How do I go to the Chelsea Flower SHow next Wednesday?

[siucra]

It is my dream to go to the CFS. But I never have had the opportunity to go before as I live in a foreign country and have had childcare issues (single parent etc). But this year, I have to be in London next week and it coincides with the Show.

How do I buy a ticket for next Wednesday when they are all sold out? Is there a resale site? Any advice? Thankyou so much! xxx

I'm afraid Chelsea is sold out for Wednesday and members only. I've checked eBay, just one tickets for Thursday. Non for sale on Facebook. You could perhaps try ticketmaster.

Thank you very much. I wonder if I could go along very early on the Wednesday morning and see if anyone is selling one. I have set up an alert on Twickets, resale site. I will keep my fingers crossed. i am so annoyed with myself for nothing thinking or checking dates!

I wonder if they have a similar scheme to Wimbledon where people can drop off their tickets as they leave for the day and those tickets are sold cheap for charity?

You wouldn't get a whole day there but hopefully enough time for a wander around.

There are a few tickets on Twickets now? You will also need to buy an RHS Membership to be able to go.

https://www.twickets.live/en/event/1725559890790850560?_gl=1a6nkkv_gcl_auNTI2NzI2MTEzLjE3MTU2MDMwNjM._gaNTI5NDYxNDA1LjE3MTU2MDMwNjM._ga_1Q8KNFHKJ2*MTcxNTYwMzA2My4xLjAuMTcxNTYwMzA2My4wLjAuMA..#sort=FirstListed&typeFilter=Any&qFilter=All

Yes, I was thinking this, there is high chance you could hang outside and take a ticket off someone leaving. I know I'd have no issue with someone else going into enjoy. Might just be worth it seeing as you're in London!

No re-entry on tickets - once you leave you don't get back it.

I think I am going to have to take the hit financially - buy membership and a ticket. But I will make sure I enjoy every moment!

@siucra its so worth it

Just a quick update - I joined the RHS and bought a ticket. it's all been very expensive but I am really excited. I will be queuing outside on Wednesday morning from 7.30am! Can't wait xx

That sounds wonderful! Enjoy!

So glad you managed it! Wear comfy shoes.

Regular Wednesday Chelsea attendants here. We go in via the Bullring entrance when it opens at 8 on the Wednesday. It’s relatively sane at that time of day but fills quickly. If you can get a catalogue in advance it’s worth it for the map. Decide whether you want to see the big gardens, little gardens or marquee while it’s still relatively quiet. When it gets busier to see the big gardens you start at the back of the viewers and then gradually work your way in as people who've worked their way to the front move on (there is no queueing system but no shoving). Food etc is very expensive, our preferences are the stalls underneath Raneleigh Gardens. Purbeck Ice Cream is a must. Ladies Loos can build up a queue so make sure you go before you need to. It will get very busy as the day goes on. Wear very comfortable shoes, and be prepared for any kind of weather, and expect it to be expensive. Have a lovely time!

When do the tickets normally go on sale? I'd like to go next year.

IIRC, it's usually in March.

Worth joining the RHS as members get a chance to buy before they go on general release, and have more choice of dates (members days as well as the public ones) and a discount of about a tenner per ticket.

They do have official resale of tickets - if you go to the London Gate entrance (on Royal Hospital Road, to the north of the site), as soon as you're inside the Royal Hospital, turn right and there's an RHS tent where you can queue to see if there are any.

If you go, remember that

• it's no children other than babes in arms (literally arms/sling),
• it gets absolutely rammed - particularly on the public days
• little seating (except in food concessions) so expect to be on your feet all day - comfy shoes are an absolute must
• not as much shopping as other RHS shows (no plants to take away, though you can order for delivery). Except Saturday sell-off (after 4pm when the bell is rung)
• they seem to have increased the number of loos, so although you should expect to queue, it's nowhere near as awful as it used to be.
• some of the (several) film crews there can behave appallingly - don't be surprised if you are barged

@RoseAndRose It sounds horrible!

I haven’t been for over 30 years. I used to love that first entrance into the marquee, when you’re stopped in your tracks by the colour and the scent. But for seeing and learning, I used to prefer the monthly shows at Vincent Square, where I could drop in free for an hour or so after work.

Thanks :-)

I'm so sorry you had such a wet day at Chelsea, hope you were still able to enjoy it and it was worth it.

you can take a picnic in and that includes alcohol!

I did not know this until my second year as I was floored by the expense and the poor quality of the food concessions. A bottle of rose was £55.