INSIDER GUIDE TO RHS CHELSEA 2019
Prepare for your visit
Whether you’re a first timer or a seasoned veteran we hope you’ll find these handy tips helpful for getting the most out of your visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019.
BE PREPARED
If the long-range forecast is to be believed, the outlook for Chelsea looks dry but cloudy up until Friday next week. Showers are predicted for Friday and Saturday. Best to be prepared with a light raincoat to keep dry. Brollies are perhaps best avoided as they don’t tend to mix with crowds.
SHOES MADE FOR WALKING
It’s worth saying that Chelsea Flower Show is mostly an outdoor event on open parkland and therefore inclement weather can turn under foot muddy. A sturdy pair of shoes made for lots of walking are a must. Leave the stilettos at home! Your feet with thank you later.
CAUGHT SHORT
A little local knowledge goes a long way and we are reliably informed that the loos in Western Avenue often have shorter queues.
TICKETS AT THE READY
If you’re reading this post, we assume you are lucky enough to have tickets. When we last checked the RHS website availability is extremely limited with only Friday showing day and late tickets not sold out. We suggest buying your catalogue in advance.
EARLY DOORS
Doors open at 8am and the Show gets crowded quickly. If you can travel by public transport as parking is hard to come by. For more details visit https://tfl.gov.uk/.
KEEPING FED AND WATERED
There is a range of bookable catering facilities including afternoon teas and three course meals. You will find hot and cold food outlets dotted around the show ground, but you are also welcome to bring picnics.
STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION
Don’t forget to visit the Plant Societies’ Stands – you can get specialist advice and find some interesting rarities.
BIG SPENDER?
Take your credit card if you can’t resist buying new varieties or leave it at home if your budget is limited.
CHELSEA LATE
The Chelsea Late takes place on Friday night and is at an additional cost for a late-night evening of events in and around the Ranelagh Gardens. The Evening ends at 10pm. Please note that there will be no access other parts of the Show.
PLANT SELL OFF
Plant sale at the end of the show. Signalled by a bell at 4pm and makes the Harrods sale look like a walk in the park.
OPENING HOURS
- Tuesday & Wednesday – Members’ Days (21-22 May) 8am – 8pm
- Thursday & Friday (23-24 May) 8am – 8pm
- Saturday (25 May) 8am – 5:30
Where: Royal Hospital, Chelsea
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
Entrances: Royal Hospital Road and Chelsea Embankment
For more information, go to www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
Make sure to have a read of our Chelsea Retrospective, and check out the artists who are exhibiting in a range of our buildings in the Artisan Area this year: Lola Lely, Charlie Whinney, Natasha Hulse, Laura Jane Wylder and Corrie Bain.
