We’re back at RHS Chelsea Flower Show with our newest collaborative fabric collection
We’re thrilled to announce our return to the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the third year in a row, where we’ll be exhibiting as one of the show sponsors. We are also unveiling our latest fabric collection designed in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society, which draws upon the rich botanical art archive of the RHS Lindley Collections.
This much-loved, annual event promises a captivating display of floral wonders, innovative designs, and horticultural inspiration all set within the gardens of the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea. If you’re heading to the event, or are tempted to to attend next year, read on for our guide to visiting the area for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. We’re bringing our experience as relatively seasoned exhibitors to bear, offering our thoughts on how to make the most of your visit to the flower show and the surrounding neighbourhood: from what to wear and what to bring, where to eat, where to stay, as well sharing some of our favourite local places to take in while you’re in town.
If you don’t already know…
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a five-day-long annual spectacular of flowers, plants and show gardens, hosted in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It’s one of the nation’s most beloved horticultural shows, and a marvellous opportunity to see emerging trends in garden, discover new plants and gardening products and, if you visit on the final day, to even take home trolley full of this year’s show blooms. This year it runs from Tuesday, 21st to Saturday, 25th May, following the private view press day and gala event on Monday, 20th May. The event is almost completely sold out, with just a limited amount of full day tickets available from the Thursday.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023. Image: Sarah Weal
What to expect at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show
This year there’ll be 35 gardens showcasing sustainable designs and innovative eco-friendly techniques. From the principal Show Gardens to the more intimate Sanctuary Gardens, each display promises a creative blend of beauty and inspiration. Balcony and container gardens also feature, all designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show first-timers. New for this year, too, is an immersive RHS No Adults Allowed Garden, designed by children for children.
Of course, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show isn’t just about gardens. A key attraction are the plethora of exhibitors, from esteemed plant nurseries to greenhouse specialists and talented artisans making garden sculptures, water features and furniture. And not forgetting other companies and brands, such as ourselves, who can help you bring the outside into your indoor living spaces.
Making the most of your visit
There is so much to see at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, so plan to spend at least five hours to fully appreciate the gardens, the exhibits and the culinary delights on offer.
There are definitely times when the show is most busy, so we’d recommend either an early start, getting there for the 8am opening time, or planning to stay into the early evening, depending on the ticket you have. There can also a little bit of a lull around 3pm when morning entry tickets end, and as afternoon entry tickets begin. But you will need to expect a busy environment. There will be pockets of congestion, particularly around the show gardens, so you’ll have to be prepared to ‘go with the flow’.
The first two open days are reserved for RHS members (which are now sold out for 2024), and tend to be slightly less busy than the general public ticket allocation from Thursday to Saturday. There’s no best day to visit; the gardens are meticulously tended throughout the week, ensuring a captivating experience whenever you attend.
Dress code and essentials
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show doesn’t have a strict dress code, but lots of guests opt for smart-casual attire, many embracing floral prints to reflect the ambience of the event. Think practically, though. Wear layers to allow for changes in temperature over the course of the day. Comfortable shoes are a must, for navigating the paths and grassy areas of the site.
Tip: don’t forget to watch your footing, especially around the show gardens when your mind is filled with the spectacular planting. RHS Chelsea Flower Show has a number of terrain changes from hard concrete, steps, metal walkways and grass which you need to be alert to, particularly when it’s busy.
Hats aren’t required, but many people do choose to wear one, particularly if it’s a hot and sunny day. Indeed, don’t forget to check the weather forecast right up until the day. Remember sunscreen, sunglasses, and bring an umbrella or something waterproof if showers are anticipated.
If you are attending the Charity Gala Preview that marks the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show on the evening before the public open days (a VIP event, with tickets sold every year by ballot), the dress code is more formal, requiring a cocktail dress or suit, with an optional tie.
More insider tips
- Don’t forget to pack a mini RHS Chelsea Flower Show survival kit, particularly in the weather is warm. Include a bottle of water, suncream, alllergy pills if hayfever is an issue, snacks, and perhaps packable waterproof if showers are forecast.
- Bring an additional light tote bag for all the leaflets, show garden guides, plant lists and impulse small purchases you might make. Or, if you drop by our Stand 615 (Soane House) you could pick up one of our bespoke tote bags, as well as our latest brochure, which will help keep your hands free.
- Familiarise yourself with the site using the RHS Chelsea Flower Show map. Identify where the toilets are and, if the queue looks okay, take advantage of the facilities when you are next passing. They will get busy but are well situated in shady spots and have really lovely handwash to help you freshen up.
- You might also wish to identify a shady spot under the trees, particularly if you are planning to have a picnic lunch.
- Planning for an early or late lunch is also beneficial. The Artisan area has benches, grass and other spots to sit and reflect on what you’ve seen and consider where you want to go next.
- If you are going with friends, organise a meeting point. Mobile phone reception can be a little erratic under the strain of so many users, so decide on where to meet, and set an ‘if lost’ place in advance. A good spot is ‘the tunnel’, which is the walkway that connects ‘the triangle’ near the BBC press tent and the Artisan Gardens area. It’s quite short and narrow, making it easier to spot a friend than in many other areas.
- The event is not suitable for children under 5. You can bring small infants with you, but do remember that prams and pushchairs are not permitted, so will need to be held in a papoose or baby carrier.
Looking for dining options at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?
If you are looking to elevate your visit into a celebration with friends and family, there are several options for fine dining, including Spring Garden at Chelsea by Chef Patron, Skye Gyngell, in the woodland grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and serving dishes from renowned chef Skye Gyngell, The Promenade by The Dorchester, offering a floral-themed breakfast and champagne afternoon tea, and The Ranelagh Restaurant. You will need to book dining packages in advance through the RHS website to secure your spot. For light bites to grab on the day, there are numerous cafés, food courts and picnic areas dotted across the event space. For drinks, the event offers everything from champagne bars to cocktail marquees.
Or, if you prefer the idea of exploring nearby eateries, we’d heartily recommend Stanley’s on the King’s Road, where we recently hosted a press lunch for the launch of our V&A Threads of India fabric collection.
Getting there
The most convenient way to reach the event is by tube. It’s just a short 10-minute stroll from Sloane Square Station, served by the District and Circle Lines. Alternatively, hop on one of the shuttle buses operated by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from Battersea Park, where public parking is available (but do remember to pre-book your parking with your tickets!).
Other highlights in the Chelsea neighbourhood
You will see plenty of blooms outside the event space too as shops and businesses participate in Chelsea in Bloom. Amble your way through the streets of Chelsea or, if you like a little more structure, join a walking tour, or even take a rickshaw ride. Bookings cannot be pre-made but on the day of your visit, head to the Greengrocers Information Point on Sloane Square to reserve a place. Continuing with the botanical theme, why not include a visit to the Chelsea Physic Garden, a serene oasis brimming with history and natural beauty. Established in 1673, it’s London’s oldest botanical garden, offering a serene escape amidst its diverse collection of medicinal, edible, and exotic plants. Other favourite spots are Duke of York Square and the Saatchi Gallery.
For more ideas, take a look at our Make a day of it in Chelsea page.
Visit Our King’s Road Showroom
Before or after your flower-filled adventure, why not follow up with a visit to our new Chelsea showroom on the King’s Road, just a stone’s throw from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show event. Explore our wide range of fabrics, from exquisite floral-inspired designs to elegant stripes and woven plains.
® The Royal Horticultural Society. Trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) used under licence from RHS Enterprises Limited.