If you are looking for the best things to do in Chelsea London for a memorable trip, then you have come to the right place!
Chelsea is a popular place in London for the rich and royal. This is why one of the most unusual things to do in London for visitors is to visit here to get a glimpse of how they live in southwest London.
Planning your trip to London last minute?
Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for London!
Top Experiences and Tours In London:
- The London Eye Entry Ticket (Save time and book in advance!)
- Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour (Skip the line.)
- Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibit (Likely to sell out.)
- High Tea Thames River Cruise (Book ahead to save time.)
Best London Hotels:
- Sanderson London (Close to the subway!)
- The Montague On The Greens (Private and close to the subway)
- The Exhibitionist Hotel (In the heart of South Kensington)
- The Corner London City (Close to all subway connections.)
In the 18th and 19th centuries, this area in London also had a private road for the king, popularly known as the King’s Road.
From learning about the history of London to buying beautiful souvenirs, there are lots of fun things to do in Chelsea London UK.
That’s not all, this is also the hub for cool cafes, pubs, bars, and more. So, you can easily find the best restaurants in Chelsea UK to try different cuisine.
Trust me, there is no shortage of places to visit and things to do in Chelsea.
You can attend the Chelsea Flower Shop, take a tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, watch a football match at Stamford Bridge, and so on.
Are you still confused about what to do in Chelsea UK? If yes, then keep reading on our list of the 10 best things to do in Chelsea London that you won’t forget!
10 Best Things to Do in Chelsea London You Won’t Forget
Explore the Saatchi Gallery
One of the top things to do in Chelsea London UK is definitely a visit to the Saatchi Gallery.
This art gallery was opened in 1985 and features contemporary art by both famous and emerging artists.
Named after its founder and collector Charles Saatchi, the gallery featured exhibitions between the 1980s and 2000s as per his taste.
In the early 90s, Charles sold most of his American art and focused on British artists such as Rachel Whiteread, Damien Hirst, and more.
Located on the King’s Road inside the Duke of York’s HQ, the entrance fee to Saatchi Gallery is only £3. This allows you to spend 3-4 hours easily in this 70,000 square feet gallery.
You will also find several free works here and public exhibitions to explore. Plus, many of the works found here are quite controversial but are a great way to start a lively discussion.
Since this art gallery in Chelsea is quite popular, it is recommended that you make an advance booking.
Overall, if you are looking for the best things to do in Chelsea London for art buffs, then visit the Saatchi Gallery.
Royal Court Theatre
Are you looking for fun things to do in Chelsea London?
If yes, then you must watch a show at the famous Royal Court Theatre in Chelsea UK.
Located on Sloane Square, Royal Court Theatre promotes new and contemporary writers.
The premiere of Rocky Horror Picture Show was staged here in 1973.
That’s not all, since 2013, the theatre features lots of performances on London culture under the tutelage of Vicky Featherstone.
So, you can easily catch a play here on your visit and enjoy the Downstairs seating that can fit 380 guests at a time.
On the other hand, if you are looking for more privacy, then Upstairs with 85 seating capacity is the perfect choice for you.
Enjoy a visit to the premises here for an entry fee and explore the pop-up bar and café found here.
You can also check their website to learn about any special events that might be planned at the Royal Court Theatre.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Opened in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the top things to do in Chelsea London UK for nature lovers.
This is the oldest botanical garden and one of the hidden gems in London that features a variety of medicinal plants.
Surrounded by high brick walls, the garden is home to several unique plants including the UK’s largest fruiting olive tree, the world’s northernmost outdoor grapefruit tree, and more.
You will also find the oldest rock garden in the country that grows Alpine plants.
Enjoy a walk through the 5000 individual plant species that have been arranged in cute gardens.
From the Garden of Medicinal Plants to the World Woodland Garden, you will find lots of amazing and unique gardens to explore here.
Later, you can head to the café to enjoy a quick bite and coffee. Shop at their expensive gift shop for some amazing plants and herbs.
Trust me, this is one of the best areas in Chelsea UK that you should not miss out on!
Visit the Famous King’s Road
If you are looking for the best shops in Chelsea UK for window shopping, then do plan a visit to King’s Road.
