It’s that time of year again. The time when London’s Chelsea bursts into bloom with the Chelsea Flower Show. This annual floral extravaganza is one of the most important events on the city’s social calendar and is the place to be in London. If you want to know what the show is all about, read on for A Lady in London’s guide.
Chelsea Flower Show
Taking over the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for five days every May, the Chelsea Flower Show is the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) big spring do.
In most places this would be a niche event, but in Britain gardening is a national sport and this is the World Cup final.
What to Expect at the Show
So what can you expect from the Chelsea Flower Show? A big mix of all things gardening.
There are stunning show gardens, feature gardens, and artisan gardens on display each year. They mix garden design with architectural elements and are great sources of inspiration.
There are even gardens designed by Kate Middleton and other famous names.
But that’s not all. The show has a Great Pavilion housing prize-winning flowers and floral displays. There’s everything from cacti to bonsai trees inside.
Back outdoors, there are rows of stalls selling all kinds of garden-related products. From gloves to gazebos, pretty much everything related to gardening can be found here.
Beyond that, the show offers plenty of places to eat and drink. There are formal pavilions with lunches and afternoon teas, and outdoor areas selling Pimm’s and ice cream. There’s live music to accompany it all, too.
The Best Day to Go to the Chelsea Flower Show
So when should you go? The show runs from Tuesday to Saturday. The first two days are for RHS members only. On the Thursday, the show opens to the general public.
There’s no best day to go to the Chelsea Flower Show. Some people like to go on opening day to get a first look at the gardens and be able to share about their experience on social media before others arrive.
Other people like to go on the Saturday afternoon, when many of the plants are sold off between 4pm and 5:30pm, when the show officially closes. It’s a nice way to pick up some plants to take home.
How to Buy Tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show
If you want to buy tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show, you can do so on the RHS website. There are full-day, afternoon, and evening tickets for sale.
The show normally sells out in advance every year, so it’s a good idea to book a few months ahead to get your preferred day and time slot.
What to Wear to the Chelsea Flower Show
The show is a great place to get into the seasonal spirit, and most people dress accordingly. While there’s no formal Chelsea Flower Show dress code, it’s fun to step things up a bit.
For women, a dress is always a good idea (the more floral, the better). Flat shoes are preferable, as the show takes up a large space and your feet might get sore walking around in heels for hours. For men, a jacket and tie won’t go amiss.
Whatever you wear, keep in mind that the weather in London is unpredictable. Make sure to check the forecast before you visit. Bringing an umbrella is a good idea, too.
How Long to Spend at the Chelsea Flower Show
How long to spend at the Chelsea Flower Show is up to you. If you’re really into gardening and want to inspect every inch of the place, you might spend a whole day there.
The same goes if you want to take things slowly and have a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea.
Keep in mind that the show gets crowded. If you don’t like jostling for space or standing on your toes to get a view, it might be worth going first thing in the morning and getting out before the masses descend.
I usually spend either an afternoon or evening at the show. It’s big enough to take up a few hours, and I like stopping for a drink or ice cream while I’m there.
I’m not a big gardener, so I don’t need to inspect the inside of every gazebo or prize-winning begonia.
How to Get to the Chelsea Flower Show
The best way to get to the Chelsea Flower Show is by taking the tube to Sloane Square station. It’s a short walk from there to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and on the way you can check out the annual Chelsea in Bloom festival.
Free Chelsea Flower Show Events
Speaking of the Chelsea in Bloom festival, there are a lot of free events going on around London during the Chelsea Flower Show.
Bigger and better every year, the Chelsea in Bloom festival sees businesses around Sloane Square decorating their facades and courtyards with fresh floral displays for the week.
If you can’t get tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show itself, walking around Chelsea to see the blooms is the next best thing.
In fact, the whole city seems to be getting into the spirit. From Covent Garden to the London Eye, special floral installations have popped up across the capital in honor of the event.
If you’re in London, make sure to look out for them.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Chelsea Flower Show. If you’re going this year, have a great time. If not, I hope you catch a glimpse of the blooms around the city.
It’s a great time to be in London, and the perfect way to celebrate the season.
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