Chelsea · Hampton Court · Malvern · Tatton Park · Wisley · May to September
RHS shows: Chelsea is not always the answer
Chelsea is the famous one, the hardest to get tickets for, the most crowded and the most expensive. The RHS runs several other shows across the summer, some of them larger, most of them calmer, and for a good many visitors one of those is the better day out.
The calendar runs from spring into September across several venues. If Chelsea tickets went before you got there, or if the crowds put you off, there are alternatives that most people do not realise exist.
The main shows, compared
Check the RHS calendar for current dates and venues, since they change.
London SW3, May
The famous one. Smallest site, largest crowds, hardest tickets.
Surrey, July
Much larger site, more room to move, and you can buy on the day.
Worcestershire, spring
Regional and well regarded. A proper day out from Kent, but a long one.
Cheshire, July
Northern show. Two hundred and thirty miles, so an overnight.
Surrey, year round
Not a show, and worth a day in its own right.
Getting to each
The distances vary enormously, which is often the deciding factor.
| Show | Journey | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea, SW3 | 45–90 min | Easy day out |
| Hampton Court, Surrey | 60–100 min | Easy day out |
| Wisley, Surrey | 55–95 min | Easy day out |
| Malvern, Worcestershire | 2h 45m – 3h 30m | Long day return |
| Tatton Park, Cheshire | 4h 15m – 5h 15m | Overnight |
Choosing between them
An honest guide, based on what our passengers tell us afterwards.
| If you want | Go to |
|---|---|
| The famous show gardens and the occasion | Chelsea, and book tickets the moment they go on sale |
| Space, and time to actually look | Hampton Court. Much larger and considerably calmer |
| To buy plants seriously | Hampton Court, where the site allows for it |
| A shorter, cheaper day | Wisley, which is a garden rather than a show |
| To avoid crowds entirely | A weekday at any of them, and not Chelsea |
Planning an RHS day
Hampton Court is the one most people should go to
Larger site, more room between the stands, easier tickets and a considerably more relaxed day. Chelsea is a small site in central London absorbing enormous crowds, and while it is the most prestigious show in the world, it is not the most enjoyable to walk around. A good many of our passengers who have done both prefer Hampton Court.
The buying is easier where there is room
If part of the appeal is coming home with plants, a larger site with space to carry things and a vehicle that can get reasonably close makes a real difference. Our Chelsea page covers the sell-off and the SW3 parking problem in detail; at Hampton Court the practicalities are simply easier.
The northern shows are an overnight from Kent
Tatton Park in Cheshire is over four hours each way, which puts it firmly in stay-over territory. Malvern is a long day return at around three hours. Both are worth doing if you want them specifically, and neither is a casual trip from our part of the country.
Tell us which show and which day
Dates and venues shift between years and the RHS publishes the current calendar well in advance. Once we know which show and which day, the rest is straightforward, and for the London and Surrey shows it is one of the easier bookings we do.
RHS show questions
The calendar, and which to choose.
Is Chelsea the best RHS show to attend?
It is the most prestigious and it is a small central London site absorbing enormous crowds. Many people who have done both prefer Hampton Court, which is larger and considerably calmer.
Which show is easiest from Kent?
Chelsea, Hampton Court and Wisley are all comfortable day trips at under an hour and three quarters from north Kent.
Which is best for buying plants?
Hampton Court, where the larger site gives you room to carry things and a vehicle can get reasonably close.
How far is Tatton Park?
Over four hours each way from Kent, which makes the northern show an overnight rather than a day trip.
Do the dates and venues change?
Dates shift between years and the RHS publishes the current calendar in advance. Tell us the show and the date and we will quote.
Is Wisley a show?
No, it is an RHS garden rather than a show, open year round. It makes a shorter and cheaper day out than any of the shows.
When are the shows quietest?
Weekdays at any of them, and anywhere other than Chelsea.
Is the fare fixed?
Yes, agreed at booking once we know the show and the date.
Gardens and shows
The horticultural calendar.