Southwest of central London, Chelsea is a lovely neighborhood along the River Thames. Admire some of London’s most impressive homes and shop in high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Described as affluent, exclusive or posh, the residential streets of Chelsea have some of the most expensive homes in London. Walk along Edgarton Crescent, familiarly called Billionaire’s Row, to see multi-million-dollar homes.
Beyond residences, one of the most impressive structures in the neighborhood is the Royal Hospital Chelsea, founded in 1692 to care for retired soldiers from the British Army. See artifacts from earlier soldiering days along with artwork including the Battle of Waterloo by George Jones. On summer Sundays many of the retirees gather for the Governor’s Parade before the service at the Wren Chapel. Join a tour led by one of the pensioners in his scarlet coat and tri-corner hat.
The hospital building is an impressive structure with Doric columns and long wings surrounded by perfectly groomed lawns. See the tall gold statue of King Charles II dressed as a Roman general. In May the Royal Horticultural Society takes over the grounds for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Get tickets online in advance for this very popular event.
Visit the Saatchi Gallery to see contemporary art. Attend an original performance at the Royal Court Theatre, which nurtures young playwrights. The nearby Duke of York Square offers fashion and food. Running along King’s Road between Sloane Square and Eel Brook Common are hundreds of shops from high-end luxury brands to affordable international favorites.
Walk through Brompton Cemetery, one of London’s Magnificent Seven cemeteries. Monuments, trees and wildlife surround the gravesites of notable people. Inspect more than 5,000 edible and medicinal plants at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Walk along the Waterfront where tall high-rises offer additional impressive homes.
Join local residents cheering on the Chelsea Football Club at their home stadium of Stamford Bridge in Fulham. Travel to Chelsea via the Underground to Sloane Square.
