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 and the opportunity to explore our past and enjoy a taste of all 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 block provided stalls for 25 working horses, housing for nine carriages and two flats for stable boys and coachmen.
The buildings have been the subject of 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.
Visit the Chelsea Pensioner Museum
From the 1st October 2024
Visit the free, interactive Chelsea Pensioner 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 on a regular basis and cost £25 for adults. Both Individual and group booking options are available. Book a tour here.
Heidi Bakery Café
From the 1st October 2024
Choose from a delicious range of handmade pastries, cakes, savouries and salads, speciality coffee, artisan teas and more at the Heidi Bakery Café in the Soane Stable Yard.
The café is open between 8am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 5pm on Sunday.
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.
Please note: The Shop, Heidi Bakery & Post Office are open to all, no booking required.
Toilet Facilities
Male and female toilets and a 'changing places' toilet with adult changing table and hoists and baby changing are provided.