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
Royal Hospital Chelsea BSL Tour - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 2.15pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 3.45pmFollow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Royal Hospital Chelsea at War - Chelsea History Festival
Sat 3rd Oct 2026 5.00pm - Sat 3rd Oct 2026 6.00pmJoin the Royal Hospital Chelsea Tour Guides in conversation with Martin Cawthorne, author of The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War, as they explore the wartime history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Hands on history: World War Two home front object handling - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 10.00am - Sun 4th Oct 2026 4.00pmStep back in time and explore daily life during the Second World War with military historian Paul Hunt at the Soane Stable Yard.
The Artful Morning - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 11.00am - Sun 4th Oct 2026 12.30pmJoin artist Sarah Stadler for a relaxing and inspiring introduction to watercolour painting in the beautiful surroundings of the Soane Stable Yard.
Family Workshop: Creative Collage - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 11.00am - Sun 4th Oct 2026 4.00pmCut, stick and create your own colourful collage inspired by places, journeys and stories. A fun, relaxed workshop for families using recycled materials.
Living History Reenactors - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 11.00am - Sun 4th Oct 2026 3.00pmStep back in time at Living History at the Soane Stable Yard, where a vibrant cast of reenactors brings Chelsea’s extraordinary past to life, from the days of Roman Londinium to the revolutionary spirit of the 20th century.
Sir Christopher Wren Family Tour - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 1.30pm - Sun 4th Oct 2026 2.00pmJoin Sir Christopher Wren himself for a lively, family-friendly 30-minute tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. These free guided walks offer a rare chance to explore the historic heart of the site with the man who designed it or at least, the next best thing
Life and Poetry with Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 3.00pm - Sun 4th Oct 2026 4.00pmChelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, our resident poet, shares his powerful, factual poetry inspired by his life, his beloved wife Muriel, and the stories that shaped him. Join this special session to hear Roy read his work and reflect on an extraordinary life lived with humour, love and resilience
The Sounds of the Seventeenth Century - Chelsea History Festival
Sun 4th Oct 2026 5.00pm - Sun 4th Oct 2026 6.00pmJoin us for an intimate performance of powerful storytelling through music in the Soane Stable Yard with countertenor Tom Lilburn and theorbo player Daniel Murphy
Art Dinner 2026
Thu 29th Oct 2026 6.30pm - Thu 29th Oct 2026 10.00pmJoin us for a remarkable evening of sculpture and a sumptuous three-course meal in the heart of one of London’s most iconic heritage sites, the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Exhibition: The Longest Yarn
Mon 2nd Nov 2026 9.00am - Thu 12th Nov 2026 5.00pmThe Longest Yarn® 2 – Britain at War is an 80-metre handcrafted exhibition that tells the story of life in Britain during the Second World War through knitting and crochet.
Governor's Lecture Series: Louis XIV, Marlborough and the Battle for Europe
Wed 11th Nov 2026 6.00pm - Wed 11th Nov 2026 7.30pmJoin renowned historian and biographer Dr Philip Mansel for a fascinating exploration of one of the greatest power struggles in European history.