Living in Dublin, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has always been on my radar. Each year I think about flying to London for the event, but I have never booked a ticket. A big part of the event is buying plants for your garden, and there is no way I am getting those home on a plane! 

Then last year while researching the Chelsea Flower Show, I stumbled across another flower event called Chelsea in Bloom. Honestly, I assumed they were the same thing. Come to find out they different flower events in Chelsea that happen during the same week.

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I completely understand the confusion, I also thought they were the same thing. The two events happen during the same week, in the same neighbourhood, and both revolve around flowers. So it is very easy to mix them up.

Here is the difference. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a ticketed event hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society since 1913. It runs for five days each May, with the first two days reserved exclusively for RHS members. Inside, you will find incredible show gardens, floral displays, gardening workshops, and competitions for things like best show garden and best floral arrangement. Tickets sell out fast and must be booked in advance.

Chelsea in Bloom, on the other hand, is completely free. Over 20 years ago, Cadogan,  a private, family owned property business that has shaped Chelsea for over 300 years, partnered with the RHS. Together, they created a complimentary free event to celebrate the Flower Show week and support local businesses.

Today, over 100 businesses take part by creating unique floral installations for their storefronts out of real flowers and plants. The whole neighbourhood transforms into a floral art gallery, and visitors can vote for their favourite display online. It is an incredible community event, and the best part is that anyone can enjoy it.

Every year, Chelsea in Bloom centres around a specific theme that ties all the installations together. In 2025, the theme was Flowers in Fashion, turning the streets of Chelsea into a botanical catwalk. Before that, the 2024 Floral Feasts theme took inspiration from culinary favourites.

This year, the theme is Out of This World, where Chelsea isn’t just taking up space it is making space (Katy Perry fans will understand). Think intergalactic wonderland, celestial mythology, and cosmic floral art. It is going to be stellar and an event you don’t want to miss. 

The festival always runs alongside the Chelsea Flower Show. This year, Chelsea in Bloom takes place from 18 to 24 May 2026.

Ideally, the best time to visit is during the week. The crowds are noticeably smaller, and the installations will be fresher earlier in the week (yes, they are real flowers!). 

Getting there early in the morning is the best for photos without a crowd of people in the background. I would also visit the main art installations first. They always draw the biggest crowds as the day goes on.

Skip the car because parking in Chelsea is a nightmare. The easiest way to get there is via the tube. Sloane Square and South Kensington are the closest stations to the festival.

If you are arriving by train, Chelsea is about a 20 minute walk from Victoria Station. I recommend using Omio to find the best route. 

I hate to say it, but expect crowds. Chelsea is a lively neighbourhood on any normal day, and Chelsea in Bloom brings in a huge number of visitors on top of that. That said, I found the crowds surprisingly pleasant. Everyone is there for the same reason, and people are genuinely kind about stepping out of photos or offering to take one for you. It is like being at a busy art museum. 

The main installations are spread across a few key streets, but expect there to be floral designs all over the neighborhood. Give yourself plenty of time to wander and explore. Some of the most delightful details are tucked away on side streets. While you are there, the nearby neighbourhood of Belgravia has also started its own floral event, so it is well worth exploring that area too.

Don’t be afraid of getting close to the installations. The intricate details and individual flowers are absolutely stunning. I would treat the experience like an art gallery. Take your time and enjoy the art!

Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. You will be walking a lot, so save the heels for another day. That said, do not be afraid to dress up a little! I spotted plenty of people in suits, dresses, and even fascinators. It is a fun, stylish event and people really lean into it. But, you also won’t feel out of place if you don’t dress up. 

Always check the weather before you go. Rain is always a possibility in London, so be prepared. I recommend bringing a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case.

Bring a tote bag for shopping. Many of the businesses stock exclusive flower themed pieces or products tied to the yearly theme for the event.

For a real treat, consider staying at the iconic Cadogan Hotel. It is a luxurious five star boutique hotel with a beautiful mix of modern comfort and old world charm. There are two onsite restaurants, a bar, a fitness centre, and a spa. Book their spring themed afternoon tea to make the trip feel extra special.

A great mid-range option is the Sloane Square Hotel, which is right of Sloane Square. It has an onsite restaurant and bar, a lovely afternoon tea, and great breakfast options.

If you are wanting a budget friendly hotel, I would actually recommend staying outside of Chelsea. It is an expensive neighbourhood at the best of times, and hotel prices spike significantly during Chelsea Flower Show week. London’s public transport is excellent, so staying further out will not cost you too much time, but it will save you a lot of money.

The good news is that you really cannot go wrong wandering around Chelsea during the festival. Almost every street has something beautiful to discover.

Head to the information point at Sloane Square first to grab an official map to guide your visit.

Keep in mind that the participating businesses and exact locations change each year, but these are the streets you absolutely do not want to miss.

This is your starting point and the heart of the festival. The information station is here, along with the meeting point for walking and rickshaw tours. Sloane Square typically features one of the largest and most impressive sculptures of the whole event, so it sets the tone perfectly for everything you are about to see.

This pedestrian only street is one of my favourites. It is lined with charming independent businesses, at least one large statement sculpture, and plenty of smaller displays tucked in between. It is also a great spot to grab a coffee or a bite to eat before continuing your walk.

