Tours of The Royal Hospital Chelsea
Book A Guided Tour of the Royal Hospital with a Chelsea Pensioner
Discover 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.
Our guided tours are now available regularly, offering both public and private options. Tickets are £25 for adults (£15 for children), and each tour is led by a Chelsea Pensioner, providing an unforgettable experience.
Public Guided Tours (Individuals & small groups)
Perfect for individuals or small groups, our public guided tours offer a chance to explore the Royal Hospital alongside others. Led by one of our knowledgeable Chelsea Pensioner Tour Guides, these daily tours are limited to 25 guests to ensure an intimate and engaging experience.
Private Group Tours
For a more personal experience, why not book a private group tour? With a minimum group size of 10, you’ll enjoy a tour hosted by one of our experienced Chelsea Pensioner Tour Guides. It’s a wonderful way to explore the Royal Hospital with friends, family, or colleagues.
To book your tour, simply select from the options below and secure your place for an enriching journey through history.
For any inquiries, please reach out to us at tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk, and we will respond as soon as possible. You can also view our Frequently Asked Questions here. For any urgent inquires regarding your booking. Please ring the following number 07581 054 462.
Easter Tour Closures:
Please note there will be no guided tours on Good Friday; 18th April & Easter Monday; 21st April.
Tour bookings from April - November 2025 are now live.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
How long are the tours?
Tours typically last 90 minutes, but can extend up to 2 hours depending on visitor questions.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. We also have a spare wheelchair available for visitors to borrow if needed.
Where is the meeting point for the tour?
The meeting point is at the Soane Stable Yard, near the entrance to the tour video room, accessible via the Chelsea Gate.
Do you offer tours at different times of day?
For public guided tours, during peak season, we operate tours twice daily between Tuesday - Sunday at 10:30am and 2:00pm. During off-peak season we ordinarily have 1 tour per day, which alternates between 10:30 & 2:00pm. Please click our booking calendar above to see availability.
For private group tours, our regular tour times are 10:00, 10:30, 14:00, and 14:30. For larger groups, we can add extra slots with 15-minute intervals, subject to availability.
Can I bring children?
We recommend our tours for guests aged 14 and older. But children can attend if needed. Please email the tour inbox to enquire. tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.
What facilities do you offer?
We have Heidi Bakery, a Gift Shop, and accessible toilets, including baby-changing facilities. Please also visit our Chelsea Pensioner’s Museum.
Can I reserve a tour?
Tours can be booked using the booking system above. Unfortunately, we cannot not hold tour spaces without prior booking and payment.
I would like to book a tour, but the dates haven’t been released yet.
We release tour dates six months in advance. If your preferred date isn't showing within the next six months, it may sold out, or be unavailable due to operational reasons leading us to close tours for that specific day.
Can we reserve places at the Heidi Café?
Yes, please contact Jorge Canela at jorge.canela@heidibakery.co.uk to reserve.
Can I increase my tour numbers for private groups?
Yes, if you email tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk we can investigate this for you further.
I have another question
Please email tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk and one of our team will respond to assist further.
Military & Private Group Tours:
Is there parking available for coaches?
Yes, coach parking is available for the duration of the tour.
How many people can join each tour?
Each tour accommodates a maximum of 25 people. For larger groups, please book multiple slots by emailing us at tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.
Do you offer lunch or bar services?
Yes, but only for military groups we offer lunch and bar services. Please email if interested. tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.
For public group tours please contact Jorge Canela at jorge.canela@heidibakery.co.uk to check availability within Heidi Bakery, our on-site café. Please note for large groups, you may not all be able to be seated at the same time.
I’ve already booked, but need to add more people?
If you need to add more participants, please email us at tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk. You can pay for the additional guests on the day of the tour.