Tulleys Tulip Fest

Tulley’s is an amazing place to see many 1,000’s of tulips planted in rows in 2 big fields and masses of huge tubs of varying sizes, shapes and heights around the site.  It is an arable farm, so has a country feel and the scenery too, with bluebells in the hedgerows.  We stepped off the coach and immediately could see the 2 main fields with their rows of bright colour; the second higher up and at the other side of that, the end of Gatwick airport with take-offs observed!  There is a huge observation wheel to get a better view for those brave enough, a good focal point to get back to the main area, but there were many staff walking around with lanyards on, so people would not get lost.  The driver sorted the general information for the day and where to get in via a marquee which had crafted cards for sale, bunches of tulips and other gifts.  That led onto a courtyard type area where there were about 30 odd large, square raised wooden troughs with pots of tulips on sale. So many colours and types – 2 sized pots and all just coming out.  There was a water wheel with tulip troughs attached and water to turn it. Very innovative I thought.  A few places to sit down too, then out to the main field and all the rows of so many colours.  A large mock windmill with turning sales and a large yellow clog greeted us.  People were having pictures taken in or on the clog.   There were 2 very long wooden wheelbarrows filled with tulips too, which were quite unusual. 

Plenty of seating around the many rows and a long viewing ramp of a few feet high, which was wheelchair accessible – a nice touch, I thought along the top of the field.  The 2nd field was higher and could be seen from there. Again, similar layout, but that had a huge 2-sided mirror that people could stand in front of and have their picture taken with the image of masses of tulips reflected.  A very clever idea that proved very popular!  then we made our way into the wooded area where here, were 3 large ponds with displays in tubs in 1 of them.  There was an area with large butterflies with little lights on the edge of their wings and another area had lanterns at varying heights with pulsating lights.  Large mock tulips around too in many areas.  There were people with green painted faces dressed in flower costumes too walking around, 2 women on stilts were near the entrance area.  Lots of street food huts of Dutch style, selling Dutch pancakes, marshmallows and donuts and huts for sitting in.  There were large marques in the main area where people could sit and eat from picnic tables.  It is dog friendly too (on short leads) and there were plenty enjoying themselves.   A great day out!