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.
State Apartments Art Tour
Fri 8th May 2026 3.00pm - Fri 8th May 2026 4.00pmThis session will explore the shared visual language of portraiture in the period and consider the role of studios in 17th-century artistic production. You will see portraits of people who played a vital role in the history of the Hospital. The tour will be led by a Chelsea Pensioner and an art historian.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Singing Sessions
Tue 12th May 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: Nature walk and guided tour of Kew Gardens
Tue 12th May 2026 10.00am - Tue 12th May 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 for an off site nature walk and tour of Kew Gardens
Wellington Hall Museum Tour
Wed 13th May 2026 1.45pm - Wed 26th Aug 2026 2.45pmDiscover the Chelsea Pensioners’ own private regimental museum - rarely seen by the public. Step inside one of the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s most special spaces with our exclusive Wellington Hall Museum Tour. Running on select Wednesdays during May & June, and weekly throughout July & August.
Veterans Outreach: Regional Members Tour
Thu 14th May 2026 2.00pm - Thu 14th May 2026 4.00pmGuests from our Regional Veterans Outreach network are invited to join us for a Chelsea Pensioner led guided tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This is primarily for veterans from outside Greater London.
London Craft Week: Family Sea Glass Art Workshop
Sat 16th May 2026 11.00am - Sat 16th May 2026 3.00pmJoin us at the Soane Stable Yard on Saturday 16 May as we celebrate London Craft Week with a creative, hands‑on family workshop.
Chelsea Flower Show
Tue 19th May 2026 8.00am - Sat 23rd May 2026 5.30pmJoin us from 20th - 24th May 2025 for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, set in the stunning grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Immerse yourself in a world of extraordinary garden designs, breathtaking floral displays, and exclusive shopping experiences, all in one of London’s most iconic settings.
Community Event: Coffee Morning
Tue 19th May 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.
Veterans Outreach - Off the Canvas Boxing Training
Thu 21st May 2026 2.30pm - Thu 21st May 2026 4.30pmJoin us for our next Boxing Training session with the Chelsea Pensioners and Fighting Chance. We welcome all Veterans from the Tri-Services and the Merchant Navy in receipt of a state pension to book now for our next monthly non-contact boxing training session.
Community event: dementia-inclusive relaxed sensory session
Tue 26th May 2026 10.30am - Tue 22nd Sep 2026 12.00pmExperience the 330-year-old buildings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in a totally new way. Each month we will host a relaxed, sensory session. 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.
Veterans Outreach: Art with Lorna
Thu 28th May 2026 2.00pm - Thu 28th May 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.