The Royal Horticultural Society is launching a major new event in Gloucestershire for 2026. RHS Badminton will fill the schedule gap left by the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, which has transitioned to a biennial schedule. This new show takes place on the Badminton Estate parkland from July 8 to 12, serving as the main attraction during the fallow year for the Hampton Court event. While the event is held on the open parkland of the estate, it will not be situated within the Badminton Estate gardens or house, although there are opportunities to take tours around those specific areas, though these are currently sold out.
RHS Badminton runs during a similar early July slot to the usual Hampton Court timing, operating from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 5.30pm. Tickets are available exclusively via the RHS website, with prices ranging from £30.31 for member day tickets and £35.36 for public tickets, going up to £47.61. Student tickets are available from £10, and entry is free for under 16s. Attendees can also pre-purchase show guides for £11 (£10 on the day), as well as premium and all-day parking. Becoming an RHS member grants access to a reduced rate for the show.
The RHS has curated a substantial lineup for the inaugural event, featuring a host of Show Gardens that are all contenders for medals, alongside the Young Designer gardens. The Young Designer category highlights creators working at the beginning of their careers, including Sophie Leo, whose garden “Where Grief Grows Quiet” explores how gardens can bring peace and refuge to those experiencing grief. Sophie Sturgeon’s “A Space for Her” recognizes the tremendous pressure young girls are under to meet unrealistic societal expectations, often influenced by social media. Additionally, Abigail Stoyle’s garden demonstrates how designs can be transformed using reclaimed and repurposed materials.
The main Show Gardens include Elle Arnett’s creation for Macmillan Cancer Support, developed in collaboration with Artisan Settings, and Sadie May Stowell’s garden inspired by Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Stephen Moody is designing “The Cricket Pavilion Garden,” while Rick Ford and Pip Probert are collaborating to create the “Finding Hope” garden. In addition to Show and Young Designer gardens, the event will feature Artisan Gardens, Pocket Planting gardens, and non-judged feature gardens.
Related: Chelsea Flower Show announces people’s winners
Among the feature gardens is the BBC Radio 4 and RHS The Archers 75th anniversary garden, designed by Jo Thompson. This garden celebrates the long-standing radio programme and brings to life Bridge Farm, reimagined as a pioneering, productive, sustainable, and welcoming space. Tom Stuart-Smith will present the largest ever feature garden to appear at an RHS Show: “The Julia Rausing Garden.” This installation is the equivalent size of nine Wimbledon tennis courts and features a wildflower meadow, woodland edge planting, a terrace, and a fountain. Pop singer Will Young is also turning his hand to garden design alongside Jamie Butterworth to produce “Out of the Shadows,” an exhibit that interprets Carl Jung’s ‘Shadow Self.’
Beyond the gardens, the Floral Marquee will host an array of exhibits from great growers, including David Austin Roses and Peter Beales Roses. The Houseplant Terrariums zone will see houseplants take centre stage, while the Kitchen Garden Plant Centre serves as the Master Grower for 2026. Visitors can watch talks on various stages and ask experts in the Plant Village and Floral Marquee, or utilize the RHS Advice Hub. The Main Stage will feature horticultural stars such as Joe Swift, Polly Nicholson, Adam Frost, Arit Anderson, Ashley Edwards, Jekka McVicar, Nicki Chapman, Rachel de Thame, and Carol Klein.
A variety of food options will be available, ranging from the possibility of pre-booking a Fortnum and Mason picnic hamper to fine dining at the Lakeside Restaurant. The Great Taste Market offers an opportunity to buy speciality cheeses and other artisan treats. Activities for the whole family are a priority, with tickets for under 16s free. Children can enjoy a Brambly Hedge takeover featuring dressing up and face painting, a forest school run by Westonbirt Arboretum, outdoor games from Jaques of London, and various wheelbarrow designs created by local schools and community groups.
