The Royal Hospital Chelsea is delighted to announce, for the first time, we are launching Chelsea Pensioner led tours for individuals and very small groups. For groups of 10 or more, please continue to book through our Guided Group Tours page. For individuals or small groups who wish to book a guided tour by a Chelsea Pensioner, please see our calendar below for available dates.
Tours are 90 minutes, followed by 30 minutes for the Museum and Gift Shop. The tour route takes groups across the length of the site to visit its main attractions including The Great Hall, Chapel and Figure Court. A site map can be viewed by clicking here.
Available Dates & Book Tickets:
The following tour dates are now available to book online. Click the "Book Now" link next to your prefered date to secure your tickets.
Twilight Tours:
You'll join the founder of the Royal Hospital, Kind Charles II, in the secretive State Apartments, experience the beauty of the Chapel through the eyes of its creator, Sir Christopher Wren, and hear tales of what life was like in the 17th century from one of the Hospital's former residents. The tour is 60 minutes and is followed by a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink at the exclusive Chelsea Pensioners Club.
Wednesday 4th March
18:00 Tour -
19:00 Tour -
January Tours:
Friday, 24th January 2020 - 10:00 -
Wednesday, 29th January 2020 - 13:30-
February Tours:
Friday, 7th February 2020 - 10:00 -
Wednesday, 12th February 2020 13:30 -
Wednesday, 19th February 2020 (Also includes a visit to the State Apartments) - 13:30 -
Friday, 21st February 2020 - 10:00-
Wednesday, 26th February 2020 - 13:30-
Accessibility:
The site of the Royal Hospital Chelsea is 66 Acres and although not all of this is accessible to the public there is still a large amount of walking to view the key areas of site. There are 10 steps up to both the Chapel and Great Hall, both of which are fitted with wheelchair lifts. Please let a member of security know if you require use of the wheelchair lift. Motorised buggies are not permitted on the wheelchair lift.
We are first and foremost a residence so please be respectful when walking around the site. Areas that are not accessible to the public are clearly signposted as residents and staff only.
On 16th January Lieutenant General Tyrone Urch and some of his team delivered a fascinating talk to a group of Chelsea Pensioners and staff members, including our Governor, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw.
This Christmas, we’re delighted to be sharing the Royal Hospital’s first-ever handmade advent calendar. From the photograph of the our colonnade – which forms the backdrop of the calendar – to the treasures hidden behind each door, every part of the calendar has been made by a Chelsea Pensioner.
