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
Community event: dementia-inclusive relaxed sensory session
Tue 23rd Jun 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.
Governor's Lecture Series - "The Boleyn Secret"
Wed 24th Jun 2026 6.00pm - Wed 24th Jun 2026 7.30pmJoin bestselling author Alison Weir in the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s State Apartments as she discusses her new book, The Boleyn Secret.
Treasure House Fair
Thu 25th Jun 2026 11.00am - Tue 30th Jun 2026 8.00pmThe Treasure House Fair is held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea at the height of London’s summer season each year. The Fair brings together exhibitors from around the world representing the widest range of disciplines available.
Veterans Outreach: Art with Lorna
Thu 25th Jun 2026 2.00pm - Thu 25th Jun 2026 4.00pmGet creative in 2026 at our exclusive Veterans Outreach Art with Lorna session where you will learn the fundamentals of creating round objects.
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. All equipment & materials will be provided.
Evening Tours at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Thu 25th Jun 2026 6.00pm - Thu 27th Aug 2026 8.00pmStep behind the gates of the Royal Hospital Chelsea after hours for an unforgettable evening tour led by one of our iconic Chelsea Pensioners. As the sun sets and the site falls quiet, you’ll be guided through the historic grounds under the cover of night – hearing stories rarely shared in the daylight.
Hands-on History: World War II Objects
Sat 4th Jul 2026 10.00am - Sat 4th Jul 2026 4.00pmFree drop‑in activity
Discover what life was like on the Home Front during the Second World War with military historian Paul Hunt.
British Sign Language Tours of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Sat 4th Jul 2026 11.00am - Sat 4th Jul 2026 12.00pmJoin expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Summer Concert - Chelsea Pensioner Singers
Sat 4th Jul 2026 3.00pm - Sat 4th Jul 2026 4.00pmJoin the Chelsea Pensioner Singers for two uplifting summer performances in the beautiful surroundings of the Soane Stable Yard.
Community Event: Dementia-Inclusive Art Session
Tue 7th Jul 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.
As You Like It - The Handlebards
Tue 7th Jul 2026 7.00pm - Tue 7th Jul 2026 9.00pmPedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.
Join the troupe at Royal Hospital Chelsea’s Soane Stable Yard for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s 'As You Like it' as you’ve never seen before.
Veterans Outreach - The Vietnam War Talk
Thu 9th Jul 2026 2.00pm - Thu 9th Jul 2026 4.00pmJoin us for a fascinating talk on The Vietnam War, presented by author, Andrew Wiest, here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Veterans wishing to book, please emai VeteransOutreach@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
Veterans Outreach: Growing your own salad crops
Tue 14th Jul 2026 10.00am - Tue 14th Jul 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 salad crops.