Built by Sir Christopher Wren 1682-1692, the Grade I-listed Royal Hospital Chelsea was intended by King Charles II to be a home for soldiers who were unfit for further duty because of injury or old age. Hundreds of years on and the 66 acres (27 hectares) site is still home to these Chelsea Pensioners or "The Men in Scarlet", who can be seen in their colourful jackets and triangular hats making their way down the Royal Hospital Road. The Chapel, Great Hall, museum and State Apartments are open to visitors and are of particular interest. The Great Hall, used for dining until the early 19th century, is furnished with sixteen long tables (each one seating 26 members of each Ward); the large mural painting at the far end dates from about 1690 and represents Charles II on horseback surrounded by allegorical figures, with the Royal Hospital buildings in the background. Beautiful grounds are open daily except during Chelsea Flower Show months (May or June) which has been held at the South Grounds since 1913. The National Army Museum and the Chelsea Physic Garden close by are also worth a look.
Chelsea Flower Show
Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR
19th May - 23rd May 2009
Founded in 1913, the Chelsea Flower Show is an extraordinary event - famous around... More
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR
19th May - 24th May 2009
Founded in 1913, the Chelsea Flower Show is an extraordinary event -... More
Chelsea Flower Show
Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR
20th May 2008 - 24th May 2008
Founded in 1913, the Chelsea Flower Show is extraordinary - famous around the... More
Chelsea Flower Show
Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR
22nd May 2008 - 24th May 2008
Founded in 1913, the Chelsea Flower Show is extraordinary - famous... More
Flamboyant, High Renaissance, Early Baroque Catholic church.
Built in 1884, in the Italianate Baroque style, the Brompton Oratory is an exact imitation of the Gesu Church ... More
The Saatchi Gallery re-opened on 9th October 2008 in the former military barracks of the Duke of York's Headquarters. The 70,000 square feet represents a ...More
Stylish antique décor, a peaceful but convenient location, and spacious, airy rooms are all essential to this hotel's appeal. Yet it is the unbeatable service ... More
Where the old Royal Court Hotel used to be now there’s this welcoming and well decorated reincarnation. All the 102 air conditioned rooms come full ... More
The historic botanical Chelsea Physic Garden opens its gates for a charming walk through nature and a chance to pick up some Christmas gifts. Laid ...More
On an average Saturday you'll find a small gathering of around 25 stalls in this pedestrianised space. There's an intimate, friendly atmosphere at Pimlico Road ...More
Highly acclaimed chocolate shop with a range of freshly prepared, uniquely flavoured treats.
Ever tried lapsang souchong flavoured chocolate? How about Sichuan pepper or red wine ... More
2-5 Duke of York Square,King's Road,Chelsea,
London,
SW34LXMap
6 minutes walk from Royal Hospital Chelsea
Grocers by Royal Appointment to the Queen since 1994, Patridges is an institution in this part of Chelsea. Opened by Richard Shepherd in May 1972 ... More
Second oldest botanic garden in England.
The largest fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s northern-most outdoor grapefruit tree call this historic botanic and apothecary ... More
The largest fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world's northern-most outdoor grapefruit tree call the historic Chelsea Physic Gardens home. Hidden behind towering brick ... More
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Built by Sir Christopher Wren 1682-1692, the Grade I-listed Royal Hospital Chelsea was intended by King Charles II to be a home for soldiers who were unfit for further duty because of injury or old age. Hundreds of years on and the 66 acres (27 hectares) site is still home to these 
