Tour

Walking Tour: Chelsea Old Village

Book tickets

Location:
National Army Museum (Info Point)

Date & time:
Sunday 4 Oct 2026, 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Price:
£20.00 (plus £2 booking fee per transaction)

Explore Chelsea’s evolution from small settlement to Royal Borough with expert tour guide Emily Laurence Baker.

About the event

Discover the old village of ‘Cealc Hyo’ or Chelsea, from its earliest foundations to its development as a rural royal retreat, then a flourishing suburb.

Emily Laurence Baker will show off the historic highlights of Old Chelsea, including London’s earliest botanic garden, former palaces, and a 17th century retirement home.

This tour starts and ends at the National Army Museum. It will last around two hours.

Festival planning

Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at the National Army Museum. 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 Royal Hospital Chelsea, 4 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 5 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 10 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 12 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 14 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 23 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.

About the speaker

Emily Laurence Baker has lived in central London since 1991, working as a freelance travel writer. Her articles have appeared in publications across the globe, including ‘The New York Times’, ‘The Washington Post’, ‘The Independent’ and ‘The Telegraph’. She is a Blue Badge Guide and regularly takes small groups on personalised walking tours. As a Chelsea local, she loves sharing her neighbourhood’s history with others.

FAQs

Is the National Army Museum accessible?

Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,

Are bikes or scooters allowed?

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.

Can I bring children?

Please adhere to the age range specified for events on the listings page and if appropriate please book a ticket for your child. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult approved by the parent/guardian. The event organiser cannot be responsible for unsupervised children.