What's On

Garden shows, events & festivals 2026

25 upcoming events across the UK. From RHS Chelsea to local plant fairs, here is every show worth putting in your diary.

April May June July August September October November February Already been on

The UK hosts over 50 major garden shows, flower shows, and plant fairs each year. The RHS runs five flagship shows including Chelsea (May) and Malvern (May and September). BBC Gardeners' World holds three seasonal fairs. Local plant hunters' fairs run March to September across the Midlands and North. Most events require advance booking.

Browse by region

London South East South West East of England East Midlands West Midlands

April 2026

2 events

Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs (April)

Various dates throughout April Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Specialist nurseries selling unusual perennials, alpines, and cottage garden plants direct to the public at venues across the region.

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Lush cottage-style cutting garden in full spring bloom

Garden Show

Perch Hill Garden Open Day

30 April Perch Hill Farm, East Sussex

A rare chance to explore Sarah Raven's celebrated cutting garden at its spring peak. Pre-booking essential as tickets sell out fast.

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May 2026

6 events

Wildflowers blooming in the Hampshire countryside

Festival Top pick

BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair

1-3 May Beaulieu, Hampshire

The first BBC Gardeners' World event of the season. Live talks from TV presenters, specialist nurseries, show gardens, and hands-on workshops in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

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Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs (May)

Various dates throughout May Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Spring is peak season for these popular plant fairs. Expect the widest range of nurseries and the best selection of plants.

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Vibrant mixed floral display at an RHS show

Flower Show Top pick

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

7-10 May Three Counties Showground, Malvern

Four days of floral marquees, show gardens, plant sales, and expert talks. Known for its friendly atmosphere and strong focus on growing your own food.

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Botanical garden glasshouse with tropical planting

Exhibition

International Garden Photography Exhibition

13 May - 29 June Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Award-winning garden photography from around the world displayed in the Gardens' gallery spaces. A celebration of gardens through the lens.

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Festival

Urban Tree Festival

16 May Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Celebrating urban trees with guided walks, tree identification workshops, mythology talks, and family activities among the Gardens' National Bonsai Collection.

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Bright yellow daffodils representing the start of the spring flower show season

Flower Show Top pick

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

19-23 May Royal Hospital Chelsea, London

The world's most famous flower show. Gold medal gardens, the Great Pavilion packed with specialist growers, and cutting-edge garden design. Book early as tickets sell out.

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June 2026

3 events

Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs (June)

Various dates throughout June Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Summer plant fairs with nurseries offering established perennials, grasses, and summer bedding at their peak growing condition.

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Crowds enjoying a summer garden festival

Festival Top pick

BBC Gardeners' World Live

18-21 June NEC, Birmingham

The flagship BBC Gardeners' World event. Show gardens, a massive floral marquee, live stage talks from TV presenters, and hundreds of exhibitors. The biggest gardening event in the Midlands.

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Formal country house gardens in summer bloom

Flower Show Top pick

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

19-21 June Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Show gardens, floral displays, and specialist nurseries set in the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Features celebrity gardeners including Carol Klein. A stunning backdrop for a flower show.

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July 2026

4 events

Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs (July)

Various dates throughout July Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Midsummer plant fairs with specialist nurseries. Good time to buy established plants that will settle in before autumn.

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English country estate parkland in summer bloom

Flower Show Top pick

RHS Flower Show at Badminton

8-12 July Badminton Estate, South Gloucestershire

A new RHS show set in the parkland of Badminton House. Show gardens, plant sales, and gardening talks in one of England's finest country estates.

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Royal country estate gardens at the height of summer

Flower Show Top pick

RHS Flower Show at Sandringham

22-26 July Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

The RHS show at the Royal Family's Norfolk estate. Floral displays, show gardens, and expert advice set among the royal gardens. A highlight of the East Anglian gardening calendar.

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Jazz band performing live on a garden stage

Festival

Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival in the Gardens

25-26 July Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Live music across the Gardens' bandstands and lawns. A weekend of jazz and blues surrounded by botanical displays. Food and drink traders on site.

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August 2026

4 events

Artisan market stall with cut flowers and garden goods

Festival

Artisan Market (Summer Edition)

1 August Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Curated market of local crafts, artisan produce, and garden-related goods set within the Botanical Gardens. Combine with a garden visit.

