Chelsea Flower Show 2026: get the full rundown so you're in the know

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the highlight of the gardening year and a showcase of the best in garden design and horticulture. The show takes place in central London, over five glorious days in May, with a wealth of beautiful plants and gardening inspiration. There are Show Gardens of all sizes, right down to the tiny Balcony and Container gardens. The giant marquee or ‘Great Pavilion’, covering nearly three acres, is horticultural heaven, packed with the world’s best growers and nurseries, floristry and floral art displays, and GreenSTEM, which highlights the latest in horticultural science. Whatever your interest, Chelsea is packed with gardens to admire and ideas to take home.

When is the Chelsea Flower Show 2026?

The Chelsea Flower Show takes place from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May 2026. On Tuesday and Wednesday entry is for RHS members only.

Where is the Chelsea Flower Show being held?

The Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, on the banks of the River Thames. The address is London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR. The What3words reference for the main gate is parent.arena.spider.

Plan your journey using the Transport for London website. The show is 10 minutes walk from Sloane Square tube station. The nearest mainline railway station is London Victoria and car parking (price £49, which must be booked with ticket) is at Battersea, with a shuttle bus running to the showground.

When does the Chelsea Flower Show start?

The Chelsea Flower Show opens at 8am on Tuesday 19 May and starts at the same time every day. Getting to the show as soon as the gates open is well worth the effort, as the first couple of hours tend to be less crowded.

What to expect from the Chelsea Flower Show 2026?

• Chelsea has plenty of take-home inspiration so make sure your phone or camera is fully charged. Take photos of labels as well as actual plants or take a notebook.
• Plants are only available to buy at the grand sell-off which starts at 4pm on the Saturday. Many products and sundries are on sale, though ordering for home delivery will save you carting a heavy load around.
• Chelsea is packed with visitors, which makes comfort the key to enjoying your day to the full. You’ll be on your feet for hours, so comfortable footwear and an easy to carry small rucksack are essential. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly as the show gardens and many stalls are outdoors.
• Take a water bottle (refill stations are available), energy-rich snacks, plus a picnic if you don’t want to queue for catering – or treat yourself to one of the pre-booked food options.
• If you suffer from hay fever, take suitable medication as the trees around the show ground are loaded with pollen.

How much are Chelsea Flower Show tickets?

Tickets are only available booked in advance via the RHS website.

A full price day ticket for non-RHS members is £137 per person. Cheaper part-day ticket options give entry from either 3.30pm or 5.30pm but do sell out months in advance.

A Saturday ticket, with the show closing at 5.30 pm, is £114. RHS members benefit from significant discounts on ticket prices, plus the first two days are for members only. The Chelsea Flower Show guide (price £18) can be pre-ordered with your ticket and is well worth doing so you can plan your day in advance – there’s so much to see.