Chelsea Flower Show - Ever Been?

[Earlybird]

It always looks wonderful on telly, and every year I wonder if it's wonderful to actually be there in person. The BBC presenters wander around individual gardens (which look stunningly beautiful), but in the distance the camera shows crowds of people restrained behind roped off areas....not sure that appeals.

Can you get close enough to see much, or are you kept too far away? Are crowds so overwhelming that it detracts from what's on display? In short - is it worth going to the effort/expense to attend?

Thanks ss. Anyone else?

We went one year (won tickets in a competition) and we did enjoy it. It is quite crowded though - enough to detract a little.

i would love to go.... would go on the last day though when they sell everything off... thats today i think? not sure

My mom and dad went on friday and said it was good but that they wouldn't go again as very tiring ,not many places to sit and enjoy,too much crammed in to one area,also a long way to go for them!They did think that Shrewsbury flower show was better.

Went with my mum 5+ years ago and did not like it. V. v. crowded (think sardines shuffling around a tent) and lots of commercial stuff that was off putting.

The older I get the more appealing this event becomes I'm still resisting, though.