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
Veterans Outreach - Off the Canvas Boxing Training
Thu 19th Feb 2026 2.00pm - Thu 19th Feb 2026 4.00pmJoin 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.
Art Course at Chelsea Heritage Quarter
Fri 20th Feb 2026 10.00am - Fri 20th Feb 2026 5.00pmJoin us at Chelsea Heritage Quarter for our first-ever short course exploring 17th-century art through the collections of our partner heritage sites.
Exhibition: "Battlefield to Boutique: How the British Military has influenced fashion."
Fri 20th Feb 2026 10.00am - Sun 22nd Feb 2026 4.30pmLondon Fashion Week returns to the capital from 19–23 February 2026, celebrating the very best of British creativity and design. Join us at the Soane Stable Yard for a temporary display exploring the enduring impact of the British Military on civilian fashion.
February Half Term: Family Activities at the Soane Stable Yard
Sat 21st Feb 2026 10.00am - Sat 21st Feb 2026 4.00pmCelebrate the end of half term with a day of hands‑on family fun at the Soane Stable Yard. Explore history, get creative, and enjoy delicious treats from Heidi Bakery while you’re here.
Governor's Lecture Series - The Battle of the Tennis Court: Kohima, April – June 1944
Wed 25th Feb 2026 6.00pm - Wed 25th Feb 2026 7.30pmJoin us for a powerful and insightful lecture on one of the most decisive battles of the Second World War. Bob Cook, Curator of the Kohima Museum, will explore the dramatic events of the Battle of the Tennis Court, a pivotal engagement within the wider Battle of Kohima.
Veterans Outreach: Art with Lorna
Thu 26th Feb 2026 2.00pm - Thu 26th Feb 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.
Twilight Tours at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Thu 26th Feb 2026 6.00pm - Thu 26th Feb 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.
Storytelling: The Ring - A Tale of Cretan Resistance Against the Nazis
Sat 28th Feb 2026 2.00pm - Sat 28th Feb 2026 3.00pmJoin us for The Ring, a dramatic performance with theatrical storytelling, music and songs from the island of Crete by award winning performance storyteller, Anna Conomos-Wedlock and musician. Coming to the Soane Stable Yard for one exclusive performance only. Don’t miss your chance - secure your tickets now.
Standing Pilates: Foundations
Sun 22nd Mar 2026 12.00pm - Sun 22nd Mar 2026 12.30pmThis 30-minute Standing Pilates class with Norah Jeffery delivers a full-body tune-in, no mat required. You’ll flow through dynamic, feel-good movements that boost posture, balance, core activation and increase flexibility, all while strengthening the muscles that support you every day.
Governor's Lecture Series - The Confrontation, 1962–1966
Wed 25th Mar 2026 6.00pm - Wed 25th Mar 2026 7.30pmJoin us in the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s historic State Apartments for a compelling lecture on one of the lesser‑known yet most strategically significant conflicts of the post‑war era: The Confrontation.
Between 1962 and 1966, Indonesia launched an undeclared campaign to break apart the newly formed Malaysian Federation by seizing the northern Borneo states. What followed was a four‑year struggle fought in dense jungle, remote kampongs, and along a vast and porous border. At its height, up to 15,000 Commonwealth troops were deployed to Borneo.
Walking Tour: The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War
Sun 29th Mar 2026 1.00pm - Sun 29th Mar 2026 2.30pmJoin our expert guide for an immersive tour through the Royal Hospital Chelsea and learn how this historic institution endured the turmoil of World War II. From air raids to the daily lives of the Chelsea Pensioners, you’ll gain a unique insight into how the hospital survived London’s darkest days.
Governor's Lecture Series - Can I Go Home Now?
Wed 8th Apr 2026 6.00pm - Wed 8th Apr 2026 7.30pmJoin Pritan Ambroase as he discusses his new groundbreaking documentary.
Produced by a registered charity foundation in partnership with multiple Oscar and Grammy Winners, this unique and groundbreaking cinema-documentary hybrid film, where only children speak about their experiences stuck in the active war zones of Ukraine. No adults are allowed to talk, no politics and no political leaders.