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.
Exhibition: The Longest Yarn
Mon 2nd Nov 2026 9.00am - Thu 12th Nov 2026 5.00pmThe Longest Yarn® 2 – Britain at War is an 80-metre handcrafted exhibition that tells the story of life in Britain during the Second World War through knitting and crochet.
Chelsea Pensioner Singers - Festive Performances
Thu 12th Nov 2026 3.00pm - Fri 18th Dec 2026 4.00pmJoin us this festive season for a series of heartwarming performances by the Chelsea Pensioner Singers. Throughout November and December, the Pensioners will be spreading Christmas cheer with traditional carols at pubs, venues and events across Chelsea and beyond.
Hands-On History: World War One Artifacts
Sat 14th Nov 2026 10.00am - Sat 14th Nov 2026 4.00pmThis November, commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who lived through the First World War (1914–1918) with an extraordinary collection of authentic artifacts, some more than a century old.
Community Event: Coffee Morning
Tue 17th Nov 2026 10.00am - Tue 16th Feb 2027 12.00pmGet to know your neighbours and the Chelsea Pensioners over a cuppa at our monthly free coffee morning. Play games, discuss current affairs or our unique art and history collection, reminisce or simply meet new people, all in the historic setting of the Royal Hospital's Soane Stable Yard.
Treasures of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Wed 18th Nov 2026 1.45pm - Wed 9th Dec 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 Treasures of the Royal Hospital Chelsea Tour. Now running every Wednesday until 9th December 2026.
Veterans Outreach - Off the Canvas Boxing Training November
Thu 19th Nov 2026 2.30pm - Thu 19th Nov 2026 4.30pmJoin us for our next Boxing Training session with the Chelsea Pensioners and The Fighting Chance. We welcome all Veterans from the Tri-Services and the Merchant Navy in receipt of a state pension to book now for our next monthly non-contact boxing training session.
Community Event: dementia-inclusive relaxed sensory session
Tue 24th Nov 2026 10.30am - Tue 23rd Feb 2027 12.00pmExperience the 330-year-old buildings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in a totally new way. Each month we will host a relaxed, sensory session. 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.
Community Event: Seated Movement to Music
Tue 24th Nov 2026 2.30pm - Tue 16th Feb 2027 3.15pmJoin former English National Ballet dancer Alice Crawford for our fortnightly expressive and joyful movement classes for older people and people affected by dementia.
Chelsea Winter Village & Illuminations
Wed 25th Nov 2026 4.30pm - Mon 28th Dec 2026 10.00pmThis winter, Royal Hospital Chelsea becomes home to an immersive festive experience, bringing a seasonal celebration to the heart of one of London’s most iconic heritage settings.
Alzheimers Association Dementia Friendly Information Session
Thu 3rd Dec 2026 2.00pm - Thu 3rd Dec 2026 4.30pmHear from our Community Outreach Officer Marina Spiteri about the basics of Dementia and how to interact with suffers of dementia in a welcoming and non-threatening environment.
Festive Guided Tours with a Chelsea Pensioner
Fri 4th Dec 2026 1.30pm - Tue 22nd Dec 2026 3.00pmThis December, enjoy our much-loved guided tour with the added magic of Christmas. The Royal Hospital's historic buildings and grounds will be beautifully decorated for the festive season, creating a truly special atmosphere.