Inspired By The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025? Here’s How to Enjoy Garden Magic All Year Round

Can’t Make Chelsea Flower Show 2025? Here’s How to Experience Garden Magic All Year Round!

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show might be the crown jewel of the gardening calendar, but you don’t need a ticket to Chelsea to enjoy our blooming marvellous days out. Taking place from 20–24 May 2025, this year’s theme, ‘Flowers in Fashion’, celebrates the timeless connection between style and the natural world. 

If you’ve missed the show—or just can’t get enough of all things floral—we’ve got you covered with garden experiences that let you soak up nature’s beauty all year round. 

From world-famous botanical gardens to hidden gems bursting with colour and calm, these experiences are your chance to embrace the magic of British gardens whenever it suits you. Forget the crowds—this is garden joy on your own terms.

RHS Wisley

Nestled in the heart of Surrey, RHS Garden Wisley isn’t just the home of the RHS headquarters, it’s the most-loved of all their gardens, drawing in around a million visitors each year. 

From its iconic Glasshouse to colourful borders that change with the seasons, Wisley offers something magical every time you visit. It’s a place where gardening inspiration comes to life, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just love a wander among the flowers.

Location: Woking, Surrey (easily accessible from London).

RHS Wisley Opening Times:

• April to October: Monday – Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday – Sunday 9am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
• October to March: Monday – Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday – Sunday 9am-4pm (last entry 3pm) 

RHS Garden Wisley Tickets: £43 for 2 people or £96 for 2 people including afternoon tea for 2

Stand-Out Feature: The Glasshouse – a cathedral of exotic plants from across the world, with tropical, temperate and arid zones.

Must-See: The Jellicoe Canal and Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden in full summer bloom.

Best Season to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms and bulb displays, autumn for bold foliage.

Insider Tip: Climb Battleston Hill for one of the most peaceful and secluded areas in the whole garden.

RHS Bridgewater

As the newest addition to the Royal Horticultural Society, Bridgewater had big shoes to fill – and it did so beautifully. 

Spanning 154 acres, this impressive garden in Salford is a shining example of regeneration done right. Once the site of a derelict estate, it’s now home to striking landscapes, including the magnificent Weston Walled Garden, one of the largest of its kind in the UK. From colourful community spaces to contemporary planting schemes, Bridgewater blends history, sustainability and innovation, offering visitors a truly unique garden experience.

Location: Salford, Greater Manchester – a green oasis just 20 minutes from the city.

Opening Times: 

• 23rd March – 28th October: Monday to Sunday​: 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)
• 29th October – 22nd March: Monday to Sunday​: 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm) 

RHS Garden Bridgewater Tickets: £38 for 2 people

Stand-Out Feature: The newest RHS garden and a triumph of regeneration – transformed from the grounds of a derelict estate.

Must-See: The Weston Walled Garden – one of the largest of its kind in the UK.

Best Season to Visit: Summer for the Paradise Garden in full bloom; autumn for colourful borders and mellow light.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Chinese Streamside Garden – it’s a peaceful, hidden gem inspired by classical Chinese design and offers a completely different vibe to the rest of the site.

RHS Harlow Carr

Tucked away in North Yorkshire’s rugged landscape, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is the perfect day trip for those enjoying a rural getaway in Yorkshire. With 58 acres of beautiful gardens, a sandstone rock garden, and an Alpine House showcasing over 2,000 different plants, it’s a true haven for plant lovers. 

With winding streamside paths, wildflower meadows and peaceful woodland trails, RHS Harlow Carr is a lovely place to explore year-round. What makes it even more special is the on-site Bettys Café Tea Rooms. A Yorkshire favourite since 1919, Bettys is known for its charm, history and famous Fat Rascal scones. It’s the perfect place to relax after a garden stroll with a proper brew and something sweet.

Location: On the edge of Harrogate – easy to tie in with a spa break or afternoon tea.

RHS Harlow Carr Opening Times: 

• March – October: Monday to Sunday 9.30am – 6pm (Last entry to garden 5pm)
• End of October – February: Monday to Sunday 9.30am – 4pm (Last entry to garden 3pm) 

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Tickets: £32 for 2 people

Stand-Out Feature: Its integration with Yorkshire’s rugged landscape – think wildflower meadows, bubbling streams and woodland walks.

Must-See: The Streamside Garden, stretching for a stunning 1.2km through the heart of the site.

Best Season to Visit: Spring for a riot of daffodils and alpines; winter for frost-kissed landscape views.

Insider Tip: Look out for regular plant trials – showcasing new and experimental varieties.

RHS Hyde Hall

Famous for its impressive use of colour and texture, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a stunning hilltop garden with panoramic views of the surrounding Essex countryside. From vibrant seasonal borders to the striking Dry Garden, it’s a beautiful blend of bold planting and peaceful open space – ideal for a relaxing day out.

While Hyde Hall is a beautiful spot for aspiring horticulturists or those with an appreciation for thoughtful garden design, it’s also a quiet haven for bird lovers, with over 90 species spotted here – including swans, tufted ducks, and herons. With its wide open skies, peaceful lakes, and gentle hilltop breezes, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, tune in to nature, and enjoy a truly calming day outdoors.

Location: Chelmsford, Essex, just 10 miles south of Chelmsford and easily accessible from London.

