Chelsea in Bloom: The Joy of a Free Flower Show on the streets of London

:

Every May, just when the wisteria begins to fade and the roses start to stretch into their first glorious flush, Chelsea transforms. Not just inside the gates of the famous Royal Hospital grounds, where the Chelsea Flower Show attracts horticulturalists and celebrities from across the globe—but on the very streets themselves.

Gloriously British Festivities

For one glorious week, shopfronts, hotels, cafés and corners bloom with the most spectacular floral installations, all part of Chelsea in Bloom, London’s largest free flower festival. And if you ask me, it’s the best-kept secret of the season.

The local school gets involved

Chelsea in Bloom began in 2006, as a way to celebrate the neighbourhood’s floral heritage and bring a little of the magic of the Chelsea Flower Show beyond the ticketed event. What started with a handful of retailers joining in has now blossomed—quite literally—into a full-scale spectacle. Each year, dozens of businesses compete for coveted awards, creating extravagant displays in line with a central theme (this year’s is always worth checking online ahead of your visit). It’s imaginative, joyful and utterly Instagrammable.

Stike a pose in flowers

As someone lucky enough to still call London home (part time!), wandering through Chelsea in Bloom has become a treasured ritual. While the main show can cost up to £150 a ticket—and let’s be honest, that’s a serious spend—Chelsea in Bloom offers a wholly free alternative that’s every bit as inspiring. You don’t need a wristband, a programme or even a plan. Just turn up, stroll slowly, and let yourself be surprised.

One of the great joys of the event is its accessibility. Whether you’re a serious gardener or just someone who likes pretty things, Chelsea in Bloom has something for you. There are whimsical woodland creatures made entirely of moss and peonies. Giant floral sculptures erupting from the tops of red phone boxes. Entire storefronts transformed into jungles, wildflower meadows or enchanted gardens. And because it’s all outdoors, you can take your time.

Sloane Square had an equestrian theme

What makes it even more special for me is how it shows off Chelsea at its finest. I’ve always had a soft spot for this part of London. It’s not just posh (though, let’s be real, it is a bit posh)—it’s leafy and historic, with hidden mews, wide tree-lined streets and the kind of architecture that makes you look up in admiration. And in May, it’s honestly at its most radiant. The private gardens peek through gates in a haze of early summer colour, and the plane trees rustle gently above the flower-laden pavements. Even the air smells nicer. It’s London, but softer.

There’s something genuinely moving about seeing a community come together like this. Yes, there’s competition involved (and some serious budgets in play!), but you can feel the shared joy and creativity. Independent boutiques rub floral shoulders with big brands, and everyone seems to raise their game, whether it’s with a dramatic installation or a small, perfectly composed floral arch. It’s a kind of urban theatre—and the audience is everyone who passes by.

Peek a boo

As someone who’s slowly transitioning to full-time country life in Wales, these moments in London feel especially poignant. I love my little castle and the wildness of my Welsh garden, but I’ll always have a piece of my heart tucked into these elegant London streets. And in May, when Chelsea is in full, flamboyant bloom, that piece of my heart feels very much at home.

So if you find yourself in London during Chelsea Flower Show week, skip the queues and the £150 ticket (unless you’re feeling flush, of course) and take to the streets instead. Wander with no agenda. Bring your camera. Bring a friend. Or just bring yourself and a bit of time to soak it all in. Chelsea in Bloom is the best kind of gift: free, beautiful, and full of joy.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave with a head full of floral inspiration and a phone full of photos—already dreaming of what you’ll grow next.