Explore Chelsea

Local history events

Bringing the past to life through performances, talks and tours

Vivienne Westwood mural in Chelsea

Punk Chelsea

Discover Chelsea’s role in the punk movement, exploring the streets where icons of this influential subculture once walked.

1st Life Guards on Royal Avenue, Chelsea, 1905

Chelsea at War

Join tour guide Mike Armitage as he brings to life some of the stories behind the hidden military history of Chelsea.

Vivienne Westwood’s Worlds End shop in Chelsea

Fashion and the King's Road

Delve into Chelsea’s iconic history at the heart of global fashion, from the swinging sixties through the punk scene and beyond.

Bomb damage at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, 1945

The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War

Join Martin Cawthorne as he chronicles the Chelsea Pensioners' fight for survival during the London Blitz.

Chelsea on film

Local stories of natural, social and military history

Dr Claudia Tobin

Chelsea’s Little Theatres: 1914-18 and Beyond

Dr Claudia Tobin tells us about a little-known but important aspect of Chelsea’s artistic legacy.

Chelsea Pensioner James Little

Tour of the State Apartments, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Join Chelsea Pensioner James Little on a tour of these magnificent rooms at the heart of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Flowers at the Chelsea Physic Garden

Tour of the Chelsea Physic Garden

Anne Edwards takes us on an exclusive tour around one of the world’s most historic and beautiful botanical gardens.

Trees in Chelsea

Trees of Chelsea

London tree expert Paul Wood shows us some of the most unique and interesting trees in Chelsea.

Dr Emily Mayhew

Chelsea in the Blitz

Dr Emily Mayhew explores the devastating impact of the Blitz on Chelsea’s people and places.

Geoffrey Matthews, Secretary of the Chelsea Arts Club

Chelsea Arts Club Balls

Geoffrey Matthews, Secretary of the Chelsea Arts Club, reveals the history of the infamous Chelsea Arts Club Balls.

Chelsea history podcast

A century of crisis, resilience and cultural flourishing

Chelsea walking routes

Themed walks for you to discover Chelsea’s secrets at your leisure

Approx time: 50 mins
Format: Downloadable PDF

Approx time: 45 mins
Format: Downloadable PDF

Approx time: 60 mins
Format: Downloadable PDF