Chelsea Physic Garden Open Family Weekend
Location:
Chelsea Physic Garden (Garden)
Date:
3 - 4 October 2026
Price:
Free
Chelsea Physic Garden opens free of charge for a family-friendly weekend of plants, history, hands-on activities, crafts and storytelling.
About the event
Step into Chelsea Physic Garden and travel through the history of London’s oldest botanic garden.
Founded in 1673 as a place where apothecaries could study the healing properties of plants, the Garden is home to more than 4,000 species of edible, useful and medicinal plants.
During Chelsea History Festival weekend, visitors can explore the Garden free of charge and enjoy a programme of family activities. Try pond dipping, take part in creative activities and hear stories about medicine, plants and healing. Historical characters will bring the Garden’s past to life and reveal how plants have been used across the centuries.
Visitors can also explore the wider plant collection and stop at the Physic Garden Café during their visit.
Festival planning
Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at Chelsea Physic Garden. 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: 5 minutes to National Army Museum, 8 minutes to Royal Hospital Chelsea, 8 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 10 minutes to Chelsea Old Church, 14 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 16 minutes to Cadogan Hall and 19 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.
You can book via the link or walk in on the day to the Garden.
Additional information
If you would like to book in for the day, please book a slot from these times for either or each day:
- 10am
- 11am
- 12pm
- 1pm
- 2pm
- 3pm
- 4pm
Walk-ins are also welcome!
About Chelsea Physic Garden
Since 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden has been a teaching garden founded on discovery, learning and wellbeing.
Today, its collection helps tell the story of humanity’s relationship with plants. The Garden is an independent charity offering a year-round programme of learning activities, walks, talks, tours and workshops.
FAQs
Is the Chelsea Physic Garden accessible?Most of the Garden is fully accessible, with the exception of the first floor Gallery at Chelsea Physic Garden which is used only for special events and is only accessible via a narrow 22 step staircase with a handrail.
If you are attending an event and need help please get in touch at enquiries@chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk or call 0207 352 5646.
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.
Our sponsor
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
CHQ Highlights Walking Tour
- 14 August 2026, 2.00pm
- Chelsea
- £20.00
Explore the stories, streets and hidden corners of Chelsea Heritage Quarter on a guided walking tour with Emily Laurence Baker.
More info