Royal Hospital Chelsea joins the Chelsea Heritage Quarter and Chelsea History Festival this September with special previews of the Soane Stable Yard

We are delighted to announce that the Royal Hospital Chelsea will be part of the Chelsea History Festival once again this year, from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 September 2024 and part of the new Chelsea Heritage Quarter – London’s new heritage destination. 

The Chelsea Heritage Quarter is London’s new heritage destination and brings together four remarkable institutions to tell a unique story of London and Britain from 1660 to the present day. Including magnificent architecture, military history and London’s oldest botanic garden all situated in the heart of historic and picturesque Chelsea, the Quarter presents a fascinating and wide-ranging experience for those interested in exploring Britain’s history.

As part of this year’s Chelsea History Festival, visitors will be able to book a special preview of our brand-new Chelsea Pensioner Museum at the Soane Stable Yard ahead of opening in October. Following a major refurbishment, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this is the first time in our 330-year history that the public will have free access to this part of the site seven days a week. 

The Soane Stable Yard houses a free, interactive museum on the history of the Chelsea Pensioners and the Royal Hospital, a Veterans Outreach Centre, a cafe, shop and Post Office. It will also be the starting point for tours of the wider Royal Hospital site, led by Chelsea Pensioners, including the beautiful Wren Chapel and the Great Hall where Pensioners still dine today.

David Richmond, CEO of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said: “We have long wanted to open this part of our site and create a more joined-up heritage experience for visitors to Royal Hospital Road. The opening of the Soane Stable Yard allows us to do that for the first time. We are hugely excited to start welcoming visitors to share this newly refurbished space with the public and provide a new heritage destination in the heart of Chelsea”.

In addition, we have a range of fascinating talks, tours and a Choral Celebration of Queen Mary II in our Wren Chapel lined up for the Chelsea History Festival week. 

Find out more and book your preview of the Soane Stable Yard here.