UK's Largest Tulip Festival Near Brighton

If you are looking for a change of scenery from Brighton this spring, the UK's largest tulip festival is currently underway at Arundel Castle. Since today is Friday, April 10, 2026, we are right in the middle of the season which started on April 1 and continues through early May. The peak bloom is expected toward the end of this month, so there is plenty of time to plan a visit to see the 122,175 bulbs that have been planted across the grounds. The castle itself has nearly 1,000 years of history, dating back to the 11th century, providing a distinct backdrop for the floral displays. The gardens were recently recognized as the Historic Houses Garden of the Year in late 2025, and the dipping ponds on-site also received conservation awards in both 2024 and 2025.

The festival is spread across 40 acres, with several specific areas designed to showcase different varieties and arrangements. One of the most prominent features is the Steep Banks, where over 30,000 tulips including 'Oxford Red', 'Ile de France', and 'Apeldoorn' varieties are planted to cascade down the ancient earthworks. You can also find the Tulip Walk and the Collector Earl's Garden, which is a formal space with geometric patterns, fountains, and a central canal. This area includes 'Oberon's Palace', a pavilion featuring a shell-lined grotto and a golden crown fountain. For something a bit different, the Stumpery features tulips growing among old tree roots, while the White Garden and Rose Garden offer more traditional, quiet spaces. The Cut Flower Garden has also been redesigned for the 2026 season to include Yew Cones and Balls, and you might spot other spring flowers like alliums, camassias, and muscari alongside the tulips.

Getting to Arundel from Brighton is straightforward, as the castle is about a 10-minute walk from Arundel train station. The site is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, though it is important to note that they are closed on Mondays. If you want to see the interior, the Castle Rooms open at 12:00 pm and the Keep closes at 4:30 pm, with the last admission for the whole site at 4:00 pm. Tickets are available at the gate via card payment, as online booking might not be an option. Prices depend on how much of the site you want to see: it is £17 for the gardens only, £29 for the castle and gardens, or £31 for full access including the Castle Rooms. Children's tickets are £8 for the gardens or £13 for the castle options. The town of Arundel itself is right next door if you want to look around the local antique shops or cafes after visiting the grounds.