travelogue

Flower Power: Spring Break in Holland

What is the Keukenhof flower festival?

Known as the most beautiful flower festival in the world, the Keukenhof festival takes place every spring in Lisse in Southwest Holland and is one of the main attractions of the Netherlands. The surrounding area of Keukenhof is farmers’ fields which grow and export the world-famous tulips that we see at home.

River of hyacinths, Keukenhof

An unbelievable 7 million different bulbs were planted in the autumn for the event which in 2019 will take place from March 21st until May 19th. Keukenhof is a dazzling spectacle of bright colours and welcomes in spring with a bang!

Every year there is a theme and the theme in 2019 is “flower power” with a 1970’s hippy vibe to mark the 70th anniversary of Keukenhof.

In 2018 Keukenhof welcomed 1.4 million visitors and expects similar numbers this year.

 

Why should you go?

When visiting the Netherlands, a visit to Keukenhof ticks a lot of boxes in one go! You can see tulips, windmills, clogs and Miffy all in the same place as well as enjoy some delicious “poffertjes” or mini pancakes. It is extremely easy to get to Keukenhof from both Amsterdam airport and nearby towns and allows you to experience the beautiful nature of Holland.

This is a brilliant day out for the whole family with lots to see both indoors and out. Even if you don’t consider yourself as a flower lover you won’t fail to be impressed by the amazing flower displays and be drawn in by the whole atmosphere.

Keukenhof, Miffy Area, 2018
The colourful tulip fields with their stripes and bands of colour are dazzling. It’s also a real treat for people flying over Holland at this time of year as they look down on the coloured patchwork of fields!

There is a special area for children with a petting zoo, play areas, a maze and even a treasure hunt. It is also an educational day out as children can learn all about the history of the tulips and the connection with the Netherlands. The restaurant has a children’s corner with puzzles and games to keep them entertained while you recharge your batteries.

Tickets cost €17 per adult, €8 for children aged 4-17 and free for 3 and under. It is best to buy them online to save time on the day.

 

Tips

  • Get there early to avoid the crowds and to take advantage of the morning sun for some beautiful photos.
     
  • Take a boat trip through the tulip fields. A 45 minute boat trip will take you peacefully meandering through the stunning Dutch countryside.
     
  • The best time to visit is usually mid-April which is when most of the flowers are in bloom. This is also when the flower parade takes place which is a must-see. A series of floats with impressive flower designs and sculptures travels 40km from Noordwijk to Haarlem and passes in front of the Keukenhof festival. In 2019 this will take place on 13th April. Note that roads will be closed on this day after mid-morning so get there early.
     
  • Hire bikes to explore the surrounding area on a selection of easy to longer cycle routes.
     
  • Look with your eyes and not your smart phone!

Haarlem, Flower Parade 2018

 

Where to Stay

When visiting with children why not stay in family friendly accommodation at one of the popular holiday parks in this area where the fun can continue after your day at Keukenhof. Duinrell or Koningshof are both within a 15 minute drive of Leiden train station where you can pick up one of the special bus services running to Keukenhof. Duinrell is a large holiday park in the village of Wassenaar with an impressive water park and theme park catering for all ages, as well as play areas, children’s activities and places to eat and drink. Koningshof is a smaller and typically Dutch park with covered pool, fantastic play area facilities and a cosy tavern restaurant.

Accommodation ranges from lodge tents and mobile homes to bungalows. You can self-cater or enjoy the local specialities in the on-park restaurants or in the local village.

For more information about these parks and to book visit Little Clogs Holidays

16 thoughts on “Flower Power: Spring Break in Holland

  • Claire Davies

    Wow! The photos look amazing! Holland looks a fantastic place to go! We have lots of tulips and daffodils in our garden – roll on Spring!

    Reply
  • Tracy Nixon

    This sounds and looks a beautiful place to visit as I love flowers!

    Reply
  • Anthony Harrington

    Have always wanted to visit to see all the bulbs in their glory, must be a wonderful sight!

    Reply
  • Jayne Townson

    So pretty, this looks like a lovely place to visit.

    Reply
  • John Prendergast

    the colors of the flowers are spectacilly

    Reply
  • Margaret Clarkson

    This all sounds so lovely.

    Reply
  • Megan Kinsey

    This sounds amazing! I’d love to go one year. I’ve only ever passed through Amsterdam airport previously!

    Reply
  • Sheri Darby

    This looks absolutely amazing

    Reply
  • xraylima

    Looks really nice

    Reply
  • Joanne Liddement

    One of my dream places to go.

    Reply
  • Diane Carey

    Wow! Flowers look amazing. Looks a wonderful place to visit. Miffy too

    Reply
  • Sue Robinson

    This looks like an amazing place to take the kids. I have 2 with special needs and I think they would love the sensory aspects and calmness of it.

    Reply
  • Charlotte Cauldwell

    Would love to go to holland

    Reply
  • Kristin Burdsall

    Looks beautiful. I would love to visit one day

    Reply
  • Peter Watson

    I’m very envious of your wonderful trip as I haven’t been to Holland for years.

    Reply
  • Rebecca Whatmore

    Would love to go to Holland – looks lovely. So pretty!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.