9 Interesting Things to Do in Chelsea

Chelsea, part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, has long been considered one of the most desirable areas of London in which to live. It has also been considered a great tourist destination. Chelsea is located in central London and has great shops and lively nightlife, including plenty of daytime activities for both adults and children. There are plenty of things to do. It’s an ideal place for anyone looking to experience the London lifestyle to the full. Here are 9 exciting things you could be doing in Chelsea.

What to Do in Chelsea?

1. Visit the National Army Museum
2. Explore Chelsea Physic Garden
3. Enjoy Fine Art
4. Go on a Shopping Spree
5. Enjoy Exceptional Cuisine
6. Watch a Play at the Royal Court Theatre
7. Explore the Home of Champions
8. Check out the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
9. Stroll around Chelsea Embankment

1. Visit the National Army Museum

Whether you're a resident or just visiting, living in Chelsea can never be a bore as there are plenty of interesting spots to explore. The National Army Museum is right next to the Chelsea Pensioners at Royal Hospital Chelsea in London. It is a fascinating interactive historical guide to the British Army through the centuries.

As you walk around the several floors, there are military vehicles and quotes on walls from soldiers and officers. Do look out for the QA and RAMC uniforms and photographs. The National Army Museum is an ideal visiting location for both children and adults who would like to know more about the army's history.

2. Explore Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden was established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to grow medicinal plants for local use. This extraordinary garden in London has had a wide-reaching impact around the world over the years.

It is also important to note that Chelsea Physic Garden is London's oldest botanic garden, containing a unique living collection of around five thousand different edible, useful, and medicinal plants that have changed the world.

The garden is open to the public with events, workshops, and family activities. Visitors to the garden are provided with a tour guide, and as they walk through the rustic paths wandering through exotic and familiar plants, flowers, and ferns, they can learn a lot.

3. Enjoy Fine Art at Saatchi Gallery

For lovers of art, Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea is the ideal place to be. It is a gallery for contemporary art and an independent charity opened by Charles Saatchi in 1985. The gallery has a beautiful exhibition space with a lot of powerful artwork on view across five floors. There’s a gift shop on the ground floor where you can purchase some of the artist's work as well as books and posters.

4. Go on a Shopping Spree on the Popular King's Road

Located in the heart of Chelsea, King's Road easily blends luxury with style. From vibrant, fashionable stores to globally recognised labels, cafés, and restaurants, King's Road offers an inspirational sanctuary and antidote to the hectic pace of London life. Not to mention the various interior design stores that you can visit. The ideal spot for interior designers if you ask me.

King's Road is divided into five main districts identified by particular locally known landmarks or junctions. Wherever you are, you can be sure of a memorable time. Each location has its own feel and mood.

You will never get bored of discovering something fresh. There is also the option of taking the bus or strolling the 3,000 or so paces from Sloane Square to World's End.

Chelsea Guide

• Do you know who lives in Chelsea?

5. Enjoy Exceptional Cuisine

Chelsea has a good number of restaurants where locals and tourists can enjoy fine dining. Whether you're looking to have some delicious quintessential British dishes or perhaps an authentic taste of Bahraini cuisine, there are several spots you can check out. The various spots also have different price ranges, so you won't lack a suitable spot regardless of your budget. Some of these restaurants where you can explore the different cuisines include the following:

• No. Fifty Cheyne
• The Cadogan Arms
• The Chelsea Pig
• Bluebird
• VARDO
• Villa Mama’s
• Chicama

6. Watch a Play at the Royal Court Theatre

Found on Sloane Square, the Royal Court Theatre is a writers’ theatre and promotes up-and-coming writers who are waiting to be discovered. You will pay £10 as an entrance fee so that you can then explore the premises and maybe enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat in their pop-up bar or cafe.

The Royal Court Theatre features special events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for what is happening when you will be in Chelsea.

7. Explore the Home of Champions

Chelsea and football are the same thing. The well-known Chelsea Football Club plays their home games at Stamford Bridge and you will spot the club’s colours and crest throughout the area. Tickets to see the Premier League team play can be hard to come by, but the stadium is open to tours, where you can see the changing rooms, the pitch, and the well-stocked trophy cabinet.

Tourists and locals can even stay there too, by booking a room at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea Football Club - located right in the heart of the Stamford Bridge complex.

8. Check out the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the world’s most celebrated horticultural events, held on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea every May. The inaugural flower show (then the Great Spring Show), took place in 1862, and the event changed location to the hospital in the early 20th century.

The Chelsea Flower Show is featured on the royal calendar, and if you like to keep up with trends in garden design, this is the same as the runway at Paris Fashion Week. The world’s top gardeners compete for awards in five main categories and an array of special awards.

New plants frequently make their first appearance at this show, while older, forgotten varieties make a reappearance. The show is limited to an attendance of 157,000 people because of the small 11-acre site. So you’ll have to book your ticket as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

9. Stroll around Chelsea Embankment

The Chelsea Embankment, situated between the Royal Hospital Chelsea in the north and Battersea Bridge in the south, is a mile long. Going along the river you will come across captivating views over to the Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park, and you can escape from the traffic at the chain of gardens, laid out in the 1870s.

Whether you're a resident or just visiting, there are plenty of things to do in Chelsea during your free time. Not to mention the other hidden gems not listed above that you're yet to explore. If you were wondering how to spend your free time after work, or your weekends, going through this list will leave you with a bunch of things to do!