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Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower show is a premier Spring Event in London. This event features the best in horticulture from around the globe. There are hundreds of exhibits and awards given out for things such as Best Urban Garden and Plant of the Year. Tickets to the show sell out so be sure to book in advance if you want to visit the Chelsea Flower Show.

History

The Chelsea Flower Show is a British tradition that dates back well over 100 years. The show, which is also known by the name The Great Spring Show has been held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for just about 100 years. The show has been a popular event since the 1860s but has taken two breaks, during each of the two world wars. It is traditional for a member of the royal family to visit the Chelsea Flower Show each year. The show continues to grow each year so they Royal Horticultural Society has decided to limit the number of tickets sold, ensuring you have a pleasant experience walking around the Royal Hospital Grounds.

When

The Chelsea Flower Show takes place each May. The show is now five days long, giving you ample time to check out the best of England’s flowers. The show is open from eight in the morning until eight in the evening. In addition to the Chelsea Flower Show, the Royal Horticultural Society puts on two more shows a year, both in July.

Location

The Royal Hospital Chelsea serves as the grounds for the Chelsea Flower Show. The grounds are centrally located between the Thames and Hyde Park. It is highly recommended to take public transportation to the show. There is parking located about a twenty minute walk from the Royal Hospital Chelsea. In addition to being far, parking will cost at least fifteen pounds during the week. Taking public transportation is easy. The closest tube station is Sloan Square which is about a ten minute walk. There are five different bus lines that will take you even closer to the show grounds. If you are taking the train, London Victoria is the closest station; from there you can take a shuttle to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Tickets

Tickets for the Chelsea flower show must be purchased in advance. The number of tickets sold is limited, and will sell out so be sure to plan in advance if you are going to be in London during the show. Becoming a member of the Royal Horticultural Society will allow you to buy cheaper tickets, and more tickets. Tickets are open to the public for three out of the five days of the show. Tickets are sold for either the entire day or part of the day. Tickets range in price from nearly fifty pounds to around twenty pounds.

Food and Drink

There is no shortage of food and drink at the Chelsea Flower Show. From champagne to sandwiches, restaurants to food courts, the show has you covered. There are four food courts on the grounds. They serve up traditional British fare like fish and chips, as well as salads and other light bites. For a sit down meal, check out the Rock Bank Restaurant.

Competitions

The Chelsea Flower show is ultimately a competition. With over 500 exhibits at the show there is a lot of competition. Awards are given out in a variety of categories. There are awards for the gardens themselves, as well as for florists, products, and much more. There are awards given out for the people’s choice so be sure to vote if you visit the show. In 2011, the people’s choice award was given to the Irish Sky Garden.

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Chelsea Flower Show