Learn from an insider’s bad experiences!
Going to RHS Chelsea this year? Take my word for it, the event can be a little overwhelming – do your homework before you go. Here are some Chelsea Flower Show tips that will make your visit more enjoyable – learn from my mistakes!
1. The Chelsea Cough
Caused by a mix of pollen from the plane trees, pollution and made worse by humidity. Reached impossible levels for me in 2014 and the best thing to buy on-site was a tin of commemorative boiled sweets. Be prepared with proper cough sweets and a bottle of water – and antihistamines if you suffer from hay fever.
2. Chelsea Flower Show tips – Hotel
In my first year, I made the mistake of trying to stay as close as possible to the Chelsea Hospital site. This is a bad idea – hotels are extremely expensive. The nearest I could afford was a basement dungeon in Pimlico, a good 20-minute walk away. Consequently, to be there at 7am on press day, I used cabs to the site and back. I now stay close to my rail station so I’m right next to the transport hubs, and hotels are competitively priced. A decent budget option is the Howard Winchester Hotel on Argyle Square, two minutes’ walk from King’s Cross/St Pancras (book direct for best rates). The nearby Central Hotel is also worth a try.
3. Transport
My station is King’s Cross, and it’s an easy tube ride to Sloane Square tube station (on the District and Circle Lines). There’s one change: King’s Cross St. Pancras-Victoria, then Victoria to Sloane Square, an easy (and flat) 10-minute walk from the showground. Cabs are expensive and slow, especially during rush hour. Try to get an Oyster Card before you go for cheaper rates and hassle-free travelling.
4. Chelsea Flower Show tips – Food and drink
It’s expensive. Have a cooked breakfast at your hotel to set you up for the day – you’ll walk off the calories. If you’re using the Sloane Square tube, there are reasonably priced restaurants just off the King’s Road and around Duke of York Square.
5. While you’re there
- The Saatchi Gallery is on the way back to Sloane Street tube station, www.saatchigallery.com.
- The National Army Museum is next door to the RHS Chelsea site on Royal Hospital Road, www.nam.ac.uk.
- The Chelsea Physic Garden, next to the Thames, is a few minutes’ walk from the site with an excellent cafe and gardening bookshop. For prices and details, log on to www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk.
6. Chelsea Flower Show tips – Clothes
Forget restrictive fashion – leave that to the celebs on press day. Choose VERY comfortable shoes that function just as well in hot weather or cool. Be adaptable – in 2013, I ended up buying an emergency cardigan; in 2014, a sun hat; in 2016, a waterproof. Put on sunblock before you set out, whether it’s cloudy or not.
7. Build in rest stops
The site is spread over 23 acres, and you’re going to need to take time out. Make use of the Ranelagh Gardens entertainment, and if you spot a toilet on your route, use it!
8. Chelsea Flower Show tips – Other essentials
Blister plasters, painkillers, an over-the-body shoulder bag or small backpack, and a spare strong fold-up bag for purchases.
