Every spring, RHS Chelsea Flower Show transforms a corner of west London into a spectacular celebration of gardens, flowers and outdoor living, and this year’s event is shaping up to be just as impressive. Returning from May 19 to May 23, 2026, the iconic show will once again take over Royal Hospital Chelsea with dazzling floral displays, cutting-edge garden design, exclusive shopping opportunities and, of course, plenty of celebrity spotting along the way.
First held in London back in 1913, the famous horticultural event has become one of the highlights of the social and gardening calendar, regularly attracting everyone from passionate gardeners to household names, including members of the Royal Family.
The show officially opens to the public on Thursday, May 21, but RHS members get early access during the exclusive RHS Members’ Days on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20. Then comes one of the most atmospheric moments of the week: Chelsea Late on Friday evening. Running from 5.30pm until 10pm, the after-hours event offers a more relaxed way to explore the illuminated gardens and Great Pavilion, often accompanied by DJ sets, live music and plenty of food and drink, all without the usual daytime crowds.
By Saturday, the energy shifts completely for the legendary plant sell-off. It’s a fast-paced finale where exhibitors sell their display plants, flowers and trees at reduced prices, giving garden lovers the chance to snap up a bargain and take home a little piece of the event.
Of course, you’ll need a ticket to experience it all. While some events – including Chelsea Late – have already sold out, there’s still time to secure entry for the main show. Ticket prices vary, but one of the smartest ways to save is by becoming an RHS member. Alongside access to the exclusive early days, members can also unlock significantly cheaper ticket prices.
Public tickets start from £122, while RHS members can buy tickets from just £55 – more than 50% cheaper, with savings of 67% to be exact.
There’s also currently 30% off RHS memberships for a limited time. An individual membership, usually priced at £79.99, has been reduced to £55.99 as part of the offer.
For families, a joint membership covers two members, a family guest and up to four children. Normally £119.99, it’s currently available for £83.99.
Student memberships cost £20 annually, while Senior Life Memberships are priced at £935 for an individual membership or £1,355 for a joint membership. A standard Life Membership – which includes all the perks of RHS membership for life – costs £1,495 for an individual or £2,045 for a joint membership.
Membership comes with more than just discounted Chelsea tickets, too. RHS members enjoy unlimited free entry to five RHS gardens: RHS Garden Wisley, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, RHS Garden Rosemoor and RHS Garden Bridgewater, with access included for either a family guest or two children. Members can also visit more than 240 partner gardens at selected times, enjoy reduced-price tickets and member-only access to major RHS events, including the Chelsea Flower Show itself.
On top of that, members receive a monthly copy of The Garden magazine, gain access to expert horticultural advice and can even borrow from the RHS Lindley Library – perfect for anyone looking to keep their garden looking its best all year round.
Visitors who want to buy tickets for the 2026 Chelsea Flower Show can do so via the website, which will redirect you to AXS. Here you’ll need to create an account. Members will need to enter their membership number before being granted access to the discounted tickets.