Events at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Discover a range of exciting events taking place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, from public talks and exhibitions to exclusive events for our veteran community. Whether you’re attending an iconic ceremony, exploring our historic grounds, or joining one of our many free events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore the upcoming internal and external events below and be part of the vibrant life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Upcoming Events
Guided Tours of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Tue 6th Jan 2026 10.00am - Wed 23rd Dec 2026 4.00pmDiscover 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.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Sensory Walk
Tue 24th Feb 2026 10.30am - Tue 22nd Sep 2026 12.00pmxperience the 330-year-old buildings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in a totally new way. Each month we will take a relaxed, sensory stroll through different areas of the Royal Hospital grounds. Smell the aromas of the delicious food served in the Great Hall, hear beautiful organ music in the Wren Chapel, or take in the stunning Christopher Wren architecture.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Art Session
Tue 3rd Mar 2026 10.30am - Tue 1st Sep 2026 11.30amTry your hand at a new type of art each month in our dementia-inclusive creative session, taking place in the historic setting of the Soane Stable Yard and inspired by the rich heritage of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Veterans Outreach - Mudlarking Talk
Thu 5th Mar 2026 2.00pm - Thu 5th Mar 2026 4.00pmJoin us for a fascinating talk on Mudlarking: Treasures of the Thames, presented by Dave Hiddleston here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Veterans wishing to book, please emai VeteransOutreach@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
International Women's Day 2026
Sat 7th Mar 2026 10.00am - Sat 7th Mar 2026 4.30pmJoin us for a range of exciting events developed to celebrate International Women's Day on Saturday 7th March 2026. From Talks to tours, photography displays to hand's on workshops - join us for a day packed with fun activities.
IWD: Design‑Your‑Own Military Uniform Workshop
Sat 7th Mar 2026 10.00am - Sun 8th Mar 2026 4.00pmJoin us in the Soane Stable Yard for a free, drop‑in creative workshop celebrating the remarkable women who have served throughout military history.
IWD: Photography Display
Sat 7th Mar 2026 10.00am - Sun 8th Mar 2026 4.30pmTo celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is delighted to partner with photographer Jackie King to display a collection of never-before-seen photographs showing some of the 19 female Chelsea Pensioners who currently call the Royal Hospital their home.
IWD: Talk and Tour with Chelsea Pensioner Barbara
Sat 7th Mar 2026 2.00pm - Sat 7th Mar 2026 3.30pmJoin us for a special event exploring the evolving role of women in the British Army, both before and after the landmark changes of 1992. This insightful talk will be led by Barbara, the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s first female Chelsea Pensioner Tour Guide, who will share her own experiences alongside stories from other female Chelsea Pensioners.
Veterans Outreach: Growing your own produce - Potatoes
Tue 10th Mar 2026 10.00am - Tue 10th Mar 2026 3.00pmChelsea Pensioners Veterans Outreach and the Defence Garden Scheme welcomes all older veterans from the Tri-Services and the Merchant Navy, in receipt of a state pension, to join us to learn how to grow your own produce.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Singing Sessions
Tue 10th Mar 2026 10.00am - Tue 8th Sep 2026 11.30amOur monthly dementia-inclusive singing group provides an opportunity for local older people and those affected by dementia to come together, have fun and improve their wellbeing. Enjoy a good, hearty singing session and exercise your mind and soul. And don’t worry if you think you can’t sing - it's all about enjoying yourself!
Veterans Outreach: Art with Lorna
Thu 12th Mar 2026 2.00pm - Thu 12th Mar 2026 4.00pmGet creative in 2026 at our exclusive Veterans Outreach Art with Lorna session.
Meet other veterans from the Tri-Services and Merchant Navy in a relaxed and supportive environment, while enjoy a spot of relaxation and artistic creativity.
Community Event: Coffee Morning
Tue 17th Mar 2026 10.00am - Tue 15th Sep 2026 12.00pmGet to know your neighbours and the Chelsea Pensioners over a cuppa at our monthly free coffee morning. Play games, discuss current affairs or our unique art and history collection, reminisce or simply meet new people, all in the historic setting of the Royal Hospital's Soane Stable Yard.