Soane Stable Yard
Discover the newly renovated Soane Stable Yard
The Soane Stable Yard provides a new starting point for visitors to the Royal Hospital. It offers a chance to explore our rich history and experience everything the Royal Hospital has to offer today.
Eminent architect Sir John Soane, whose legacy includes the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery, also in London, was the Royal Hospital’s Clerk of Works for 30 years. He designed and built the Grade II listed stable yard between 1814 and 1817, repurposing many materials from Wren’s original structure. The stable yard provided stalls for 25 working horses, housing for nine carriages and two flats for stable boys and coachmen.
The buildings have undergone an extensive renovation project thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from other benefactors and charitable trusts. Overseen by architect, Laura Morgante, of Peregrine Bryant, the restoration has conserved the historic fabric from both Wren and Soane’s buildings and reinstated architectural features – like the beautiful chimneys damaged during the Second World War – using innovative conservation techniques. Throughout the project we have adopted a sustainable and accessible approach while endeavouring to conserve the spirit and beauty of Soane’s design.
The Soane Stable Yard now houses the Chelsea Pensioners Museum, a Café by Heidi Bakery, a Shop and Post Office, an Activity Room and the Veterans Outreach Centre.
Address: Chelsea Gate, Royal Hospital Road. London. SW3 4SR (plan your visit here)
Visit the Chelsea Pensioners Museum
Now Open!
Visit the free, interactive Chelsea Pensioners Museum in the Soane Stable Yard and learn about the fascinating history of the Royal Hospital and the lives of Chelsea Pensioners through the centuries.
The Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm.
Entry is FREE and booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Book A Guided Tour of the Royal Hospital with a Chelsea Pensioner
Would you like to visit some of the most beautiful buildings in London, hear about their history from a Chelsea Pensioner and get a glimpse into what life is like as a resident behind the scenes?
Guided tours run daily between Tuesday - Sunday and cost £25 for adults (£15 for children).
Both Individual and group booking options are available. Book a tour here.
Please note: The Shop, Café by Heidi Bakery & Post Office are open to all, no booking required.
Café by Heidi Bakery
Now Open!
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.
Opening Times:
Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays: 9am - 5pm
Call to book: 020 7881 5233
Visit our Shop
Visit our shop in the Soane Stable Yard for a range of high quality gifts and souvenirs.
Opening hours are 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
Proceeds from all sales help to support the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Chelsea Pensioners.
Post Office
The Post Office in the Soane Stable Yard is open 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Toilet Facilities
Male and female toilets and a 'changing places' toilet with adult changing table and hoists and baby changing are provided.
