Chelsea History Festival
Chelsea History Festival returns this year from 1 – 4 October with a major programme across multiple venues throughout Chelsea. The Festival brings history to life in one of the capital’s most storied neighbourhoods and will unfold across Chelsea Physic Garden, the National Army Museum and Royal Hospital Chelsea, as well as Chelsea Old Church, Chelsea Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and Garrison Chapel.
This year’s theme, World History, will be explored through around 100 talks, performances, concerts, walking tours, workshops and family activities examining the people, events and ideas that have shaped societies across the globe.
Find key visitor information, including location information, transport connections, parking, and other other activites on offer at the Royal Hospital Chelsea by clicking the button below.
Bloody Brilliant Tudors with Elizabeth Goff - Chelsea History Festival
Fri 2nd Oct 2026 2.00pm - Fri 2nd Oct 2026 3.00pmJoin us in our beautiful State Apartments as we dive into the lesser-known events and people of the vibrant Tudor world, for a fascinating talk with historian Elizabeth Goff.
Churchill’s Queen - Chelsea History Festival
Fri 2nd Oct 2026 4.00pm - Fri 2nd Oct 2026 5.00pmJoin author Dr Nigel Fletcher in an exploration into the remarkable friendship between Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II, that shaped our age.
Tour: State Apartments - Chelsea History Festival
Fri 2nd Oct 2026 5.30pm - Sun 4th Oct 2026 5.00pmJoin a Chelsea Pensioner Guide for an exclusive, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the magnificent State Apartments at the heart of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Concert: Choral Music of Edward Elgar - Chelsea History Festival
Fri 2nd Oct 2026 7.00pm - Fri 2nd Oct 2026 8.45pmJoin the widely acclaimed Royal Hospital Chelsea Chapel Choir in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Elgar Society, with a concert of his finest sacred and secular choral music.
Royal Hospital Chelsea: Sikh History Tour - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 11.00am - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 1.00pmExplore the Royal Hospital Chelsea with expert guide Rav Singh, as he brings alive stories from the Kingdom of Lahore and the Sikhs.
Print, Pattern & Play: Family Workshop - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 11.00am - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 4.00pmGet creative with colour, shapes and printing in this fun, hands-on workshop for all ages. A relaxed, family-friendly drop-in inspired by patterns from around the world.
Living History Reenactors - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 11.00am - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 3.00pmStep back in time at Living History at the Soane Stable Yard, where a vibrant cast of reenactors brings Chelsea’s extraordinary past to life, from the days of Roman Londinium to the revolutionary spirit of the 20th century.
Family story walk (12pm tour) - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 12.00pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 12.45pmStep back in time with musician and storyteller Paul Rubinstein on this magical family story walk of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners Discover 300 years of history in this interactive 45-minute tour designed for families with children aged 5-10.
The Sound of Punjab: Dhol Drumming - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 1.00pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 2.00pmExperience the powerful sounds of the Punjabi dhol, one of South Asia’s most iconic instruments.
Family story walk (1:30pm tour) - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 1.30pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 2.15pmStep back in time with musician and storyteller Paul Rubinstein on this magical family story walk of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners Discover 300 years of history in this interactive 45-minute tour designed for families with children aged 5-10.
Sir Christopher Wren Family Tour - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 1.30pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 2.00pmJoin Sir Christopher Wren himself for a lively, family-friendly 30-minute tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. These free guided walks offer a rare chance to explore the historic heart of the site with the man who designed it or at least, the next best thing
Concert: Chelsea Pensioner Singers - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 2.00pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 3.00pmEnjoy a lively Concert with the Chelsea Pensioner Singers as they perform favourite tunes, sharing joy, music, and memories in their cherished home setting at the Soane Stable Yard.