Now that spring has well and truly arrived in the capital, all thoughts turn to the Chelsea Flower Show 2024. The annual Royal Horticultural Society event is the highlight of any nature lover’s calendar, known for being the world’s greatest flower show. And this year it’s set to be bigger and better than ever, with plenty of show-stopping new designs and floral firsts in store. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chelsea Flower Show.
When is the Chelsea Flower Show 2024?
The annual Chelsea Flower Show will be returning to the Royal Borough from Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 May 2024. The first two days of the show will be reserved for RHS members, while the remaining three days are open to the public. However, it’s worth noting that any tickets need to be purchased in advance of the show.
Where is the Chelsea Flower Show 2024?
The Chelsea Flower show has been hosted at the Royal Hospital Chelsea since 1913, marking over 110 years at the iconic location. The nearest tube station is Sloane Square, which is around a 10-minute walk away.
When did the Chelsea Flower Show start?
Originally starting out as a pre-war gardening show in 1913, when it consisted of just one mini marquee, it has since grown into a globally famous horticultural behemoth known the world over. The finest place in the UK to discover plant-centred design, over recent years the show has also become well known for its eco credentials, presenting pioneering concepts on sustainability, urban greening and biodiversity. A firm favourite with royals and celebrities alike, over the years everyone from the Princess of Wales and the Queen to Dame Judi Dench has been spotted at the Chelsea Flower Show.
What highlights can we expect from the Chelsea Flower Show 2024?
There are plenty of exciting floral displays and Chelsea Flower Show firsts to look out for at this year’s event. Perhaps the most talked about of them all is the No Adults Allowed Garden, which marks the first time a show garden has been designed by children. Pupils from Sulivan Primary School in Fulham have worked alongside designer Harry Holding to create a joyful space where children can explore the magic of lush woodland, bountiful meadows and a wetland with fun oversized bog plants.
Elsewhere, there’s the Roman Empire Garden, which has been inspired by the recent reconstruction of a Roman villa on the estate of the show’s main sponsor, The Newt in Somerset, and the Boodles National Gallery Garden, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of the famed London gallery and draws inspiration from paintings by the likes of Van Gogh, Seurat and Monet.Â
Bridgerton fans will be delighted to learn there’s even a garden inspired by the hit Netflix show, which is due to return to our screens for its third season in May – a secretive and secluded place filled with entwined ivy and an ornate water feature, the dreamy garden is based on the wallflower-like character Penelope Featherington.
What to eat and drink at the Chelsea Flower Show 2024
You’re bound to work up an appetite exploring all those gardens. Luckily, the Chelsea Flower Show has plenty of great dining options, where you can stop off for everything from a three-course meal to a quick mid-afternoon pick-me-up. For an indulgent lunch of lobster and dressed crab with a glass of fizz, book a table at the Champagne & Seafood Restaurant.Â
For floral-inspired afternoon tea, head to the glamorous Drawing Room or the Promenade, both of which have been created in partnership with The Dorchester. Finally, do whatever you can to get into the exclusive Spring Garden. Reserved for private clients and intimate groups, the enchanting space serves up seasonal dishes by the renowned chef Skye Gyngell.
Can you still get tickets for the Chelsea Flower Show 2024?
The short answer to that is yes, but there are very limited tickets remaining for non-members. Show tickets for Tuesday 21 May and Wednesday 22 May are only available for RHS members, but tickets for Thursday 23 May, Friday 24 May and Saturday 25 May are available to the public. Prices start from £38.85 for RHS members and £47.85 for non-members.Â
