When is the Chelsea Flower Show 2027, and which day should you go?
When is the Chelsea Flower Show 2027? Tuesday, May 18 to Saturday, May 22, 2027, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. I'd go on Thursday, May 20, the first public day, through the gates at 8am.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the Royal Horticultural Society's garden show, with show gardens built for the week. The first two days are for RHS members only. All tickets are on sale now, and the RHS says to book before Monday, January 4, 2027, for the best prices.
What happens on each day?
| Day | Who can go | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 18 | RHS members | 8am to 8pm |
| Wednesday, May 19 | RHS members | 8am to 8pm |
| Thursday, May 20 | Everyone | 8am to 8pm |
| Friday, May 21 | Everyone; Chelsea Late from 5:30pm | 8am to 8pm; Late 5:30pm to 10pm |
| Saturday, May 22 | Everyone; plant sell-off from 4pm | 8am to 5:30pm |
| Ticket | From |
|---|---|
| Public ticket | 61 pounds |
| Member ticket | 48 pounds |
| RHS membership | 55.99 pounds a year by Direct Debit |
Which day would I pick?
Thursday, May 20, at 8am, for a first visit. It is the first day the public can buy, and an early entry gives you the show gardens before the afternoon crowd. Joining the RHS gets you into the members' days on Tuesday and Wednesday, but a membership plus a member ticket costs more than a public ticket, so I'd join only if you would use the RHS gardens during the year.
Friday's Chelsea Late, 5:30pm to 10pm, is the one to book if your days are already full. Saturday is the day to skip unless you want to buy plants at the 4pm sell-off; the show closes at 5:30pm.
How do you get there?
Take the Tube to Sloane Square, on the District and Circle lines, a 10-minute walk. The visitor page sends tickets through the AXS app or as an e-ticket. Book the lunch at the show when you book the ticket: the four-course lunch and the Dorchester's afternoon tea both take reservations.
Staying in London that week? The where to stay in London guide compares South Bank, Soho and Bloomsbury, and the Heathrow transfer guide covers the arrival.