This May, Chelsea becomes the world’s floral focal point with the arrival of the Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a ticketed event celebrating cutting-edge garden design. Chelsea in Bloom is where extravagant floral displays take over the shops and restaurants on The King’s Road in spectacular style.
For those planning on attending, we round up everything you need to know about this year’s events as well as where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Chelsea during the floral festivities.
What to expect from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Once again, the world’s most sought-after garden designers, plant specialists and florists come together in a huge celebration of horticulture. Step into the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and you’ll discover exhibits, displays, vendors, live performances and more. We are looking forward to all the wonderful gardens on display but particularly thrilled to see our neighbours the Chelsea Pensioners Garden. And as London’s most dog friendly neighbourhood we are intrigued by the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden too.
The event is on between the 20th and 24th May. It draws in over 150,000 visitors per year, including members of the Royal family. Tickets must be purchased in advance from the RHS website but if you haven’t been lucky enough to get one, you can still get your floral fix for free at Chelsea in Bloom.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CHELSEA IN BLOOM
Chelsea in Bloom runs from 19th till 25th May. It not only provides a way for ticket holders to extend the Chelsea Flower Show celebrations, but also enables non-ticket holders to join the party. It’s where the shops, restaurants and hotels across the King’s Road and its surrounds put on elaborate floral displays with special in-store promotions or menus inspired by flowers in tandem. Chelsea in Bloom is completely free to attend. This year’s theme is ‘Flowers in Fashion’. Expect floral installations inspired by fashion’s most iconic moments, designers, and London’s thriving creative scene.
WHERE TO GET READY IN CHELSEA
For such a colossal event you’ll want to get the Chelsea look, so enlist in the expertise of the area’s top beauty specialists. Ask any UK beauty editor about their best-ever pedicure, they’ll respond with one name: Margaret Dabbs. She’s the industry’s number one foot guru, ready to help you tread the boards in open-toe shoes. In any mani-pedi emergency, So.Shell will do the combo with brow treatment in 90 minutes. For the Chelsea wave and shine, the Backstage Salon team’s got you covered, whether or not you intend on wearing a hat.
WHERE TO SHOP IN CHELSEA
Shopping in Chelsea is more than just swipe and bag. It’s an immersive experience, especially when amplified by impressive floral displays and in-store pop-ups. If last year’s anything to go by, Brora on Kings Road is worth saving camera roll space for. The boutique’s luxurious Scottish cashmere knits and light linens are perfect for all-day wear during the season. More treasures (and pretty floral displays) can also be found at White Coco and Chinti and Parker. Shop incredible fresh bouquets to take home with you at Lavender Green.
WHERE TO EAT IN CHELSEA
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking and dining in Chelsea. This is where some of London’s most acclaimed restaurants lie. From local favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by world famous chefs. For a special rendezvous, try Chelsea bistros Fantomas and Josephine Bouchon. For casual grub, go to The Pig’s Ear pub or Pizza Pilgrims (who have a Chelsea Flower Show special). If you went a bit hard on the bubbles at the show, the iconic Bluebird Chelsea is a little oasis for your reset.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHELSEA
The area is dotted with luxury and boutique hotels. It’s an ideal base for visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show who also want to explore the capital’s greats. Chelsea is a stone’s throw away from Harrods, museums such as the V&A in South Kensington, and the famous Hyde Park. 11 Cadogan Gardens and sister property, The Chelsea Townhouse offer boutique stays with access to private gardens for a respite from the noise. The Sloane Square Hotel is right in the flower action. Alternatively, you can make yourself at home at a serviced apartment, such as Cheval Phoenix House.
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2025
Ticket prices range from £38.85 for timed-entry to £137.85 for all-day tickets. RHS members benefit from a discount. All tickets must be purchased from the official RHS Chelsea Flower Show website.
HOW TO GET TO THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW
The full address of the Chelsea Flower Show is Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR. By tube, the closest station is Sloane Square, which is serviced by the District and the Circle lines. By bus, numbers 11, 137, 211, 360, 170, 44 and 452 stop closest to the showground. If you’re driving, parking is available at Battersea Park. From there it’s a 20-minute walk to the show, but shuttle buses will also be provided direct to the showground.
HOW TO GET TO CHELSEA IN BLOOM
Simply head to the King’s Road via Sloane Square tube station or via bus numbers 11, 137, 211, 360, 170, 44, and 452.
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