The Season: hospitality for the British summer

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS holds its show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with members’ days before the public days. Its dining runs from a fine-dining restaurant serving a four-course lunch to an intimate dining experience with private chalets or tables, curated by Michelin-starred chefs. During the show the Royal Hospital also hosts clients in its Great Hall, its State Apartments and The Wren House.

Sources: rhs.org.uk/…/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show (opens in a new tab), rhs.org.uk/…/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/plan-your-visit (opens in a new tab)

Royal Windsor Horse Show

The show is the only time of year the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public, with international show jumping, driving and endurance and four arenas of showing classes. Its Club Enclosure, the home of the show’s members’ club, has a tented restaurant, bar and café and a lawn looking onto the Castle Arena, and members have arena-side seats either side of the Royal Box. Tell us what you have in mind and your host checks the options for your group.

Sources: rwhs.co.uk (opens in a new tab), rwhs.co.uk/…/royal-windsor-horse-show-club/club-enclosure (opens in a new tab)

The rest of the summer

Royal Ascot, the Derby at Epsom, Henley Royal Regatta, Wimbledon, Glorious Goodwood and Cowes Week each have their own guide on this site, with their dates, dress codes and what hospitality looks like there. They are linked below.

Planning more than one day

Several of these fall within a few weeks of each other, and every venue sets its own dress code. Tell us the days you are considering and your host will point out any clashes and send each venue’s rules with your quote.