King’s Road is the ideal place to admire British 20th-century fashion and pop culture.
The mile-long street earlier acted as a private road between St. James’ Palace and Fulham and Kew.
However, now, the road has become the best place for posh dining and upmarket shopping.
There are over 100s of unique independent and boutique shops where visitors can shop till they drop.
From luxury brand boutiques to cool charity shops, you will find it all here. And guess what? The street is also home to the largest Zara in London!
Apart from the boutique shops, one can find some of the best restaurants in Chelsea London on King’s Road.
One of the best things to do in Chelsea at night is to enjoy a stroll down this street while indulging in a delicious dinner and window shopping experience!
Enjoy a Stroll Around Chelsea Embankment
Although London experiences temperamental weather, one of the best things to do in Chelsea at night is a stroll along Chelsea Embankment.
This beautiful embankment is a part of the Thames Embankment and is the perfect place to enjoy the pretty scenery.
There is a nice walkway here with pretty trees and vintage lamp posts that gives this place a romantic feel.
In fact, one of the top free things to do in Chelsea UK is enjoy the views of the northern Thames River here.
The best time to enjoy a walk here is during the spring season when the flowers are in bloom or the autumn season.
You will also find plenty of photo opportunities on this embankment, especially when the sun is setting.
End your walk here with a light snack or a meal at one of the many pubs and restaurants found nearby.
Chelsea Art Club Façade Murals
If you are searching for free and cool things to do in Chelsea London, then Chelsea Art Club Façade is one of the best areas in Chelsea UK.
For contemporary art lovers, Chelsea Art Club Murals on Old Church Street is a perfect attraction to visit.
The art club was started by a group of local, talented artists in 1891.
It is a private members club and members started it as they wished to brighten up the area with colorful murals.
So, all you need to do is visit Old Church Street and admire the intricate murals on the houses and buildings here.
You can take some Insta-worthy photographs here as well. Plus, if you are lucky, you might even catch the artists at work.
The Royal Hospital
One of the most unusual attractions in Chelsea to visit is the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Royal Hospital Chelsea is one of the most iconic buildings in Chelsea as it is home to over 300 volunteers and veteran soldiers that served during wartime.
King Charles II commissioned this hospital as an infirmary and home to wounded soldiers.
Since then, it has stayed true to its cause and is home to the Chelsea Pensioners.
One of the best things to do in Chelsea London is to take a tour of the hospital and learn more about the veteran soldiers in the on-site museum.
Apart from that, you should also visit the Ranelagh Gardens that exist in the Royal Hospital Estate.
If you are lucky, you can also attend the Chelsea Flower Show that takes place here every year.
Watch a Chelsea FC Game at Stamford Bridge Stadium
Although located in Fulham, Stamford Bridge Stadium is a short walk from King’s Road and one of the top things to do in Chelsea London UK.
It is the eleventh-largest football stadium in England. Plus, it is home to the premiere football club, Chelsea.
With a seating capacity of 40,000 people, this stadium is a must-visit place for all Chelsea fans.
And if you are lucky, you could get tickets to a Chelsea game during your visit here.
If you are visiting the stadium outside the football season, don’t worry, there is still lots to do. You can take the stadium tour and explore the accompanying museum.
In this guided tour of the stadium, you will learn what does on here during the match day. You also get to visit the dressing rooms and the amazing Trophy Room here.
Trust me, if you are a football fan, then one of the best things to do in Chelsea London is touring the Stamford Bridge Stadium.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park is one of the top areas in Chelsea to visit.
One of the best free things to do in Chelsea UK is cross the river to the beautiful neighborhood of Battersea Park.
Flanked by the Albert Bridge on one end, this 200-acre park is a perfect place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
In the 1800s, this is where the feuding nobility would come to duel including the Duke of Wellington and Earl of Winchelsea.
Visitors can also admire the London Peace Pagoda which was built in 1985. Hire a pedal boat or rowboat to enjoy boating in the lake here.
There is also the Pumphouse Gallery beside the lake where you can visit the contemporary art exhibitions.
Overall, Battersea Park is one of the best things to do in Chelsea that you cannot miss out on!
National Army Museum Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Chelsea
Are you looking for fun things to do in Chelsea London with kids?
