Acres upon acres of stunning gardens, of fragrant flowers and incredible shopping opportunities makes RHS Chelsea one of the must-attend events of the year. 

It is definitely one of the most popular events in the London social calendar.  Thousands upon thousands of people descend on this quiet part of Chelsea every May, just to enjoy the stunning spectacle that is the Chelsea Flower Show.  HM the Queen and members of the Royal Family attend the special preview day, during which the RHS judges award medals to winning gardens and plants.  Such medals are highly coveted within the garden world.

The beauty of the plants is matched by the brilliant red coats of the Chelsea Pensioners, who are frequently to be seen strolling around the grounds and enjoying the show.  This is, after all, their own garden since they live at the Royal Hospital. 

It is an opportunity for Londoners and tourists probably staying in any of the Oxford Street hotels London UK to discover all the latest trends and gardening techniques, as well as buying some really unusual, and often rare, plants. The Great Pavilion houses displays by countless top nurseries such as David Austin Roses, Peter Beales Roses and Hampshire Carnivorous Plants. Visitors can talk to experts about gardening problems, admire planting designs and relax with a picnic in the parkland.  For those who want something more elaborate to eat, you can even enjoy a three course, fine dining experience.  Champagne is very much in evidence! 

Whatever your garden interest, RHS Chelsea is guaranteed to have something that will appeal.  This is where you can see almost every type of garden style available, from minimalist contemporary to rustic, country gardens, Mediterranean landscapes to water gardens.  The range of ideas and concepts is vast, providing plenty of inspiration to take home for use in your own gardens. 

If you are travelling to London during this time period then you should book a stay somewhere in central London like Regency House Hotel Gower Street as for visitors on the final day of Chelsea, there is an added bonus. As the clock ticks towards closing time, many of the stall holders and display gardens make their plants available for sale at vastly reduced rates. This is definitely the time to capture a few bargains, acquiring plants that you definitely will not be able to buy in your local garden centre.