February Half Term: Soane Stable Yard Family Activities
Saturday 21st February
Free drop-in activities, 10:00 - 16:00
Family Activities at the Soane Stable Yard
Celebrate the end of half term with a day of hands‑on family fun at the Soane Stable Yard. Explore history, get creative, and enjoy delicious treats from Heidi Bakery while you’re here. You can also visit our interactive exhibition about the Chelsea Pensioners or join one of our guided tours.
Hands On History: World War Two – Home Front Object Handling
Discover what life was like for children during the Second World War, from treasured toys to the realities of evacuation.
Get up close to the everyday experiences of wartime Britain with military historian Paul Hunt. This interactive object‑handling session brings the Home Front to life through:
- Genuine WWII artefacts, including gas masks and 1940s household items
- Objects revealing what childhood was like during the war
- Original Home Guard and ARP uniforms and equipment
- Remarkable Blitz relics, including fragments of V1 and V2 rockets that fell on Chelsea
Paul will guide families through the stories behind these objects, exploring how children lived, played, and adapted during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.
With over 20 years of experience and a long‑standing connection to the Royal British Legion, Paul offers an engaging, hands‑on introduction to the Home Front suitable for all ages.
A free, drop‑in experience for families.
Family Craft Activity: Design Your Own Coat of Arms
In 1957, a new coat of arms was installed in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This February, take inspiration from that tradition and create a coat of arms of your own.
Design your shield, crest, motto, and symbols using the colours, animals, and memories that best represent you, your family, or your friends. It’s a fun, creative activity for all ages—and who knows, your design might be worthy of hanging in the Hospital one day.
Free drop‑in activity at the Soane Stable Yard.
Enjoy Food & Drinks from Heidi Bakery
Stop by the family-run independent café to enjoy delicious made-from-scratch pastries, cakes, savouries and salads. It's the perfect spot - inside or on the courtyard - to enjoy Heidi's range of specialty coffees, artisan teas, wine, beer and more.