Please email tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk for further information on Military and Civilian Tours.
“The Royal Hospital is a unique blend of national heritage, royal patronage and military tradition, forged over 330 years, whose exemplar model of care and wellbeing for ordinary soldiers remains as central to its purpose as when first conceived, and whose influence on the history of Chelsea is profound.”
Join the Chelsea Pensioner led tour for a warm and welcoming visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The tour tells the story of the 330-year history of the Hospital, taking in the splendour of the Grade I and II listed buildings, inclusive of artistic masterpieces. The tour will bring to life the long-standing ambassadorial role of the Chelsea Pensioners, inclusive of anecdotal personal stories of their time at the Hospital.
Tours are 90 minutes in duration, 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
Availability
Group tours can be booked up to 2 months in advance, and cannot be booked before this time. Tours are allocated on a first come first serve basis and are subject to availability.
Tours operate as follows:
- Starting at 10:00 – Monday - Friday
- Starting at 14:00 – Monday - Friday
Tour Prices
The cost of each tour is £15.00 per person, and this includes a visit to our museum and shop. Please note, we do not operate in conjunction with any private tour companies or providers and fees are as stated on this website.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea reserves the right to cancel tours if neccessary.
How to book
Tours are booked through our Tours Manager by email at tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.
Bookings can be made 2 months in advance.
Booking is required at least 1 month in advance.
Tour parties cannot exceed 50 visitors. 1 guide is required per every 10 visitors to allow for adequate spacing, in keeping with the Royal Hospital's safety restrictions.
Accessibility
The site of the Royal Hospital Chelsea is 66 acres and although the tours do not cover all of this, the tour does involve a large amount of walking. There are 10 steps up to both the Chapel and Great Hall, both of which are fitted with wheelchair lifts. Please make us aware of any access needs your group members have so we can help to facilitate the tour. 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.
Contact Us
Please email tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk for further information on Military and Civilian Tours.
