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Garden shows, events & festivals 2026

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

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.

March

3 events
RHS Orchid Show
Flower Show Top pick

RHS Orchid Show

13-15 March RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

Three days of spectacular orchid displays, expert talks, and specialist nurseries selling rare varieties. One of the first major RHS events of the year.

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Cyclamen Society Annual Show
Flower Show

Cyclamen Society Annual Show

28 March Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Specialist exhibition of cyclamen varieties with cultivation demonstrations and expert growers. A must for alpine and bulb enthusiasts.

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Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates throughout March Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

Independent plant fairs featuring specialist nurseries selling unusual and hard-to-find plants direct to the public. Typically 20-30 nurseries per event.

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April

4 events
Daffodil Society Annual Show
Flower Show

Daffodil Society Annual Show

18-19 April Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston

Competitive spring flower showcase featuring hundreds of daffodil varieties, expert displays, and cultivation advice from specialist growers.

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National Garden Railway Show
Exhibition

National Garden Railway Show

25 April NAEC Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Large-scale garden railway exhibition featuring live steam locomotives, landscaped model gardens, and specialist traders.

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Perch Hill Garden Open Day
Garden Show

Perch Hill Garden Open Day

30 April Sarah Raven's 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.

Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates throughout April Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

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

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May

6 events
BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
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.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival
Flower Show Top pick

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

7-10 May Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire

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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International Garden Photography Exhibition
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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Urban Tree Festival
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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RHS Chelsea Flower Show
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 months in advance.

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Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates throughout May Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

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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June

3 events
BBC Gardeners' World Live
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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Blenheim Palace Flower Show
Flower Show Top pick

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

19-21 June Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, 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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Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates throughout June Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

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

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July

4 events
RHS Flower Show at Badminton
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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RHS Flower Show at Sandringham
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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Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival in the Gardens
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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Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates throughout July Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

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

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August

3 events
Artisan Market (Summer Edition)
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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Derbyshire Flower and Garden Show
Garden Show Top pick

Derbyshire Flower and Garden Show

29-30 August Bakewell Showground, Bakewell, 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.

Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates throughout August Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

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

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September

3 events
BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair
Festival Top pick

BBC Gardeners' World Autumn Fair

11-13 September Audley End House, Saffron Walden, 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.

RHS Malvern Autumn Show
Flower Show Top pick

RHS Malvern Autumn Show

25-27 September Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire

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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Plant Hunters' Fairs
Plant Fair

Plant Hunters' Fairs

Various dates in September Multiple venues across the Midlands and North England

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

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October

1 event
Artisan Market (Autumn Edition)
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

1 event
RHS Garden Wisley Glow
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

1 event
RHS Garden Early Spring Festival
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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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. Check event websites for the latest information, ticket prices, and booking details.