Step into spring with a visit to the flower bulb region, or Bollenstreek, as it's locally known. This vibrant area wedges itself in between Leiden and Haarlem. Take a short ride out of these bustling cities and you'll soon lose yourself in a maze of colours, smells and sights. This is the real deal - a nature-lover's paradise.

Carolus Clusius originally planted the first tulips at Leiden University's Botanical Gardens, many years ago. Since then - due to the rich, sandy soil in which the bulbs can grow - the cultivation of flowers has grown to become one of The Netherlands's most famous - and most beautiful - tourist attractions.

By far, the best time to see the flower fields is during their blooming period at the start of spring. Tourists and locals flock to the area between the end of March - start of May to bask in the vibrant shades and fresh aromas of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. There's also festivals, parades and fresh markets dedicated to the bulbs in bloom throughout this time of year.