Chelsea in Bloom

Chelsea Flower Show alternative

Despite the rain in this week’s forecast, Chelsea will once again be in full bloom. The 14th annual Chelsea in Bloom (May 20-25), coincides with the famed Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25). Sponsored by Cadogan and the Royal Horticulture Society, this year’s event features a record-breaking 85+ displays.
Storefronts including retailers and restaurants are creatively covered in flowers and arrangements of all colors, shapes and sizes. Best of all this show is free and open to the public. Award-winning displays are selected by an expert panel of judges along with online voting for a people’s choice award.

Last year’s Summer of Love theme coincided with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle royal wedding included a double decker bus, cozy bistro seating and a bicycle built for two. Displays utilizing peace signs, Volkswagen buses and 70s color schemes were also popular.

Beginning on Tuesday, free walking tours leave at 11 am and 3 pm or you can book a rickshaw departing every 30 minutes from 10:30 am-5 pm from Sloan Square. It is also just as easy to do a self-guided one by downloading the online map. If last year is any indication, this year’s Chelsea in Bloom, Under the Sea is sure to impress!


Bonus : Floral themed drinks, workshops along with complimentary massages and skin analysis will be on offer from floral show participants.
www.chelseainbloom.co.uk

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Eltham Palace

Medieval meets modern

Eltham Palace is an art deco mansion on the site of Henry VIII's childhood home. On the one hand, the Palace boasts a Tudor great hall and 19 acres of gardens, including London’s oldest working bridge over a moat. On the other, it is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture and design surviving in Britain today.

The stunning interiors and furnishings reflect a masterpiece of design, glamour and allure of 1930s fashionable society. The Palace is reflective of the eccentricities and tastes of its millionaire residents, Virginia and Stephen Courtauld, whose family established the Courtauld Institute of Art. It even comes complete with a room dedicated to the family’s pet lemur.


Beyond its roots as a medieval royal palace, Eltham has entertained many royals, politicians and socialites over the years and boasts state-of-the-art-modern conveniences for its time.

It is hard to think of another building in London that is such a study in contrast – a truly unique and unusual place to visit!

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/
Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5QE


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