Keukenhof

Today's post is picture-heavy with lots of colour, so grab a big mug of tea {and a stroopwafel} and get stuck in!

One of the highlights of our trip to Amsterdam last year was definitely visiting Keukenhof.

For those of you who haven't heard of it, Keukenhof is a world-renowned tulip park just outside the Dutch capital. The focus is on spring flowers and bulbs, and its reputation is all the more impressive seeing as it's only open for eight weeks of the year {we're right in the middle of the 2018 show!}

 

On the day of our visit, we set off bright and early from our hotel and headed to Schipol, Amsterdam's airport, where the shuttle bus embarks from - there is the option to buy a combi-ticket for Keukenhof which includes travel from the city centre with admission, and I'd definitely recommend this! A short bus ride later, and we were there.

Our first thought?

TULIPS EVERYWHERE.

Our second thought was that there were a lot of people there, and it felt a little overwhelming at first. But it's to be expected really, and actually, the park is designed in a way which accomodates the vast numbers well.

Once you've come to terms with the fact that there are so many flowers you don't know where to look first, you can start ambling around the grounds at your pace and focussing in on the bits you want to see.

For example, the orchids. We had major orchid envy...

I also loved the sections of wildflowers mixed in with spring bulbs, reminding me of days in the English countryside.

And there are exhibitions too, with different themes and artistic styles to grab your attention.

We managed to meet up with some friends whilst there for lunch, and I would say it can get a bit manic in the food hall areas. The food is perfectly fine - just be prepared to queue and fight for a table. The stress of using your elbows for a seat soon evaporates though when you start strolling around the gardens again.

^Hiderangeas?

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without taking in the tulips, and Keukenhof has 32 hectares filled with them {7 million bulbs to be exact, with 800 different varieties} So whether you happen to be nipping over for a spring getaway in the next few weeks, or are planning an Easter break for 2019, definitely make Keukenhof one of the features of your trip.

 

^ {Keukenhof is the one place where you are guaranteed to find a tulip which matches the colour of your coat}