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The Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s most famous horticultural show, returns from 21 to 25 May, 2024.
The History of the Chelsea Flower Show
Originally called the Great Spring Show, the first event was a small affair held in Kensington in 1862. It moved to the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1913 and, apart from breaks during the world wars, it has been held here ever since.
Garden gnomes are banned from the event for the unpardonable crime of being “brightly coloured mythical creatures”, but were allowed for the centenary year in 2013 when specially commissioned Duke and Duchess of Cambridge gnomes were auctioned in support of the campaign to create more gardens in schools.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA7OKHmJZz0
As the Flower Show is in the grounds of the Royal Hospital you may also meet the Chelsea Pensioners at the festival. They are retired army veterans famous for their scarlet uniforms.
Chelsea Flower Show Winners
There are four awards – gold, silver-guilt, silver and bronze, in five categories: Flora (gardens and floral); Hogg (trees); Knightian (vegetables); Lindley (special educational or scientific interest); and Grenfell (pictures, photographs, floral arrangements). There are also several special awards, such as for the best show garden and best courtyard garden.
When Is the Chelsea Flower Show 2024?
21 to 25 May 2024.
Opening Times
The show is open from 8am to 8pm on the Tuesday to Friday, and 8am to 5:30pm on Saturday.
How Much Are Chelsea Flower Show Tickets?
Information on tickets and prices can be found here.
Where is the Chelsea Flower Show Held?
The show is held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London.
Images from Previous Shows
Flights to London and Getting There
To find the best accommodation and worldwide flights, please search via our comparison engine, which scans all the major booking sites.
There are direct international flights to the London airports from much of the world.
The nearest station to the Show on the London Underground is Sloane Square. From here you just walk south for less than five minutes towards the River Thames. For London buses, the numbers 19, 22, 319 and C1 go to Sloane Square, whilst numbers 11, 137, 211, 360 and 452 will get you even closer to the festival.
Further Information
For anything else on the number one flower show in the world, click here
For More on Things to Do in London:
Cover image: © RHS / Luke MacGregor