Right off Sloane Square, King’s Road is one of Chelsea’s main streets and it does not disappoint during the festival. It is a wide street packed with businesses and displays on both sides. I would recommend walking down one side and coming back up the other on your way back to Sloane Square. This stretch is usually too long to be included in the official walking tour, so set aside extra time to explore it yourself.

Head through the arcade just off Sloane Square and King’s Road and enjoy walking through a tropical tunnel. Almost every business in the square gets involved in the event and there is lots to see. You can expect floral displays, large sculpture pieces, and if you are lucky a floral wall that is absolutely perfect for photos.

This one is a little different. It is a residential street so there are not many floral installations here, but it is still absolutely worth a visit. The entire road is lined with rows of gorgeous pastel coloured houses that look straight out of a postcard. It is one of the most photographed streets in Chelsea and you will see why the moment you turn the corner.

Throughout the entire week, there are complimentary rickshaw tours for the event. It is a brilliant way to take in the neighbourhood without wearing out your feet. Spots are first come, first served and they go fast! I recommend getting to the information point at Sloane Square early to reserve a time slot.

In addition to the rickshaw tours, there are free guided walking tours hosted every day. The tour takes you through the festival highlights and gives you real insider knowledge about the installations and the history of Chelsea.

The 2026 tour times have not been announced yet, but last year they were daily at 11am and 3pm. Reserve your spot at the Sloane Square info point and make sure you arrive well before your tour starts as they are very prompt.

I did the walking tour last year and it was one of the highlights of my visit. I learned so much about the event, the designs, and the neighbourhood itself.

There are black cab tours available. Someone mentioned they were free, but I was unable to confirm. Look for the cabs with the flower crown and ‘Chelsea Flower Tour’ sign!

Your first stop should always be the information point at Sloane Square. Volunteers are on hand throughout the week to answer questions and point you in the right direction.

The official Chelsea in Bloom map is available as a downloadable PDF on the festival website, and you can usually pick up a printed copy at Sloane Square too. The map highlights the main floral art displays and key participating businesses so you do not miss anything.

Want to participate in voting? Each year, visitors can vote for their favourite installation via the Chelsea in Bloom website throughout the festival week.

The People’s Champion winner is announced at the end of the week. It is a lovely way to feel part of the event and celebrate the displays that you feel deserves an award.

One of my favourite things about Chelsea in Bloom is how the whole neighbourhood leans into the theme. Local businesses go all out with exclusive flower themed food, drinks, products, and experiences throughout the week. Keep your eyes open because some of the best moments are completely unexpected.

The official pop-ups for 2026 have not been announced yet, but if last year is anything to go by, you will not want to miss it! In 2025, Giorgio Armani had a flower car parked outside its boutique handing out complimentary flowers.

Cosmetics à la Carta offered free make up tutorials and daily prizes. And there was an artisanal gelato cart outside the Cadogan Hotel serving artisanal, floral flavours. Expect something just as creative this year to match the Out of This World theme.

Want to take a little piece of the festival home with you? A floral arrangement workshop is the perfect addition to your Chelsea in Bloom itinerary. There are several options around London, from full day courses to shorter sessions. Book online in advance because spots fill up fast.

• • • McQueens Flower School — A full day workshop where you learn to create the perfect bouquet and a vase arrangement using seasonal stems.
  • • Rebel Rebel Flowers — A two hour workshop to create your own unique bouquet

Nothing pairs better with a day of floral art than a beautiful afternoon tea. Several hotels and restaurants around London offer floral themed menus throughout the festival week. Here are a few worth booking in advance:

• • • 11 Cadogan Gardens
    • The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
    • Anya Cafe
    • The Ampersand Hotel (look out for their outer space themed afternoon tea to match this year’s festival theme!)
    • Dalloway Terrace (located in Bloomsbury, London) 
    • The Dorchester Hotel (located in Mayfair, London)
    • Brigit’s Bakery (Afternoon Tea served on a vintage double-decker bus)

Just a short walk from the Chelsea in Bloom route, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful, peaceful botanical garden founded all the way back in 1673. It is a lovely contrast to the buzz of the festival streets and well worth an hour of your time.

Housed in a beautifully restored medieval church on the south bank of the Thames, the Garden Museum celebrates Britain’s rich gardening heritage. It features both a permanent collection and rotating temporary exhibitions. A great stop if you are crossing over to Lambeth.

This free contemporary art gallery sits just off King’s Road, making it an easy addition to your Chelsea in Bloom day. It showcases work from emerging artists and the exhibitions change regularly, so there is always something new to see.

Donated by the city of Kyoto in the 1990s, this tranquil Japanese garden is one of the most quietly beautiful spots in London. It is free to enter and genuinely feels like a hidden gem, even after all these years.

In May, Kensington Gardens is absolutely stunning. The Italian Gardens beside the Serpentine lake are particularly beautiful during spring. It is free to enter and a wonderful place to wind down after a busy day of festival exploring.

If you love flowers and spring like me, Chelsea in Bloom deserves a spot on your travel list. I went for the first time last year and I am already planning my trip back for 2026. It is one of those experiences that genuinely surprises you with how special it is.

If you happen to be in London during the festival week, do not skip it. It is free, it is beautiful, and it is unlike anything else. Go celebrate spring in the most spectacular way possible.

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