Tours of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Location:
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Date:
All year
Price:
£15.00 to £25.00
Tour the 330-year-old Royal Hospital Chelsea with a Chelsea Pensioner and hear about the site's history and stories.
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 while gaining an insider’s perspective on what life is like as part of this unique community.
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 two World Wars.
These daily tours will last around an hour and a half and are limited to 25 guests to ensure an intimate and engaging experience. There is also an opportunity to visit our new Chelsea Pensioner Museum after your tour in the newly opened Soane Stable Yard.
For visitor information please see the Royal Hospital Chelsea website.
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.
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.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Exhibition: “Battlefield to Boutique”
- 20 - 22 February 2026
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- Free
Join us at the Soane Stable Yard for a temporary display exploring the enduring impact of the British Military on civilian fashion.
More info
February Half Term: Soane Stable Yard Family Activities
- 21 February 2026, 10.00am
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- 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.
More info
Governor’s Lecture Series: The Battle of the Tennis Court
- 25 February 2026, 6.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £15.00
Storytelling: The Ring
- 28 February 2026, 2.00pm
- Royal Hospital Chelsea
- £20.00
The Ring: A Tale of Cretan Resistance Against the Nazis
More info