Why the Tulip Festival at Tulleys Farm Is a Must-Visit for Families
And Why You’ll Want to Come Back All Year Round
If you’re looking for an easy win as a dad — the kind of day out that’s equal parts chill and Instagram-worthy — the Tulip Festival at Tulleys Farm is a no-brainer.
Set against the rolling West Sussex countryside, Tulleys transforms into a technicolour dream each spring. With over 500,000 tulips in bloom, it’s like stepping into a living postcard. But this isn’t just about taking a few nice photos (although trust me, you’ll get plenty of those). It’s about wide-open space, fresh air, and kids being able to run through flower fields without you yelling “DON’T TOUCH!” every two minutes.
Our kids loved weaving through the floral rows, spotting different colours and shapes, and of course — picking a bunch to take home. There’s even a designated U-Pick field, which is basically flower-based treasure hunting. Throw in coffee for the grownups and farm-made ice cream for the little ones, and you’ve got a pretty perfect spring afternoon.
But what makes Tulleys worth shouting about is that this isn’t a one-off. They’ve turned seasonal events into an art form. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- 🎃 Tulleys Pumpkin Festival (October) – Possibly the UK’s best pumpkin patch experience. Tractor rides, pumpkin cannon, and more orange than a 90s spray tan.
- 👻 Shocktober Fest (October) – Award-winning Halloween scare attraction. Best for older kids and brave dads (maybe book a babysitter and make it a date night?).
- 🎄 Tulleys Christmas Experience (December) – Think: a magical woodland walk, Santa’s sleigh ride, and reindeer. It’s like stepping into a Christmas movie. We’ve done this 3 years running and it’s always been a lovely way to spend Christmas.
- 🌻 Sunflower Fields (Summer) – Just when the tulips are a distant memory, the sunflowers arrive. Another picture-perfect adventure for little ones to explore.
- 🐣 Easter Egg Hunts & Farm Fun (Spring) – Ideal for toddlers and younger kids, with activities that keep them moving and smiling.
So while the tulips may draw you in first, Tulleys Farm will keep you coming back all year. It’s one of those rare places that really gets what families want: space, seasonal magic, and the kind of memories you’ll still be talking about months later.
Dad rating: 10/10.
Kid rating: “Can we go again next weekend?”
