The RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns – transforming the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea into one of the world’s most prestigious horticultural showcases
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns from Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23, 2026, once again transforming the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea into one of the world’s most prestigious horticultural showcases. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the event has been held since 1913, with cancellations only during the two World Wars and in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2026, visitors can expect the usual mix of show gardens, planting innovation and large-scale floral displays, alongside headline-grabbing installations including a painted garden gnome linked to David Beckham, commissioned as part of a Royal-themed creative contribution involving King Charles.
The show runs across five days:
- Tuesday, May 19 – 8am to 8pm
- Wednesday, May 20 – 8am to 8pm
- Thursday, May 21 – 8am to 8pm
- Friday, May 22 – 8am to 10pm
- Saturday, May 23 – 8am to 5.30pm
The event takes place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in west London, a 66-acre site on Royal Hospital Road that is also home to the Chelsea Pensioners, retired British Army veterans. The full address is Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR. The nearest Tube station is Sloane Square, served by the Circle and District lines, and is around a 10-minute walk away. Shuttle buses also run from Victoria Station and Battersea Park, particularly during busy periods. Driving is possible, but parking must usually be pre-booked and is limited.
The BBC provides full coverage of the event each year, with highlights broadcast on BBC Two in the evenings and extended coverage available on BBC iPlayer. The broadcaster also covers major announcements and award winners throughout the week, including the People’s Choice Award.
How to get Chelsea Flower Show tickets
Tickets are sold via AXS ticketing website here. As with previous years, early days of the show are restricted to RHS members, while later days open up to the public. Member tickets are generally priced lower, while public admission starts at a higher rate depending on the day. Because the show is one of the RHS’s most popular events, tickets often sell out well in advance.
What can you see at Chelsea Flower Show?
At the Chelsea Flower Show 2026, visitors can expect a strong focus on garden design excellence, with Show Gardens of all sizes running along Main Avenue and Royal Hospital Way. These are widely regarded as some of the finest examples of contemporary garden design in the world, combining striking planting schemes with innovative landscaping and reflecting wider trends and challenges in horticulture.
A key feature this year is the continued emphasis on plant-led gardens, particularly in the “All About Plants” category, where designers focus on unusual and specialist planting rather than heavy hard landscaping. These gardens are created in collaboration with specialist nurseries and are designed to inspire plant enthusiasts with creative combinations and distinctive colour palettes.
There is also a growing spotlight on smaller urban garden solutions, particularly through Balcony and Container Gardens, which explore how limited spaces can still be transformed into functional and attractive green areas. These designs often address real urban challenges such as flooding, pollution and noise, while offering practical ideas that can be adapted to almost any home garden.
Awards and judging
The RHS awards medals across multiple categories, including Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze, based on strict judging criteria. Additional honours include Best Show Garden and Best Construction. One of the most well-known awards is the RHS People’s Choice Award, which is voted for by visitors later in the week and announced towards the end of the show.
Food, drink and facilities
Visitors can bring picnics into the grounds, but there is also a wide range of food available on site. Options include street food stalls, cafés, and more formal dining experiences such as afternoon tea and sit-down meals, although some of these require advance booking. Champagne bars and pop-up restaurants are also a feature of the show, reflecting its status as both a horticultural and social event.
What to wear and visitor tips
There is no official dress code, but most visitors opt for smart-casual clothing. Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended, as the site involves a lot of walking across grass and gravel paths. As the show is held outdoors in May, weather can vary, so checking the forecast in advance is sensible.
