February Half Term: Soane Stable Yard Family Activities
Location:
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Date & time:
Saturday 21 Feb 2026, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Price:
Free
Celebrate the end of half term with a day of hands‑on family fun at the Soane Stable Yard. Explore history, get creative, and enjoy delicious treats from Heidi Bakery while you’re here.
About the event
Hands On History: World War Two – Home Front Object Handling
Discover what life was like for children during the Second World War, from treasured toys to the realities of evacuation.
Get up close to the everyday experiences of wartime Britain with military historian Paul Hunt. This interactive object‑handling session brings the Home Front to life through:
- Genuine WWII artefacts, including gas masks and 1940s household items
- Objects revealing what childhood was like during the war
- Original Home Guard and ARP uniforms and equipment
- Remarkable Blitz relics, including fragments of V1 and V2 rockets that fell on Chelsea
Paul will guide families through the stories behind these objects, exploring how children lived, played, and adapted during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.
With over 20 years of experience and a long‑standing connection to the Royal British Legion, Paul offers an engaging, hands‑on introduction to the Home Front suitable for all ages.
A free, drop‑in experience for families.
Family Craft Activity: Design Your Own Coat of Arms
In 1957, a new coat of arms was installed in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This February, take inspiration from that tradition and create a coat of arms of your own.
Design your shield, crest, motto, and symbols using the colours, animals, and memories that best represent you, your family, or your friends. It’s a fun, creative activity for all ages—and who knows, your design might be worthy of hanging in the Hospital one day.
Free drop‑in activity at the Soane Stable Yard.
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.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War
- 8 June 2026, 6.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £8.00
The Royal Hospital and its resident Chelsea Pensioners fought for their survival as the Blitz rained over London. Martin Cawthorne chronicles the Hospital at war.
More info
A Midsummer Night at the Opera
- 20 June 2026, 5.30pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £65.00
Join us at the Soane Stable Yard for A Summer Evening of Opera
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Governor’s Lecture Series – “The Boleyn Secret”
- 24 June 2026, 6.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £20.00
Join Alison Weir for this insightful talk, followed by a book signing where she will personally sign copies of The Boleyn Secret.
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Governor’s Lecture Series – “Operation Postmaster: Delivering the True Story”
- 19 August 2026, 6.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £15.00
Join Ashley Barnett as he tells the true story of Operation Postmaster, which has recently appeared on the public stage following its ‘inclusion’ in the 2024 Guy Ritchie film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
More info