The iconic Chelsea Flower show at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London, is a wonderful day out. Breathtaking gardens and floral displays, rare and exotic plants, artwork, sculpture and garden features are displayed in a dizzying array of colour and light.
Whether you are an avid gardener or not, you cannot help but be impressed by the beautiful show gardens, like the Boodles Travel Garden above which featured at the show a few years ago. Garden designers and florists compete for the coveted Chelsea Flower Show awards, and corporations sponsor designers and gardens to create publicity. Charities use their gardens as an opportunity to increase public awareness of their causes.
The Royal Family and The Chelsea Flower Show
Royalty has a long association with the Chelsea Flower Show, hosted by The Royal Horticultural Society. HM The Queen traditionally attended on the first day of the show every year, and King Charles III has carried on the tradition this year. This is the day when Chelsea is open only to invited guests and the press. The Princess of Wales also made a surprise visit this year, taking part in the first children’s picnic and meeting children taking part in the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.
Other members of the Royal family may also attend throughout the show, sometimes to witness the unveiling of a rose, orchid or exotic plant named in their honour.
People Watching at The Chelsea Flower Show
As one of the highlights of the iconic London ‘season’, The Chelsea Flower Show is a great place to people watch. Famous faces are tucked in amongst the crowd and you may stumble across well-known television presenters hard at work. The glitterati teeter along in high fashion and heels. Shepherded on private tours by garden designers, they appear behind the ropes in the beautiful gardens, a glass of champagne in hand.
What to Wear at The Chelsea Flower Show
There is no dress code, however some people do get quite dressed up. If you want to make a fashion statement, the Chelsea Flower Show is a wonderful place to do it!
Light Layers
Seasoned veterans of Chelsea dress for comfort in light layers. This may include a summer dress and a light sweater or shawl, or linen trousers, blouse and a jacket and flat shoes. Men often wear chinos, a shirt and blazer, although there are some suits and ties. The Chelsea Flower Show covers a huge area and the British weather can be very unpredictable so layers are a very good idea.
Comfortable Shoes
The past few years, a pretty summer dresses with a denim jacket and white fashion trainers seemed almost like a uniform for many of the ladies. I noticed because this ensemble was along the same lines what I wore – an Agnés B summer dress, Louis Vuitton denim jacket and Veja trainers (Also known as running shoes. This is an affiliate link). Comfortable shoes are a really good idea as there is so much to see at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Sun Protection
Be sure to wear sunscreen and it can be a good idea to wear a hat to protect you from the sun’s rays as well. I have also seen formal hats at Chelsea, although they are not required or expected.
On the flip side, I always recommend carrying a small foldable umbrella as the British weather is so very unpredictable.
The Best Time To Attend The Chelsea Flower Show
The show attracts in excess of 157,000 visitors annually so it gets very crowded. I recommend you either attend early or later in the afternoon as these times are sometimes less busy. Evening tickets are also available, although it can get very busy then too. If you would like to attend, it’s worth finding out the dates for the year ahead and becoming a member of the Royal Horticultural Society as I am for early access to tickets.
Eating and Drinking at The Chelsea Flower Show
There is no shortage of places to eat and drink at the show, and more formal hospitality is also available. You will find kiosks offering snacks and drinks, from pop and crisps to champagne and strawberries. There are also picnic areas, but bear in mind you can only bring small bags into the show.
In 2025, there is a Champagne and Seafood Restaurant, The Promenade by The Dorchester offering beautiful afternoon teas, and The Spring Garden Restaurant which offers the option of entertaining guests in private chalets. The latter is more for those looking for corporate hospitality option.
Great Garden and Floral Inspiration
Chelsea offers something for everyone, from practical and aspirational garden inspiration to shopping, as well as fine dining and a chance to relax with a glass of champagne. Here are some photographs from 2022 – and there’s more here. In 2022, we were treated to an evening at the Chelsea Flower Show by RBC Brewin Dophin, with a champagne and canapés reception after the show closed for the evening. However on every other visit we have purchased our own tickets to the show.
A visit to The Great Pavilion can provide you with everything you could possibly need to make your garden beautiful, as well as a chance to see some stunning floral artistry. I have a wonderful garden designer who sources plants and bulbs for me now, but I always get loads of inspiration here.
I loved this beautiful floral installation by Tracy Rowbottom Design. Imagine having an elegant afternoon tea sitting under that gorgeous, rose-laden chandelier!
The Show Gardens
Most show gardens are sponsored by large corporations or charities. Charities use their show gardens to raise awareness and funds. It is a great way to advertise and raise awareness of your brand or charity, although having a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show is a huge investment.
More than just a place to see and be seen, The Chelsea Flower Show is a celebration of a proud heritage of British horticulture and floristry. Whether you love to garden or not, it’s a wonderful day or evening out.
Attending the Chelsea Flower Show
This year, the Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday May 20th to Saturday May 24th, 2025 in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London. Check the RHS website for ticket availability. During the show you can follow all the coverage on the RHS website and on BBC Television.
More Gardening Inspiration
The University of Oxford Botanic Gardens
This post contains my honest opinions and the advice I give to friends. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing, and every effort is made to ensure it remains up to date, however I am not responsible for any changes that may occur post publication. Always visit event websites for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms.
Comments & Reviews
I’ve never been but it does look incredibly lovely. 157,000 visitors do make me question how relaxing it would be? I used to live close to Hampton Court and went a couple of times to the flower show there. But Chelsea is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown.
It does get very crowded. They key is to get there early and see the show gardens first 🙂
Lovely flowers and plant displays. Great photos too.
Thank you, Nancy! It’s hard to get good shots because there are just so many people, so that means a lot to me!
Oh wow; those gardens are beautiful! I am always so in awe of beautiful flower sculptures and gardens because I really struggle with just keeping my plants alive.
Aren’t they wonderful! I am in a similar position – I get a lot of help with my garden so it is safe but houseplants are a real struggle for me to keep alive 🙂 Have a lovely week, Joanne.
Oh, so fun! And thank you for all the tips!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angie! I’m working on a post with more detail including places to stay, eat etc.
It is one of my dreams to attend the Chelsea Flower Show soon!
I hope you are able to attend next year, Jeanne! Thank you for sharing your Reflections on Spring at number 43!
Love this armchair tour of the Chelsea Flower Show that you posted at the June’s Heart & Soul Party. I enjoyed seeing the bright colors, interesting patterns, and clever ideas for gardens. Will put this destination on my bucket list.