If you’re going to be around London during the Chelsea Flower Show, but are not going to venture into the showground, or perhaps have some time to spare, then why not take a look at some of the other things to see and do around London.
What else is on in London during the Chelsea Flower Show 2022
Chelsea in Bloom
Just a stones throw from the Chelsea Flower Show, you can see the floral bonanza of Chelsea in Bloom, the free-to-attend festival of flowers. Restaurants and retailers around Chelsea will be adorning their facades with floral displays from the 23-28 May under the theme ‘British Icons’ in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee taking place the following week.
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Afternoon Tea Bus Tours
Departing from Victoria Coach Station, this bus tour will take you sightseeing around the city while enjoying afternoon tea. Brigit’s Bakery have created a limited edition Chelsea Flower Show menu that will include floral afternoon teas, finger sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries. Expect lots of edible flowers!Tickets are £45.
Chelsea Fringe
Also running in tandem with the show is the Chelsea Fringe, the alternative festival celebrating gardens, plants and outdoor space. Events for the Fringe are happening all over the UK as well as abroad, but there are plenty based in London that are worth paying a visit to.
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Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Collection on Euston Road is currently housing a free exhibition called ‘Rooted Beings’, a meditative reflection on the world of plants and fungi. What better time than during Chelsea to explore this concept and see botanical archives from Wellcome Collection and Kew Gardens alongside the work of several artists.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Visit the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, just down the road from the Chelsea Flower Show grounds. The oldest botanic garden in London, the Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 and sits on the Thames Embankment. This year, the garden declared the world’s first microclimate emergency. Entry to the garden starts at £12.
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Belgravia in Bloom
Another London neighbourhood will be putting on floral displays from the 23-29 May. Belgravia in Bloom’s theme of Beautifully British will see boutiques and restaurants in the area adorned with crafted flower exhibits.
Biscuiteers
As part of Belgravia in Bloom, Biscuiteers Belgravia Cafe will be hosting floral themed DIY icing classes. Daily, they’ll be hosting hour-long icing sessions during which you will learn to decorate floral biscuits. If one hour isn’t enough, on the 28 May you can try your hand at icing your own biscuit bouquet in one of their longer school of icing classes.
DIY class – 1 hour – £18.
School of icing class – 2 hours – £90.
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The Chelsea Barracks Spring Fair
In honour of the Chelsea Flower Show, the Chelsea Barracks are hosting a Spring Fair (25-27 May) that will transform the Garden Squares. The event will be a destination to sample British food and beverage, artisanal inspired products and take part in workshops and discussions from pioneers in the garden and landscaping field.