20,000 tulips sounds like something from the flower fields of Amsterdam, but it's a spectacle you can witness right here in London.
The Eltham Palace Tulip Festival takes place in the 19 acre grounds of the art deco/Tudor mansion in April. As well as wandering among the flowers and getting some colourful snaps, you can take a guided tour of the gardens with expert gardeners. Learn about the different types of tulips, and find out how those planted today are similar to those grown by the Courtaulds, the family who lived here in the 1930s.
Tulip Festival at Eltham Palace takes place April 8-21, and is included in Eltham Palace entry fees (£15.40 adult/£9.20 child). Tours take place at 11.30am and 2.30pm daily, including Saturday — there's no booking, but spaces are limited so get there early if you want to take a tour.
