Events at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Discover a range of exciting events taking place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, from public talks and exhibitions to exclusive events for our veteran community. Whether you’re attending an iconic ceremony, exploring our historic grounds, or joining one of our many free events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore the upcoming internal and external events below and be part of the vibrant life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Upcoming Events
Guided Tours of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Tue 6th Jan 2026 10.00am - Wed 23rd Dec 2026 4.00pmDiscover the history, beauty, and stories of the Royal Hospital Chelsea by joining one of our guided tours, led by a Chelsea Pensioner. You’ll explore some of the most stunning historic buildings in London and gain an insider’s perspective on what life is like as part of this unique community.
Wellington Hall Museum Tour
Wed 22nd Apr 2026 1.45pm - Wed 26th Aug 2026 2.45pmDiscover the Chelsea Pensioners’ own private regimental museum - rarely seen by the public. Step inside one of the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s most special spaces with our exclusive Wellington Hall Museum Tour. Running on select Wednesdays during May & June, and weekly throughout July & August.
Connecting Creativity: an exhibition of Chelsea Pensioner’s artworks
Sat 25th Apr 2026 10.00am - Sun 26th Apr 2026 4.30pmDiscover Connecting Creativity, a vibrant exhibition of mixed media artworks created by the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Showcasing a wide range of styles and techniques, the exhibition offers a rare insight into the imagination, skill and personal expression of the Pensioners, celebrating creativity as a vital and shared part of life within the Royal Hospital community.
Walking Tour: The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War
Sun 26th Apr 2026 1.00pm - Sun 26th Apr 2026 2.30pmJoin our expert guide for an immersive tour through the Royal Hospital Chelsea and learn how this historic institution endured the turmoil of World War II. From air raids to the daily lives of the Chelsea Pensioners, you’ll gain a unique insight into how the hospital survived London’s darkest days.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Sensory Walk
Tue 28th Apr 2026 10.30am - Tue 22nd Sep 2026 12.00pmxperience the 330-year-old buildings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in a totally new way. Each month we will take a relaxed, sensory stroll through different areas of the Royal Hospital grounds. Smell the aromas of the delicious food served in the Great Hall, hear beautiful organ music in the Wren Chapel, or take in the stunning Christopher Wren architecture.
Veterans Outreach - Quiz & Games Afternoon
Thu 30th Apr 2026 2.00pm - Thu 30th Apr 2026 4.00pmJoin the Chelsea Pensioners and other veterans for an afternoon of games and general knowledge quiz fun. Held in our purpose built activities centre, you'll be able to enjoy a series of popular games and pit your wits in our quiz alongside other retired military veterans.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Art Session
Tue 5th May 2026 10.30am - Tue 1st Sep 2026 11.30amTry your hand at a new type of art each month in our dementia-inclusive creative session, taking place in the historic setting of the Soane Stable Yard and inspired by the rich heritage of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Governor's Lecture Series - Reliving World War II
Wed 6th May 2026 6.00pm - Wed 6th May 2026 7.30pmJoin author and journalist Lucy Colback as she explores how an entire generation was shaped by the experience of global conflict, drawing on her book Afterbursts: Reliving World War II.
State Apartments Art Tour
Fri 8th May 2026 3.00pm - Fri 8th May 2026 4.00pmThis session will explore the shared visual language of portraiture in the period and consider the role of studios in 17th-century artistic production. You will see portraits of people who played a vital role in the history of the Hospital. The tour will be led by a Chelsea Pensioner and an art historian.
Veterans Outreach: Nature walk and guided tour of Kew Gardens
Tue 12th May 2026 10.00am - Tue 12th May 2026 3.00pmChelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach and the Defence Garden Scheme welcomes all older veterans from the Tri-Services and the Merchant Navy, in receipt of a state pension, to join us for an off site nature walk and tour of Kew Gardens
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Singing Sessions
Tue 12th May 2026 10.00am - Tue 8th Sep 2026 11.30amOur monthly dementia-inclusive singing group provides an opportunity for local older people and those affected by dementia to come together, have fun and improve their wellbeing. Enjoy a good, hearty singing session and exercise your mind and soul. And don’t worry if you think you can’t sing - it's all about enjoying yourself!
Veterans Outreach: Regional Members Tour
Thu 14th May 2026 2.00pm - Thu 14th May 2026 4.00pmGuests from our Regional Veterans Outreach network are invited to join us for a Chelsea Pensioner led guided tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This is primarily for veterans from outside Greater London.