RHS Chelsea tips

[MrsBertBibby]

We are going next week (so freaking excited, first time!)

Can you book sit down food there, in advance, or on the day? My oh isn't in the best health and is going to need some periods of rest on a proper chair (not a bench) if we're going to enjoy it to the full.

Thanks!

I'm going too so watching for suggestions. Does anyone know if you are allowed to take food e.g. sandwiches in?

My experience of Chelsea is that it is very, very hard to find somewhere to sit (sorry - hopefully it may be different this year) and so it's a looong time on your feet. We were 'lucky' to be able to sit on a kerbside for about 20mins mid way through the day, but that was it.

I did go on the last day, though, and it was a few years back now - so it may just have been especially busy.

I'd say that a wheelchair or mobility scooter would be a sensible choice, as that ensures somewhere to sit and means they can enjoy far more than just what they can manage on foot.

Yes you can book sit-down meals beforehand, and you can bring your own food.

www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/plan-your-visit?sortReverse=false&facets=2;56555&facets=2;56565

I imagine it is all going to be very different this year. In previous years there has been free seating available in the bandstand area, you might have to be a bit sharp elbowed this year if they have reduced it. No one bothers if you take your own food and drink, but finding a place to sit and enjoy it might be the rub. There are usually pub type tables by the food stalls, but again you have to be fast.

Don’t whatever you do sit yourself down on the garden furniture display stands, they really don’t like it!

Try not to buy things from the sundries sellers as you go in, you end up carrying it round all day, buy on your way out. Seasoned Chelsea visitors seem to manage to hide wheeled trollies on their persons which they magically produce at the last minute. This is especially noticeable on the selling afternoon, which is the funniest thing to watch.

I agree with viques. Head for the bandstand area.

Ooh I’m also going for the first time this year. Would welcome any tips too!

@DarlingCoffee

Ooh I’m also going for the first time this year. Would welcome any tips too!

Take a notebook and a pen. Take some of those fold up shopping bags. Wear really comfortable shoes with a closed toe because you will get trodden on. Be patient. Don’t wear a heavy coat (no cloakrooms this year.) if you have one a plastic fold up coat is all you need if it rains - sometimes they get given out at the entrance by sponsors. If you are a real gardener you don’t need an umbrella, it’s only rain.

Haha, thanks for these @viques appreciated!! Silly question - and sorry to hijack the thread - do people generally dress up for Chelsea or is this just the TV presenters?!

Comfort is the word for Chelsea. Have a look at the forecast to see what sort of weather is likely. It’s lovely to wear a summer dress and straw hat, but at this time of year, trousers, and two layers on top, so if it’s warm you can remove one. Good idea to take a light rain jacket, just in case and comfortable shoes are a must!
Have a lovely time there.

Hijack away!

Thanks all, can you go in and out, or are you only allowed in the once, does anyone know,?

@MrsBertBibby

Hijack away!

Thanks all, can you go in and out, or are you only allowed in the once, does anyone know,?

No re-admittance . To be fair , everything you need is on site.

DO NOT WEAR HEELS.

That's all I have to say

Thought of another tip. Oh the joys of waking early.

Just inside the entrance there is a map of the site (there are others scattered around but you might need a map to find them) . Take a photo of it. It is very handy to have so you can work out what you haven’t seen yet.

The programme has a map, but I always cut off my nose to spite my face by not buying one because I reckoned for the price they charge for entry they could afford to give you a sheet of A4 , or even A5 , with a map. But they don’t.

He walks among us!

Chelsea goal accomplished!

I went 20 years ago, there was much excitement when we spotted Alan doing a piece to camera.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I went yesterday for the first time and really enjoyed it. Just wondering how different this year is from how it usually is? Aside from the obvious seasonal planting differences, is it smaller, less crowded? If I go again next year how different would it be?

It was great, wasn't it? We got there before 9.00am and didn't leave until chucking out time. Magical!

Bought a bunch of seeds and bulbs, and ordered some veh posh wall lights from the lighting stand right by the garden gate entrance.

Bloody loved the NHS sanctuary garden. Couldn't believe it only got silver. Judges are fools!

I’m going at the weekend!! Any final tips please!

Be shameless about asking people to let you share their table!

The Riverside cafe was surprisingly empty compared to the other areas.

The fancy toasties in the food court looked a bit shit, tbh.

Get there early so you don't feel time is an issue, makes the crowds and the shambling much less stressful.

Have fun! So much to take in!