Things to do in Chelsea

The Saatchi gallery has become world renowned for its exhibitions of emerging contemporary artists.

Both British and international artists have gained global recognition having first been displayed by the Saatchi Gallery.

The gallery opened in 1985 and moved to it current location in the Duke of York HQ on the King’s Road in 2008. As well as emerging artists, visitors to the gallery can enjoy contemporary works from international artists not often seen in the UK.

Artists exhibited at this influential gallery have included Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Richard Serra, Rachel Whiteread and Lucien Freud. The gallery also stages special themed exhibitions such as the JR: Chronicles, which is set to run until October 2021 and is the largest solo museum exhibit of the world renowned French photographer and artist, JR.

The Saatchi gallery is open Wednesday through to Sunday. Admission is free, although an admission fee may be charged for special exhibitions. The gallery is just a few minutes walk from Sloane Square underground station and around 10 minutes from Victoria mainline station.

The iconic Royal Chelsea Hospital is the home for retired British army soldiers.

This worthy establishment was the idea of King Charles II, with the first pensioners entering their new residence in 1692.

Prior to the building of the hospital there was no state provision for wounded or retired army soldiers.

Visitors can enter the hospital grounds for free via the London Gate entrance. With the aid of a visitors map you can explore the Great Hall, the chapel, Light Horse court, the museum and more.

Guided tours are available for groups of more than 10, which last for 120 minutes including time in the museum and gift shop. You will learn about the history of the hospital and grounds from one of the Chelsea Pensioners. There are different admission price levels for guided tours depending on the size of the group, starting from £180 for a group of 10 to 15 people.

The gift shop stocks a good array of gifts and souvenirs, with all profits going to the Chelsea Pensioner’s appeal charity. The shop also contains a small community post office.

The National Army Museum guides you through the history of the British Army across five state of the art galleries.

The army’s role from the time of the civil war to modern day is examined through the exhibits.

The personal stories of the everyday soldier helps preserve what it is truly like to be a soldier during times of crisis.

The museum holds a huge collection of records and artefacts relating to the British Army, including 100,000 items of uniform badges and medals, plus 23,000 pieces of equipment and vehicles. As you walk around the galleries you will explore the stories of some of the most famous regiments in British Army history.

Items you can see include Lawrence of Arabia’s iconic robes and dagger, a tunic worn at the battle of the Somme and a French General’s uniform from the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Set across four floors the museum is located on Royal Hospital road.

Admission to all this military history is free, with the museum open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am. There is also a cafe and shop on the premises.

When visiting Chelsea why not try and catch a performance at the famed Cadogan Hall.

This is a world class music venue, the favoured choice to play for many of the top orchestras in the UK.

Cadogan Hall is resident to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the location for the BBC Proms Chamber Music series, illustrating just how highly the hall is regarded.

Cagodan Hall has a 950 seat auditorium and stages a vibrant selection of musical genres, as well as talks and debates. From classical to jazz, folk to rock, Cadogan Hall stages music for all tastes. The busy schedule means there is always something to see at the hall, so make sure you check out what’s on when visiting Chelsea.

Cadogan Hall is located a few minutes walk from Sloane Square underground station and tickets can be purchased through their box office or online. The hall has two bars where you can buy alcoholic and soft drinks, plus hot drinks too. Sandwiches, snacks and cakes can be bought from the bars.

This is a behind the scenes tour at the stadium of the 2021 Champions League winners and a must for any football fan.

You can choose from a range of guided tours, where you will have access to areas of the stadium normally off limits to spectators.

The Stadium and Museum tour takes you in to the player’s dressing rooms, in to the tunnel and out pitch-side during an informative 60 minute journey. The Classic Tour takes you through the 115 year history of this famous club as well as taking you behind the scenes.

The Legend’s tour is always fun as you are guided around the stadium by one of the club’s former greats, enjoying all the stories and insights from their playing days. Chelsea FC provide a good range of guided tours to help you make the most from your visit.

The Stadium and Museum tour has concession prices starting from £16, with the Legends Tour priced at £80 per person. All tours provide access to the museum and trophy room with its collection of memorabilia, medals and trophies.

Founded in 1673, the Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in England.

This unique garden retains its focus on growing and studying medicinal plants, herbs and other useful plants.

Its success is based on its location, which creates a micro-climate behind the garden’s high, sheltered walls.

As well as the permanent collections there are seasonal displays, ensuring there is always something new to see. The garden can grow plants not usually found in the UK, including the country’s largest fruiting olive tree. Events, tours and workshops make the garden a hub of activity throughout the year.

The Physic Garden cafe keeps visitors fully refreshed with a selection of seasonal food, as well as an extensive wine list. Both the gardens and the cafe are open every day except Saturday. Admission for adults is from £12, while a family ticket covering two adults and three children costs from £37.

The famous Chelsea flower show is traditionally held in May, although for 2021 it is to be held in September.

The grounds of the show are filled with inspiring, innovative ideas and wonderful colour. This is a great day out with plenty to see.

The outdoor garden displays are created by some of the best landscape designers in the world. They are works of art in their own right, with garden styles represented from across the globe. The Chelsea flower show is a busy place, yet these expertly designed gardens still manage to provide areas of tranquillity.

The house plant studios and the beautiful floral displays in the great pavilion are further popular sections of the show. The show has plenty of stalls where you can buy gardening tools and equipment, water features and conservatories. You can take some lovely fresh produce home with you too.

Held in the grounds of the Royal Chelsea hospital, there are two RHS member only days before the public has access to the grounds from Thursday through to Sunday. Admission for non-members is £83.75 per day.

The mile long stretch along the embankment at Chelsea provides great views across the river Thames.

It is a lovely place for a daytime stroll, but it is equally striking at night as it is lit up with LED lighting.

As you wander along the embankment you will come across the strikingly ornate Albert Bridge. This bridge connects Chelsea across the river to central London and has featured in a number of films across the years, including Sliding Doors.

Cross over Albert Bridge and you find yourself in the lovely green space of Battersea Park. Here you can continue your walk or just relax in its tranquil setting. This 200 acre park has its own riverside promenade, a large lake where you can go boating in the summer and even a children’s zoo.