Chelsea Flower Show 2019: dates, tickets, transport advice and the best day to go
It's the most glamorous event on the gardening calendar and now the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show is returning for its 106th year.
At the Chelsea Flower Show 2019, there is an impressive display of 11 show gardens and 17 smaller gardens, open to the public from 21-25 May.
Every year, the Chelsea Flower Show pushes the limits of gardening to the extreme, using sculptures, streams and different varieties of plants to address contemporary topics. This year is no different.
One garden looks at the impact of climate change on forests, another promotes education for girls in rural Africa. There's a display to raise awareness for motor neurone disease and, elsewhere, a stream flows through The Facebook Garden to symbolise the connectivity of social media.
The Duchess of Cambridge is also involved this year, co-designing the 2019 Royal Horticultural Society garden. This is a show to remember.
Whether you're green-fingered or prefer to observe and appreciate nature, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is not to be missed. Here's everything you need to know about the show - including how to get tickets.
When is the Chelsea Flower Show?
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is taking place at Royal Hospital Chelsea from Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 May, 2019.
Opening times
Tuesday - Friday(21-24 May) 8am-8pm
Saturday (25 May) 8am-5:30pm
When is the best day to go to the Chelsea Flower Show?
When it comes to the Chelsea Flower Show, the earlier you visit, the better. The first two days of the show (21-22 May) are for RHS members only, but for £47.25 you can become a member and have access to all gardens throughout the year. Visiting on these days will mean less crowds and fresher displays.
If visiting later on in the week, it is best to go early in the morning or later on, in the early evening; the crowds tend to peak in the middle of the day.
It is worth noting, however, that some of the tickets have now sold out - except for the public day-long tickets, which cost £107 on the RHS website.
Where is the Chelsea Flower Show 2019?
The prestigious flower show has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea every year since 1913 (excluding breaks during the war years).
The address is: London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR. Note, however, that if you are driving to the show and parking at Battersea Park, you need to type the postcode SW11 4BY into your sat nav. This will take you straight to the Rosary Gate entrance.
Does the Queen attend the show?
Each year, members of the Royal family visit the Chelsea Flower Show the afternoon before it opens to the public.
The Queen has only ever missed two shows since she was crowned, and this year was no exception. This year, she was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Monday 20 May, the day before the show opened to the public.
Prince Harry has visited the show many times before, including in 2015 when he unveiled a garden created by his charity Sentebale.
A number of other celebrities attended the preview of the show, including Joan Collins, Dame Judi Dench, Rob Brydon and Elaine Paige.
Where to eat at Chelsea Flower Show
For a quick bite to eat, there are plenty of cafes and food courts dotted around the show. However, there are also restaurants available for a more premium dining experience (because when in Chelsea...)
Raymond Blanc, a name synonymous with quality food, has curated all of the menus at the Jardin Blanc restaurant, nestled into a quiet corner of the show. This indulgent dining experience even comes with a ticket to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (which perhaps gives an indication of prices).
With scenic views over the show gardens, it's small wonder the Rock Bank restaurant, situated at the end of Main Avenue, is so popular. It may be worth booking your meal in advance.
For an afternoon tea like no other, visit The Drawing Room and indulge in the floral-inspired cakes designed by Claire Clark MBE (of Claridges and The Ritz fame). This exclusive lounge has a variety of sandwiches, cakes and glasses of Fortnum & Mason champagne on offer.
Read more: The best restaurants in Chelsea, in time for the annual Flower Show
Where to stay for the Chelsea Flower Show
If you're travelling to London specifically for the flower show, you may need some overnight accommodation. Luckily, due to the Royal Hospital Chelsea's central location, there are a number of venues to choose from.
If you feel like pushing the boat out, book in to The Sloane Square Hotel, a historic dwelling just a 10 minute walk from the Chelsea Flower Show. Prices for this hotel start at £167 per night.
Similarly, The Windermere Hotel is an ideal spot, in a quiet street near Pimlico. It costs from £163 per night and is a 15 minute walk from the venue.
For a more affordable stay, Belgrave House Hotel costs just £71 per night - but does entail a 17 minute walk to the show.
How do I get there?
If you are not staying in a hotel nearby, the following are the best travel routes to the Chelsea Flower Show.
Tube and bus
Sloane Square tube station (on the District and Circle lines) is a 10-minute walk from the showground. Bus numbers 11, 137, 211, 360, 170, 44 and 452 stop closest to the showground, while bus numbers 19, 22, 319 and C1 stop at Sloane Square.
Plan your journey via tube and bus with Transport for London.
Rail
London Victoria is the nearest train station to the show. For more information on rail services, visit the National Rail website.
Shuttle bus service
Transport for London operates a shuttle bus service to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Details are to be revealed nearer the time.
Cycling
Cycle racks are available at Burton's Court car park, opposite the London entrance - post code SW3 4SR.
Parking
Parking is available at Battersea car park, and can be pre-booked with your tickets. Battersea car park is located outside the Transport for London congestion zone, and is approximately 20 minutes' walk from the show.
Alternatively, a park & ride service is available, the cost of which is included in the parking charge; buses, including a mobility bus, operate at frequent intervals between Battersea Park and the showground's Bull Ring Gate entrance.
If you are parking at Battersea Park and using a sat nav, use the postcode SW11 4BY. This will take you straight to the Rosary Gate entrance.
River services
You can travel with the MBNA Thames Clippers to Cadogan Pier, which is a 15 minute stroll away from the show.
Coach travel and parking
Please be aware that visitors with an afternoon ticket (valid from 3:30pm) or an evening ticket (valid from 5:30pm) cannot be admitted earlier than the times specified. Therefore, please do not drop your passengers off too early, as this will cause severe traffic and congestion.
Coach parking is available at Battersea Park: Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ (entrance via Rosary Gate off Queenstown Circus) tariff: £45 per day.
Buy the last few remaining tickets now from the RHS website.
