In 2026, the historic Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire will host a new Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) flower show, marking the RHS’s first foray into the region. This biennial event aims to bring gardening inspiration to a broader audience.
The RHS, renowned for its world-class horticultural events, is expanding its reach to innovate and engage with more communities and schools, promoting gardening across the UK. The organization sees the new show as an opportunity to connect with those who may not have an RHS garden nearby.
RHS Director General Clare Matterson emphasized the importance of evolving and creating new content to maintain the RHS’s status as a leader in horticulture. “Our RHS shows are without a doubt the best horticultural events in the world, however, we must not and should not stand still. We owe it to the horticultural world, our invaluable RHS members, our visitors, and our nation of gardeners to look at how and what we can do to create new content, work with new contributors, and find ways to generate interest and inspiration both within our current much-loved British events and in new locations with new shows to work with new populations and people.”
Matterson expressed excitement about making the RHS more accessible, stating, “We’re delighted to be extending our reach and making the RHS more accessible and welcoming to more people. We want to inspire current and new audiences with world-class horticulture and provide access to the UK’s best plants people to help even more people garden and grow.”
The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, residents of Badminton Estate, shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming show. “We are delighted to be chosen as one of the new locations for the RHS Flower Shows. These events represent the pinnacle of horticultural excellence, and we are honoured to be part of this tradition. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our park and gardens and to sharing Badminton’s rich gardening heritage and helping the RHS foster a wider interest in gardening throughout the country.”
RHS Director of Shows, Commercial and Innovation, Helena Pettit, highlighted the unique setting of Badminton Estate as ideal for the new event. “Hosting a new show in Gloucestershire at this beautiful location will provide us with great opportunities to engage with local communities, designers, nurseries, and growers to share the joy and benefits of gardening with all.”
As the UK’s leading gardening charity, the RHS aims to enrich lives through plants. The new show at Badminton Estate is a step forward in achieving this mission, bringing exceptional horticulture to new audiences and fostering a love for gardening nationwide.