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Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs (August)

Various dates throughout August Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Late summer fairs with nurseries offering autumn-interest plants, grasses, and late-flowering perennials.

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Flower Show Top pick

Taunton Flower Show

Friday 7 - Saturday 8 August Vivary Park, Taunton

Billed as the oldest flower show in the country. Two days at Vivary Park with a competition marquee, designer gardens, traders, and arena entertainment. Children go free with a paying adult.

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Garden Show

Derbyshire Flower and Garden Show

29-30 August Bakewell Showground, Derbyshire

A popular two-day show in the Peak District with stunning floral displays, celebrity gardener talks, specialist nurseries, and show gardens. Set against the beautiful Derbyshire countryside.

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September 2026

3 events

Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs (September)

Various dates in September Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Autumn plant fairs are ideal for buying spring-flowering bulbs and perennials for autumn planting.

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Autumn produce and harvest display in a country garden

Festival Top pick

BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair

11-13 September Audley End House, Essex

The final BBC Gardeners' World event of the year. Live talks, autumn planting advice, specialist nurseries, and show gardens in the grounds of a stunning English Heritage property.

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Display of giant pumpkins and harvest produce at an autumn show

Flower Show Top pick

RHS Malvern Autumn Show

25-27 September Three Counties Showground, Malvern

Celebrates the harvest season with giant vegetable competitions, fruit and flower displays, and autumn planting advice. The floral art is a highlight.

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October 2026

1 event

Autumn artisan market stall with seasonal produce and flowers

Festival

Artisan Market (Autumn Edition)

3 October Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Autumn-themed market with local artisans, seasonal produce, and garden gifts. The Gardens' autumn colour makes this a particularly scenic market visit.

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November 2026

1 event

RHS garden illuminated at night with strings of festive lights

Exhibition

RHS Garden Wisley Glow

Mid November - early January (dates TBC) RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

The Gardens illuminated with thousands of lights for the winter season. An after-dark experience combining garden design with dramatic lighting installations.

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February 2027

1 event

Snowdrops in early spring bloom at an RHS garden

Garden Show

RHS Garden Early Spring Festival

Throughout February (dates TBC) Various RHS Gardens

Snowdrop walks, hellebore displays, and early spring planting workshops across the five RHS Gardens. Each garden runs its own programme of seasonal events.

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Already been on

Past events 2026

These events have already taken place this year. Most return on the same dates each year, so use them as a reference for planning your 2027 calendar.

April 2026

Vintage steam locomotive in a garden railway setting

Exhibition 25 April

National Garden Railway Show

NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

Field of golden daffodils in spring bloom

Flower Show 18-19 April

Daffodil Society Annual Show

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

March 2026

Pink cyclamen flowering in a terracotta pot

Flower Show 28 March

Cyclamen Society Annual Show

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Flower Show 13-15 March

RHS Orchid Show

RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

Stalls of flowering plants for sale at a plant fair

Plant Fair Various dates throughout March

Plant Hunters' Fairs (March)

Midlands & North England (multiple venues)

Tips for visiting garden shows

Book early

RHS Chelsea and BBC Gardeners' World Live sell out months in advance. Set a reminder for when tickets go on sale, typically October for the following year.

Arrive early or late

The first and last hours of each day are the quietest. Show gardens photograph best in morning light. Plant sales often reduce prices on the final afternoon.

Bring the right kit

Comfortable shoes, a trolley or sturdy bag for plant purchases, sunscreen (you will be outside all day), and a waterproof layer. British weather applies.

Talk to the growers

The specialist nurseries at plant fairs and flower shows are staffed by the people who grow the plants. Ask about soil, aspect, and what grows well in your area.

Plan your gardening year

Garden shows are a brilliant way to discover new plants and get expert advice. For inspiration between events, explore our Plant Finder with over 125 plants suited to UK gardens, or check our seasonal guides to see what to plant this month.

If you are planning a visit to an established garden, our Gardens to Visit directory covers over 200 gardens across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, searchable by region and garden type.

Event dates are confirmed for the 2026 season where available. Some events release exact dates closer to the time. Click any event card for full details, location, and the latest information.