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Original poster

Anyone been to Chelsea before?

31 replies

GrapefruitMoon · 20/05/2008 16:54

Any tips for the day? Is it best to bring a picnic or will it be easy enough to get something to eat there - know there are lots of restaurants, etc but don't want to spend ages queuing...

How easy it to get a look at the show gardens - will it be a case of trying to peer over/around a crowd of people?

TIA!

OP posts:
KristinaM · 20/05/2008 17:04

oh I am so pleased you posted this as Dh has just walked in with a ticket for me!!! i am so excited as have always wanted to go

LookingForwardToSummer · 20/05/2008 17:09

when i went it was showery - if you look at the gardens when it rains and eat when it's sunny you'll avoid the queues! i'd definately take a bottle of water and some choc, it's an on your feet all day sort of place. so many lovely plants to see! !

ChippyMinton · 20/05/2008 17:12

Usual 'theme park' type advice really - comfy shoes, picnic lunch, get there early, head straight for the prime attractions ie show gardens, alan titchmarsh (joke), then pick and choose from what else in on offer. info here

lizziemun · 20/05/2008 17:35

I bought my mum tickets one year and it was so crowded you couldn't see any of the gardens.

She was very dissapointed and much rather watch it on the telly, sorry.

snorkle · 20/05/2008 18:10

I went once a while ago. It was crowded but good fun. I don't remember not being able to see anything - enjoy the day.

dewmeadow · 20/05/2008 18:17

I agree. Crowded but saw everything. V busy day, but worth it!

florenceuk · 20/05/2008 18:22

very crowded but definitely thins out later in the evening - i booked pm tickets last year (3:30 to 8pm) and found by about ooh 6.30pm it was much quieter round the show gardens. Food is expensive but the queues are bearable. Didn't book this year - but now regret...

sophy · 20/05/2008 19:26

I have just got back from there today, and go most years.

Most people look at the show gardens first and if you want a clear view you need to get there when it opens at 8.

We got there by 8.30 a.m. and by 9 the main avenue was heaving, although the gardens round the back were less busy. Have also noticed the crowds thin out slightly around lunchtime.

But if you are patient you will get to see everything.

Marquee wasn't particularly crowded today.

Wear very comfortable shoes.

As for food, you can take a picnic (there are lots of places for eating them)or eat in one of the showground places there's a good selection from posh to fish and chips. There were very long queues for the 'posh' places like the champagne bar and the bistro by 12 noon today. We bought sandiwches and salads from one of the RHS food courts and didn't have to queue at all and the food is very good and not overpriced IMO. They also did hot food there which looked fine and you can get a glass of nice wine. So my recommendation would be to eat in one of the food courts and not drag a picnic round with you all day.

Some people go early and book a table at a local restaurant for a late lunch.

Have a great time, there are some really gorgeous gardens this year -- much better than last year. Let us know how you get on.

Original poster
GrapefruitMoon · 20/05/2008 19:40

Thanks for all the advice - especially the bang-up-to-date stuff from Sophy!

Doubt I will get there for when it opens - I'm not in London and will probably wait and travel in after rush hour - but hope to get there around 10.30.

Glad to hear I don't need to carry a picnic around all day!

OP posts:
MadBadandDangeroustoKnow · 20/05/2008 19:43

And ... take the bare minimum of luggage - to leave room for all the gardening paraphernalia - and don't be too polite. If you demurely wait your turn, you'll never get near enough to a show garden to see it properly. I'm not advocating pushing and shoving, but be prepared to (literally) stand your ground.

sophy · 20/05/2008 19:51

I second what MBDK said I came away with loads of brochures etc. And I fnd the same techniques I use for getting a seat on the tube work quite well for getting a spot at the front of a garden wait for a space to open up and nip in there quickly!

sophy · 20/05/2008 20:02

Another tip. The BBC film crews are very annoying and intrusive. And for some reason people love gawping at them in action. So if a graden you want to look at is being filmed, don't bother fighting your way through the crowds just come back later when the film crew has gone away.

sophy · 20/05/2008 20:03

AHaving said that, am going to watch it on the telly now and see if I spot myself!!

MadBadandDangeroustoKnow · 20/05/2008 21:09

Did you have a good time? Have to say I didn't enjoy my one and only visit because I saw so little (too short) and came away feeling as if I'd done an assault course. But am loving the telly coverage ...

foxinsocks · 20/05/2008 21:11

you should try Hampton Court mad. Is a bit more spacious. I haven't been but am thinking about going this year as it's fairly close and looks fun.

KristinaM · 20/05/2008 21:22

what is the weather like in london? I am also coming some distance - will it be hot ie do i need hat and suntan lotion? [country yokel emoticon]

foxinsocks · 20/05/2008 21:24

No, it's not hot hot. Quite a chilly wind. Warmish I would say. Around 17/18C. I had a suit and a mac on today if that helps.

MadBadandDangeroustoKnow · 20/05/2008 21:40

Foxinsocks -

Yes I've been to HC for the last few years. More space and (fanfare of trumpets) you can buy plants, which to me is the point of going (that and the freebies - last year it was fancy French chocolate).

sophy · 20/05/2008 22:04

I did have a good time. I love Chelsea. Have been to Hampton Court too, but prefer Chelsea.

KristinaM · 20/05/2008 22:45

thanks...i'm even more excited now.I don't get out much though

off to watch the Tv coverage i recorded earlier

jingleyjen · 20/05/2008 22:49

we have been a few times
LOve it but not going this year.
I love the little gardens but we always make the mistake of doing the show gardens first. so by the time we get to the small courtyard gardens the rest of the world is there too.
Next time we will arrive at 8am and go straight to the courtyard gardens and then the show gardens then the Marquee
I would not take a picnic, just cos I wouldn't want to carry it round all day, But would have a bottle of water and a bag to sit on if there are no tables to sit at at one of the cafe's.

ENJOY {envy}

KristinaM · 21/05/2008 12:23

I dont get into Paddington until 8am, so cant be there when it opens. but will take your advice and do the small courtyard gardens first.Thnaks

GrapefruitMoon - are you going today?

Original poster
GrapefruitMoon · 21/05/2008 14:45

No tomorrow! How about you?

OP posts:
KristinaM · 21/05/2008 14:49

saturday - its the only day i can go as need Dh to watch the kids. so if you are not too exhaused you can post tomorrow or friday and give me your hot tips

Original poster
GrapefruitMoon · 21/05/2008 17:57

Will do!

OP posts:
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