If you know me, you’ll know I’ve got about 25 alarms set for the start of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. That is because it also signals the start of Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom. As a London girl, I’ve been going to this free flower festival put on by the locals in the area for years. So in this blog I’ll tell you what to expect, where the best places are, how to take Instagrammable photos and the best displays over the years! I’ll update this blog with my favourite displays for 2025 as soon as they go up.

What is Chelsea in Bloom?

Chelsea in Bloom is a free flower festival.

It takes taking place at the same time as RHS Chelsea Flower Show – which you do need tickets for.

What is the theme for Chelsea in Bloom for 2025?

This year their theme is Flowers in Fashion. Right up my street! It promises to be a floral runway where inspiration for displays will come from fashion legacy, style icons and muses. The streets including Sloane Street, King’s Road, Pavilion Road and Duke of York Square all take part. You’ll find hotels, boutiques and cafes all with displays but they do vary each year. Just roam around and you’ll find amazing flowers!

Previous year themes include the Summer of Love – inspired by Harry and Meghan’s wedding and Flowers on Film, inspired by the movies.

When is Chelsea in Bloom on?

From 19 – 25 May 2025.

A lot of the displays are fresh flowers so head down there as early in the week as you can. If it is very hot weather or very bad weather, they can suffer in the extremes!

If you visit after these times you might find a selection of the retailers which have used fake flowers as they might leave them up for longer.

How do I know what to expect from Chelsea in Bloom?

I’ll share my top displays from previous years here – you can usually rely on the bigger retailers!

I will be posting the displays from Chelsea in Bloom 2025 as soon as I can.

I recommend researching the best spots on the Chelsea in Bloom website too – you can tell from the map and details online the big ones to head for.

What should I wear to Chelsea in Bloom?

I usually look at the theme and any early drawings to decide. When it was all about British Icons in 2022, I wore a red dress.

Last year in 2024, it was Floral Feasts and I didn’t have a clue what to wear. So I went with a white dress as it would be versatile with different colours.

I’ve also worn tulle skirts (obvs) and a bright pink coat. It all depends on the famous British weather and the theme!

I love a heel but because this has a lot of walking, I go with a pair of flats or chunky ankle boot.

How do I get good pictures at Chelsea in Bloom?

My top tip is to go early. Early in the day and early in the week. You come into Sloane Square and it will be busy with people attending the Chelsea Flower Show.

So if you can go just as the shops are opening, that is best! It will always be busy but just be quick to get your shot and move on to the next.

You’ll know the best ones when you see them! You probably won’t be able to get a shot of every shop so be discerning about your faves.

Tag the streets, the retailer and the florist – it is an expensive event to take part in so show your love 🙂

What is a good route for Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom?

I usually head to Chelsea first.

Start at Sloane Square tube and I head straight to Sloane Square with the display in the middle of the island and then Tiffany, Cartier and Hackett.

After that, tick off Pavilion Road and Kiki McDonough (always amazing displays).

Then head up King’s Road until you’ve hit The Ivy and Rixo and so on.

Then on your way back check out Duke of York Square.

Continue your walk to Belgravia in Bloom with Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street and Ecclestone Yards before heading home from Victoria Tube.

Where to eat in Chelsea?

There are so many cute places to eat in Chelsea. I adore Ivy Chelsea Garden, Ottolenghi on Pavilion Road and Duke of York Square for alfresco vibes.

What is Belgravia in Bloom?

Just next to Chelsea is Belgravia, and they have created Belgravia in Bloom to take part too. This neighbourhood is all about smaller independent boutiques, cafes and bars. You’ll want to explore Elizabeth Street – particularly Moyses Stevens and Peggy Porschen, Motcomb Street with florist Neill Strain and Eccleston Yards.

What is the Belgravia in Bloom theme for 2025?

This year is Through the Seasons.

When is Belgravia in Bloom on?

From 19 – 26 May 2025.

What to look for at Belgravia in Bloom?

Again, do your research and check the map beforehand. Because Belgravia and Chelsea have different themes it can be hard to wear an outfit to suit both so pick your favourite displays to aim for. I always adore Neill Strain and Peggy Porschen every year!

Where to eat in Belgravia?

Head to Tom Tom Coffee Shop – so trendy rn, Cleo super chic or Peggy Porschen for ultra pink!

Take a look at Instagrammable Flowers and Gardens in London here.