If yes, then one of the best places to visit in Chelsea London UK with kids is National Army Museum.
This is an interactive and informative museum that is well-suited for all ages.
Located next to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, National Army Museum features five galleries – Soldier, Battle, Army, Society, and Insight.
In these galleries, you can learn about British military history, the changing perspectives of the Army, the 17th-century English Civil War, and more.
The museum hosts several exhibitions and events where you can learn the story of brave men and women that were a part of the British armed forces.
Some of the best artifacts to admire here are Napeleon’s horse’s skeleton, the Duke of Wellington’s cloak, and so on.
You can also attend one of the rotating events where army members, volunteers, or medical personnel give talks.
So, if you are a history lover, then one of the best things to do in Chelsea UK is explore the National Army Museum.
Where to Stay in Chelsea London
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London
Located on Sloane Street, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London was opened in 1887 and is one of the most luxurious hotels in London to stay at.
This 5-star boutique hotel in Chelsea has also played host to Oscar Wilde. Plus, visitors can enjoy the luxurious rooms with iPod docks or enjoy lunch in the elegant bar here.
The beautiful rooms at Cadogan Hotel feature a private bathroom with luxury toiletries, LCD TVs with satellite channels, and more.
They also have a fitness studio where guests can exercise and stay active.
If this wasn’t enough, the hotel is also located close to designer shops and is close to several attractions including Hyde Park.
So, if you are looking for a luxurious stay, then Belmond Cadogan Hotel is one of the best hotels in Chelsea.
Sydney House Chelsea
Are you looking for an affordable stay in Chelsea?
If yes, then one of the best hotels to check out is Sydney House Chelsea.
Located between King’s Road and Fulham Road, Sydney House Chelsea is a Grade II-listed Georgian building.
The rooms at this hotel are colorful and bright with modern art decorating the walls.
Each room also has a stylish bathroom with a shower or a bathtub. Most importantly, you’ll get L’Occitane toiletries in the bathrooms.
Most rooms also offer amazing views of the Victorian street and some even come with a balcony.
Another great thing about this hotel is that they provide an award-winning breakfast spread each morning.
Trust me, Sydney House Chelsea is one of the best hotels in Chelsea to stay!
Saint James Backpackers Is One Of The Budget Hotels In London
If you are traveling solo or on a budget trip to Chelsea, then one of the best places to stay is Saint James Backpackers.
This is a family-managed hostel where you can get access to several modern amenities.
The Victorian architectural style exterior of the hotel along with the contemporary room designs makes it a popular choice among the guests.
They offer both dormitories and private rooms along with free locker storage service. Furthermore, you can use the garden patio, gym, kitchen, and lounge with an Ultra HD TV.
The best part about staying at this hostel is that it is located close to several attractions such as Hyde Park, Natural History and Science Museums, and so on.
San Domenico House Is A Luxurious Hotel in London
San Domenico House is a luxurious boutique hotel in Chelsea UK which is just a few minutes’ walk from Sloane Square.
The bedrooms at this boutique hotel feature en suite marble bathrooms and include free WiFi.
The best thing about these rooms is that they are decorated with antiques, paintings, and classical furniture.
Moreover, the bathrooms in the rooms feature Penhaligon’s toiletries and bathrooms.
Air-conditioned rooms include large built-in wardrobes, smart TVs, and seating areas. Plus, a few rooms also offer a balcony for guests to enjoy.
If you want to stay at a hotel that gives you a royal and luxurious experience, then San Domenico House is the perfect choice for you!
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa
Another great 5-star hotel in Chelsea to check out is the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa.
This hotel offers breathtaking views over the Chelsea Harbour Marina and comes with everything that you need for a relaxing vacation.
There are around 154 luxury suites, 4 penthouses, spa and health facilities, and more offered in this hotel.
At the Spa at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel, you can enjoy a wide range of pampering, holistic treatments, and therapeutic experiences.
There is also an indoor swimming pool with swan neck body jets and a fitness suite for guests to enjoy.
Trust me, if you wish to get pampered during your stay in Chelsea UK, then the Chelsea Harbour Hotel and Spa is the best place to visit.
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