Chelsea Pensioners’ Collection: Object Handling at Soane Stable Yard
Location:
Royal Hospital Chelsea (Soane Stable Yard Courtyard)
Date:
1 - 3 October 2026
Price:
Free
Step into the daily life of the Chelsea Pensioners through a hands-on encounter with objects and stories from the Royal Hospital’s history.
About the event
Get closer to the history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with this free object-handling activity at Soane Stable Yard.
Explore a selection of objects connected to military service and the everyday lives of Chelsea Pensioners, with volunteers on hand to help bring their stories to life.
Objects on display include:
- Military equipment used by soldiers
- Historic artefacts and objects, including items from the Second World War
- Personal items carried during military service
- Chelsea Pensioner artefacts connected to daily life at the Royal Hospital
This relaxed drop-in activity gives visitors the chance to experience history through real objects and discover more about military service and life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
It is particularly suitable for families, children, young people and anyone interested in exploring history in a more hands-on way.
Festival planning
Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at Royal Hospital Chelsea. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.
Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to National Army Museum, 5 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 8 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 9 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Sloane Square Station , 16 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 25 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.
Additional information
Booking notes:
Free drop-in event. No advance ticket required.
Age guidance:
Suitable for families, children and young people.
Dates & Times
• Thursday 1st ( 11:00–14:00)
• Friday 2nd ( 11:00–14:00)
• Saturday 3rd — 11:00–14:00
Dates & times
FAQs
Is the Royal Hospital Chelsea accessible?Yes, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk or call 0207 881 5200.
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
Online booking is available 24/7 on this website.
You can book by phone on 0131 226 0014 from Monday – Friday 10 – 6pm from 10 July but will need to make payment at the time. We cannot reserve tickets.
You can book in person at the National Army Museum from Wednesday 25 – Sunday 29th if there is still availability at that time, which we cannot guarantee.
Please see the full terms & conditions on the booking platform when you book tickets.
The booking fee is £2.00 and this applies online, on the telephone and in person.
All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, with the exception of cancelled events which we will refund within 28 days. The organising venue reserves the right to change event speakers and content may be subject to change. Refunds will not be issued if the event is still taking place.
There are no concessions for Chelsea History Festival tickets, which have been priced as reasonably as possible. People requiring a carer, support worker or personal assistant will get a complimentary carer ticket. To book this please contact our box office on 0131 226 0014.
Proof of concession is required for these tickets so please be prepared to show relevant ID.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Open House at Royal Hospital Chelsea
- 12 - 13 September 2026
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- Free
Join a Pensioner‑led tour of our grounds exploring its history and architecture from Wren to Soane.
More info