We were able to visit this location at the end of ...

We were able to visit this location at the end of March, not long after it opened for the season. Even at this early point it was well worth it - inside the pavilions was insane with the number of tulip varieties, while outside was well on its way. The local fields had limited flowering at this time, which was the only thing that was (mildly!) disappointing.

We stayed in The Hague area, so got to the location by train and then local (designated) bus from right outside the Leiden train station. This took about an hour and a half when you include transfers etc.

You easily need most of a day here, so don t plan anything else for the day if you are taking a good look and soaking it up. There are several places to get food at inside, and there is a dynamic and modern playground on location for kids to play on.

Cost of the bus from/to Leiden is a bit pricey, and the ticket into Keukenhof is similar, but the entrance ticket does give you the option for a very cheap second day to come back and explore more. However, this is one of those places and things - it s like visiting any national icon - it s always going to cost you above your estimate, but once you re in and when you re done you realize its a no brainer to visit.

Why? As a traveling family we have been and are going to lots of places. We go to different regions and countries for different reasons. Usually you want to see some of the iconic items. Keukenhof was one such place for us. The interesting thing is that in this case it is living things we are going to visit. So the value for the cost is there. Oh, and its spectacular!

While you are in Leiden (if you take the train/bus), take a walk into the town and take a look. It s a nice town with a good feel to it, and a handful of the windmills in and around it.