some of the most beautiful images come from getting right up close to a single bloom and letting the rest blur out softly behind it.
Visit on a weekday if possible: Crowds are smaller, you have more space to shoot freely and the experience feels much more personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Tulley’s tulip fields?
Tulip season at Tulley’s typically runs from late March through to early May, with peak bloom usually falling in April depending on the weather that year.
Do you need to book in advance for Tulley’s tulip fields?
Yes, it’s worth booking tickets in advance especially if you’re planning a weekend visit. Check Tulley’s website before you go to avoid disappointment.
Is Tulley’s tulip field good for photography?
Absolutely. You can sit between the rows of tulips for truly immersive shots, the colour variety is exceptional and the size of the site means you can always find a quieter spot to shoot freely.
Is parking free at Tulley’s tulip fields?
Yes, parking is free which makes it an even easier and more affordable day trip from London.
How far is Tulley’s from London?
Tulley’s is approximately 45 minutes from London by car, making it one of the most accessible tulip field experiences near the city.
