Tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Tour the 330-year-old Royal Hospital Chelsea, its stories and collections with members of its iconic resident veteran community.

About the event

Experience the Royal Hospital through the eyes of one of its iconic residents. Discover Nell Gwynn’s rumoured role in its establishment, learn about the military titan who lay in state in the Great Hall, and hear the stories of residents past and present.

Conducted personally by one of the Chelsea Pensioners, the tour transports participants from the dawn of Restoration England through to the Napoleonic Wars and into the austerity of the two World Wars.

The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. It will meet inside the Soane Stable Yard at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, next to Chelsea Gate.

After your tour, don’t miss the chance to explore our new exhibition, enjoy fresh treats at Café Heidi Bakery, and browse unique finds in our shop at the Soane Stable Yard.

About the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Though Chelsea has long since been engulfed by the sprawl of London, the Royal Hospital remains one of the most iconic sites within the capital. As the permanent home to the Chelsea Pensioners, it is numbered amongst the nation’s most loved and valued working historic buildings.

The Royal Hospital’s relevance to modern society remains undiminished, continuing a centuries-old tradition of veteran care.

Additional information

Meet at the Soane Stable Yard next to Chelsea Gate.