RHS Hyde Hall Opening Times:

• 1st March – 31st October: Monday to Sunday 10am – 6pm (Last entry 5pm)
• 1st November – 28th February: Monday to Sunday 10am – 4pm (Last entry 3pm)

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Tickets: £38 for 2 people

Stand-Out Feature: The iconic Dry Garden, showcasing drought-tolerant plants thriving without irrigation—perfect for inspiration on sustainable gardening.

Must-See: The Hilltop Garden with its lush lawns, ponds, and vibrant rose displays, offering panoramic views of the Essex countryside. 

Best Season to Visit: Summer for the blooming herbaceous borders; autumn for the vibrant foliage; winter for the striking colours in the Winter Garden.

Insider Tip: Don't miss the Robinson Garden, named after the original owners, showcasing a variety of rare and unusual plants in a tranquil setting.

RHS Rosemoor

If you’re suffering from RHS Chelsea Show FOMO, then a trip to RHS Garden Rosemoor is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of expertly designed gardens without the crowds. Nestled in the North Devon countryside, Rosemoor offers everything from vibrant seasonal borders to peaceful woodland walks, giving you that Chelsea-level inspiration with room to breathe – and time to truly enjoy it.

Gifted to the RHS by Lady Anne Berry in 1988, RHS Garden Rosemoor has grown into a breathtaking 65-acre haven in the heart of North Devon. Once a private garden, it now blends Lady Anne’s original plantings with bold new designs, offering everything from formal borders and cottage-style gardens to wild woodlands and fruit orchards. It’s a peaceful escape where tradition and creativity come together in full bloom.

Location: Great Torrington, North Devon – perfect for combining with a countryside escape.

RHS Rosemoor Opening Times: 

• 1st April – 30th September: Monday to Sunday 10am – 6pm (Last entry to garden 5pm)
• 1st October – 31st March: Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm (Last entry to garden 4pm)

RHS Garden Rosemoor Tickets: £38 for 2 people

Stand-Out Feature: The two-in-one experience – a formal garden meets wild woodland, seamlessly combined.

Must-See: The Hot Garden – a fiery colour explosion in summer months.

Best Season to Visit: Late summer for peak rose season; winter for magical illuminations.

Insider Tip: Visit the charming walled kitchen garden and spot heritage apple varieties.

Kew Gardens

If you didn’t manage to get tickets to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025, don’t worry—Kew Gardens is the ultimate floral fallback that delivers garden magic all year round. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world’s most diverse collection of living plants, with over 50,000 species across 300 acres of beautifully curated landscapes.

From the soaring beauty of the Palm House to the tranquil Japanese Garden and towering Treetop Walkway, Kew offers an immersive, ever-changing botanical experience that rivals any show garden. Unlike Chelsea, there’s no rush—just acres of inspiration, nature, and calm waiting to be explored at your own pace.

Location: Richmond, southwest London, and is easily accessible by public transport.

Opening Times: Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (8pm at weekends and bank holidays)

Ticket Price: Adult - £20 Child - £5

Stand-Out Feature: The Palm House, an iconic Victorian glasshouse, is home to a lush indoor rainforest and rare tropical plants. 

Must-See: Where do we start! The Temperate House, the world's largest Victorian glasshouse, showcases a diverse collection of temperate plants.The Japanese Landscape provides a tranquil setting with traditional elements or Kew Palace, the smallest of the British royal palaces, offers a glimpse into royal history

Best Season to Visit: Spring is ideal for witnessing the gardens in full bloom, with magnolias, cherry blossoms, tulips, bluebells, and daffodils creating a vibrant display. 

Insider Tip: To avoid crowds, consider visiting on a weekday morning. Early entry is available for members from 8:00 AM during certain periods. 

Canonteign Falls

Canonteign Falls in Devon offers a captivating alternative to the flower show. Set within 90 acres of parkland and ancient woodland, this hidden gem features England’s highest man-made waterfall, Lady Exmouth Falls, cascading an impressive 70 metres. The tranquil setting provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature's splendour.

Beyond the waterfalls, Canonteign Falls boasts a Victorian Fern Garden, serene lakes, and scenic woodland trails. Families can enjoy adventure playgrounds, while garden enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse plant life and carefully curated landscapes. 

Location: Teign Valley near Chudleigh, Devon, within Dartmoor National Park. 

Opening Times: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during term time, and until 5:00 PM during school holidays and bank holidays. 

Ticket Price: From £32 for 2 people

Stand-Out Feature: Lady Exmouth Falls, a 70-metre, man-made waterfall constructed in the 1890s. It's the highest man-made waterfall in England, created to provide employment for local miners after the decline of the mining industry. 

Must-See: Don't miss the 90 Victorian steps leading up to the Fern Garden and the viewing platform at the top of the falls. 

Best Season to Visit: Spring and early summer are ideal

Insider Tip: The waterfall walk includes steep and uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for prams or wheelchairs. 

So, if you’re feeling inspired by the stunning displays of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 – with this year’s theme, ‘Flowers in Fashion’ – don’t miss the chance to enjoy more of the beautiful work created by the RHS. 

A visit to a botanical garden is a great way to keep that inspiration going, whether you’re green-fingered or just love being surrounded by nature. It’s a relaxed, down-to-earth way to enjoy all the colour, creativity and calm that gardens have to offer and maybe get a few tips for your own garden along the way.