If you’re a fan of beautiful gardens, stunning flower displays and vibrant events with a relaxed atmosphere, we’ve got some good news – it’s almost time for the Chelsea Flower Show!
The iconic event put on by the Royal Horticultural Society is a British tradition and ahead of the five-day celebration, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Chelsea Flower Show?
Simply put, the Chelsea Flower Show is a celebration of all things horticulture, offering the best flower and gardening displays the world has to offer. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a flower expert, a budding gardener, or you simply just enjoy strolling through beautiful nature displays.
One of the most prestigious events in British culture, the Chelsea Flower Show was first held more than 100 years ago way back in 1912. It had previously been known as the Great Spring Show, starting out in Kensington 1862 before moving to the Temple Gardens.
Since the move to Chelsea, it’s established itself as a staple in the calendar for all gardening and flower enthusiasts, with the royal family among the show’s admirers. Royal members regularly attend the event, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, who last visited two years ago.
The Chelsea Flower show attracts more than 157,000 visitors every single year as enthusiastic attendees travel from all over the country. While the first two days are strictly for RHS members, the remainder of the event is open to anybody.
When is the Chelsea Flower Show?
The prettiest event of the year takes place over five days and truly marks the end of spring. The Chelsea Flower Show gets underway on Tuesday 21st May and comes to a close on Saturday 25th May.
Gardeners from all over the world will present their displays in a number of different categories. Judges will cast their eyes over the offerings, awarding their favourites with gold, silver gilt, silver and bronze medals.
As well as these winners, there will also be plenty of special awards handed out across the week. Visitors can enjoy a number of different areas throughout the show, with the main attraction being the Floral Marquee, housing gardens designed by some of the biggest names in horticulture.
Hospitality packages
If you fancy heading to the Chelsea Flower Show this year, why not treat yourself and enjoy the event in style?
Chef Patron Skye Gyngell, who is one of Britain’s most renowned chefs, has put together a delicious bespoke menu, with food served throughout the private chalets. You can take a seat at shared tables or entertain guests from the comfort of a private area.
The hospitality areas are located in the Spring Garden, with three different packages on offer.
Spring Meridian: A daytime package that offers a light breakfast, four-course lunch and afternoon tea. Refresh yourself in the garden bar with champagne and hand-crafted cocktails and enjoy entertainment from the pianist and live band.
Spring Nocture Dinner: An evening package that provides you with a champagne and canape reception, as well as a four-course dinner and access to the garden bar. A roaming band will provide the evening entertainment as guests can visit the fromagerie station.
Spring Nocture Tasting Dishes: This package is similar to the dining experience, except with delicious tasting dishes in place of the evening meal. Guests will receive champagne and canapes, as well as the chance to access the garden bar and fromagerie station.
Chelsea Flower Show dress code
While the Chelsea Flower Show is traditionally a classy affair, its relaxed atmosphere means there isn’t a hugely strict dress code. Visitors are encouraged to adopt a smart casual look, combining polished and refined garments with casual elements.
With members of the royal family often in attendance, guests often use the opportunity to dress to impress with smart attire.
How to get there
The event takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and is easily accessible by tube. The closest underground station is Sloane Square, which is on the Circle and District lines and is just a 10 minute walk away.
Meanwhile, the nearest main train station is Victoria which offers several bus routes to the venue. For those wishing to drive, it is recommended that you pre-book a parking spot in nearby Battersea Park. From there you’ll be able to take a shuttle bus (which is also open to those not using the car park), with services running throughout the day.
As the Royal Hospital Chelsea is just a stone’s throw from the River Thames, you might fancy arriving by boat. Uber Boat and Thames Clipper services run all day and can drop you off at both Cadogan Pier and Battersea Power Station.
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