Keukenhof Gardens in Spring

Set in 77 acres of wooded park in Lisse, Keukenhof are some of the world's most spectacular flower gardens. Established in 1949 as a showcase for Dutch bulb-growers, every spring more than seven million buds reach to the sky.

The growers compete for the most imaginative display, interplanting species for effect. The impact on the eye and nose of overwhelming colour and scent is an unforgettable experience. Japanese cherry trees, azaleas and rhododendrons flower behind the rows of spring bulbs and displays are regularly refreshed with new plantings to ensure a consistently dazzling array.

Dramatic competitive flower arrangements are featured in conservatories which also display large collections of orchids and more beds of flowers (useful retreats if the weather is cool or wet). There are a number of cafes and fast food outlets. The paths are generally wide and gentle, user-friendly to wheel and pushchairs and there is an outdoor wildlife zoo, a maze, a playground and an old Dutch windmill for children to play in.

The park also has a dune landscape, a 350-metre beech avenue, an exhibition pavilion and a series of majestic fountains. Bulbs can be ordered for delivery worldwide from the growers' stands.