Over 150,000 visitors are expected at the Chelsea Flower Show next week, but Tube strikes threaten to disrupt travel. Drivers plan two 24-hour walkouts on Tuesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 21, in a dispute with Transport for London over working hours. The RMT union accuses TfL of breaking promises to prevent industrial action. Every Tube line will be significantly affected on strike days, with severe delays likely on the District line, the main route to the show.
Alternative Travel Options
London Underground
- Sloane Square (District line): 10-minute walk, reduced service
- Victoria (Victoria and District lines): 17-minute walk
- Pimlico (Victoria line): 25-minute walk
Train
Victoria station (Southern, Southeastern, Gatwick Express) is a 17-minute walk from the showground.
Bus Services
Buses 11, 137, 211, 360, 170, 44, and 452 stop closest to the showground. Buses 19, 22, 319, and C1 stop at Sloane Square. Note that bus stop CH at Bull Ring Gate is suspended during the show.
Parking
Public parking in Battersea Park must be pre-booked with tickets. The park is outside the congestion zone but within the ULEZ zone, about a 20-minute walk from the showground. A shuttle bus is included with parking tickets, running from 7:15 am to 8:30 pm (Tuesday–Friday) and until 6 pm on Saturday.
Disruption Timetable
- Tuesday, May 19 & Thursday, May 21: Normal service until mid-morning, then disruption building up. Significant from midday.
- Wednesday, May 20 & Friday, May 22: Significant disruption all morning, improving through afternoon, normal by evening.
Chelsea Flower Show Dates & Opening Times
- Tuesday, May 19: 8 am–8 pm
- Wednesday, May 20: 8 am–8 pm
- Thursday, May 21: 8 am–8 pm
- Friday, May 22: 8 am–10 pm
- Saturday, May 23: 8 am–5:30 pm
Ticket Information
Tickets are sold via AXS. Early days are restricted to RHS members, with lower prices; public tickets cost more. The show often sells out in advance.
What to See
The 2026 show emphasizes garden design excellence with Show Gardens along Main Avenue and Royal Hospital Way. The “All About Plants” category focuses on unusual planting, while Balcony and Container Gardens offer urban solutions addressing flooding, pollution, and noise.
Awards
RHS awards Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver, and Bronze medals, plus Best Show Garden and Best Construction. The People’s Choice Award is voted by visitors.
Food & Facilities
Visitors can bring picnics or buy from street food stalls, cafés, afternoon tea, and champagne bars. Some dining requires advance booking.
