Keukenhof - Europe's Ultimate Springtime Destination

Keukenhof Gardens

There are botanical gardens... and then there's Keukenhof. Only open from March until mid May, there are few gardens in Europe that can match this splendid seasonal treat. Many people associate the Netherlands with daffodils (among many other things). Keukenhof has 7 million bulbs planted each year, the vast majority of these being daffodils. The whole 79 acres (the largest flower garden in the world) is ablaze with colour and full of natural aroma.

This place is a bucket list treat. However, as most tourists are drawn to the historical streets of nearby Amsterdam, you can be guaranteed that this place is much quieter. As well as plentiful supply of colourful blooms, there are also windmills and a small canal.

Just in case you forget where you are.

How to get there

Keukenhof Gardens

Since Keukenhof is in the Netherlands, get ready for some ridiculously easy public transport. Bus 852 goes from Europaplein direct to the gardens in Lisse. Bus 854 connects Leiden to Keukenhof. Bus 858 goes from the incredibly well connected Schiphol airport. In every case, you will be at the gardens within an hour.

How we did it

It's been a long time since we visited Keukenhof - possibly too long. We stayed in a local hotel (we can't remember where as it was thirteen years ago!). We didn't go here during a long layover, as, despite transport being very reliable, there are less connections to Keukenhof from the airport than there are from the airport to the city. If you plan to see it - and you absolutely should - then we would recommend getting a city centre airport.

We flew to Amsterdam with KLM, but Easyjet and British Airways also fly there.

Our top tips

• Book tickets at their website before you go. Although it isn't as busy as Amsterdam, you can't be guaranteed a ticket, especially as it's not open all year round. The park is much quieter Monday-Wednesday, before 10:30am.

• Remember this is the Netherlands. You aren't guaranteed sun. Take an umbrella and a rain coat. You might need it.

• Buy a combi ticket that includes your transport to and from Keukenhof.