The Sandringham Flower Show is one of the most famous horticultural events in the UK, attracting thousands of visitors to the royal estate every summer. While many people travel by car, getting to the Sandringham Flower Show by train is one of the most sustainable and affordable options, especially as a day trip or weekend escape from London.
This year, for the first time, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has been given permission to host its own event, creating the RHS Sandringham Flower Show.
If you’re visiting Sandringham from London, you can get an advance fare to King’s Lynn for only £16.50, making it an affordable option. What’s more, it only takes 1 hour 40 minutes from London King’s Cross, meaning it’s the fastest and most stress-free option too.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know before visiting, including how to get to RHS Sandringham by train, what to expect on the day, accessibility advice and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
What is RHS Sandringham Flower Show?
Held annually within the grounds of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, the Sandringham Flower Show is one of the country's longest-running horticultural events. Established in 1885, it combines stunning floral displays with gardening inspiration, artisan food and drink, shopping stalls, live entertainment and demonstrations from leading growers and horticultural experts.
Unlike many flower shows, the event takes place within the grounds of a working royal estate, giving visitors the chance to experience one of Britain's most famous country estates while enjoying a full day of gardening, food and family-friendly activities. King Charles III is a regular visitor, alongside his wife Queen Camilla and other working royals.
For the first time, the RHS has been granted permission to host its own flower show on the Sandringham Estate, and will do so every three years, alternating with the classic Sandringham Flower Show.
When is RHS Sandringham?
Previously, the Sandringham Flower Show took place on one day each year. New for 2026, RHS Sandringham takes place across five days from 22-26 July 2026.
On Wednesday 22 July to Saturday 25 July, the garden show will be open from 10am until 6pm. On Sunday 26 July, RHS Sandringham will be open from 10am until 5pm, with The Great Plant Sell Off from 4pm to 5pm.
How to get to Sandringham Flower Show by train
The easiest way to get to Sandringham by public transport is to take the train to King’s Lynn. Great Northern services run from London across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk, making this destination easier to reach than you may think.
Once you arrive at King’s Lynn railway station, you can get a local bus direct to the Sandringham Estate’s Visitor Centre, which takes only 20 minutes.
King's Lynn: the best station for Sandringham Flower Show
For most visitors, King's Lynn is the most convenient railway station for reaching RHS Sandringham. Direct trains operate between London King's Cross and King's Lynn, with journey times of around 1 hour 40 minutes. Services also connect with Cambridge, Ely and stations across East Anglia, making the event accessible from a wide range of locations.
Travelling from London
If you're travelling from London, the simplest route is:
- London King's Cross to King's Lynn by train
- King's Lynn to Sandringham by local bus
This combination allows visitors to enjoy a day out without the stress of traffic or parking.
Travelling from Cambridge, Ely and across the Great Northern route
Visitors travelling from Cambridge, Ely, Royston, Letchworth Garden City, Hitchin and other stations along the Great Northern route can typically reach King's Lynn with a direct train or a simple change.
This makes RHS Sandringham Flower Show one of the more accessible countryside events for rail travellers in eastern England.
Read more: Hitchin Lavender visitor guide
What to expect at Sandringham Flower Show
The event offers much more than flowers. Visitors can browse hundreds of exhibitors showcasing:
- Award-winning floral displays
- Specialist plant nurseries
- Garden furniture and accessories
- Artisan food and drink producers
- Craft and lifestyle retailers
- Home and countryside products
Many visitors spend the entire day exploring the showground, watching demonstrations and picking up ideas for their own gardens.
Is RHS Sandringham suitable for families?
While gardening enthusiasts are naturally drawn to the event, it also makes for the perfect family day out. Alongside the horticultural displays, visitors can enjoy:
- Live entertainment
- Food and drink stalls
- Shopping areas
- Countryside displays
- Open spaces for families to relax
The event's atmosphere is typically relaxed and welcoming, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Children can get train tickets for only £2, making the event even more accessible. If you’re travelling in a group, make sure to take advantage of GroupSave, which offers big savings on your rail fare.
Is there food and drink at RHS Sandringham Flower Show?
You certainly won't go hungry at RHS Sandringham Flower Show. Alongside the gardens, floral displays, and shopping areas, food and drink is a major part of the visitor experience, with everything from quick snacks to bookable dining experiences available throughout the showground.
Visitors looking to make a day of it can book a table at The Delphinium Restaurant, which serves seasonal British dishes throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. For something a little more indulgent, Fortnum & Mason picnics offer a chance to enjoy a luxury outdoor lunch within the grounds of the Sandringham Estate.
If you'd rather keep things flexible, there are cafés, food courts and street food vendors spread across the showground. Menus focus on seasonal British ingredients, with a strong range of vegetarian and vegan options available. Catering is provided by Fordhall Farm Events, with many ingredients sourced from Norfolk and other local producers where possible.
Food lovers should also keep an eye out for specialist food stalls and artisan producers. Previous RHS show highlights have included markets packed with cheeses, baked goods and locally made products, making it easy to pick up a few treats to take home alongside your gardening purchases.
Accessibility at Sandringham Flower Show
There is a range of facilities available to support visitors throughout the event. Guests are welcome to bring their own mobility scooters or wheelchairs, and a limited number of mobility aids are also available to hire. For visitors with hearing impairments, hearing loops are installed at the main stage and floral talks area. Large-format maps are displayed around the showground, while large-print maps can be requested in advance for visually impaired visitors.
Recognising that some visitors may find large crowds challenging, the RHS also offers a dedicated 3pm entry ticket on most show days for those who would prefer to visit during a quieter period. A designated quiet space is available within the showground and is clearly marked on the event map.
As the event takes place outdoors on estate parkland, ground conditions can vary depending on the weather. Visitors should wear suitable footwear and check the latest accessibility information before travelling
Top tips for visiting Sandringham Flower Show
Arrive early: Popular exhibitors and demonstrations can become busy throughout the day. Arriving early allows you to explore before peak visitor numbers arrive.
Wear comfortable footwear: You'll spend much of the day on your feet, often walking considerable distances around the showground.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing: As with any outdoor event in Norfolk, conditions can change quickly. Layers, waterproofs and sun protection are all worth considering.
Allow time to explore Sandringham Estate: If you're travelling by train, consider extending your day to visit other parts of the Sandringham Estate. The surrounding grounds, visitor facilities and countryside setting make it a rewarding destination beyond the flower show itself.
Other things to do near Sandringham
If you're making the journey to Norfolk, it may be worth combining the flower show with other nearby attractions.
Popular options include:
- Sandringham House and Gardens
- The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Hunstanton
- King's Lynn historic town centre
- Castle Rising
Together, they create an excellent day trip or weekend break from London and the South East.
Read more: King’s Lynn mini-break guide
Is RHS Sandringham Flower Show worth visiting?
For gardeners, flower enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a traditional summer event, RHS Sandringham Flower Show offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Britain's most prestigious horticultural gatherings in a royal setting.
Perhaps its biggest advantage is that, despite its countryside location, it remains accessible by train. With King's Lynn providing a straightforward rail connection from London, Cambridge and destinations across the Great Northern network, visitors can enjoy a memorable day out in Norfolk without needing to drive.
Whether you're searching for gardening inspiration, looking for a summer day trip by train, or simply want to experience a historic event at one of Britain's most famous estates, RHS Sandringham Flower Show is well worth adding to your calendar.
