How to get in early to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is back for another year, bringing the public all the most beautiful flowers and the latest in garden design. The annual event takes place the same week in May each year.

This year’s themes are: the greenest Chelsea ever, proving that great design and sustainability can go hand in hand, using water wisely, enjoying gardens and how to attract a younger and more diverse audience to gardening. There will be 35 gardens on display as well as plenty of plant displays, shopping and expert talks.

But there is a way you can get access to the event before anyone else. There are usually only two days when only RHS members can buy tickets and attend the show.

Read more Who are the Chelsea Garden Show 2024 presenters?

These members-only days are usually the first two days of the show. Learn more about becoming a member below.

How do I become an RHS member?

To get in first at the Chelsea Flower Show, you can become an RHDS member – and that’s not the only advantage. Members enjoy unlimited free days at the RHS Gardens, priority access to events and exclusive discounted tickets to the RHS Flower Shows.

There’s also a monthly magazine, app and tips from top gardeners on hand as part of your subscription. You can find out how to sign up here.

There are several different subscriptions on offer – the cheapest being an individual subscription which costs £55.50 when you pay by direct debit or £74 when you pay otherwise. It offers all the above benefits plus unlimited entry to the five RHS gardens for one member and family guest or two children for a year.

You can also buy a joint lifetime membership for £110 or £82.50 via a special direct debit offer which offers all the benefits plus unlimited entry to the five RHS Gardens for 2 members, a family guest and 4 children . There is also a lifetime subscription which will give you all the benefits for life.

You also received a special gift when you took out this subscription – a pair of professional engraved bypass scissors and a limited edition for Life members. It costs £1495 for an individual membership, £2045 for a joint membership or £935 for a senior individual lifetime membership or £1355 for a senior joint lifetime membership.

How to buy tickets

Tickets are usually available to members a week earlier than to the public.

They usually go on sale in September, before the show in May, so we have plenty of time to organize for next year.

You can buy tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show on the RHS website.