Chelsea in London the home of the mega-rich, celebrities, and politicians officially known as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea it is one of the smallest in the UK but it is also the most densely populated. It also contains many of London’s finest museums in a short stretch plus a myriad of other attractions to visit. Kensington and Chelsea are home to some of the “poshest” and richest individuals in England. But the Borough is a lesson in contrasts. From the mega-rich shopping of the Kensington and further Chelsea set with Harrods and other upmarket shops to Kensington Palace (Diana’s home and memorial) the Chelsea Flower Show to the Nottinghill Carnival. There are a lot of things to do in Chelsea from some of London’s finest museums to luxury shopping.
Things to do in Chelsea London
“There is no other city in the world where you will find such first-class museums all within walking distance of each other. “The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in 1851 created the foundations for these grand institutions dedicated to the arts and sciences. It was this investment in the area that set in motion a building spurt with large terraced houses which gives the district its current appearance as a high-class residential area; streets like the Boltons are among west London’s smartest addresses. Catering for this type of resident are the designer shops around Brompton Cross. There’s also a distinctly European flavour to modern-day South Ken with a French emphasis making it all the more chic.”
Quoted from London Town.
Museums in Chelsea London to visit
The Victoria & Albert Museum
We had a plan for ensuring that we got the most out of the area and so we headed towards the V & A Museum a place we had wanted to see for years. Now the V & A is free but the special exhibitions do have a cost associated with them from around £8-20. We stood outside the Museum just marveling at the size of the building and the fact that we were finally here. Further, throngs of kids with teachers were going up the steps their bright glow vests in yellow giving the teachers a way to keep an eye on them. Screaming and laughing the crowds of kids were from around 5 years old right up to teenagers carrying portfolios.
We further wandered up the stairs and entered the Museum – it was just incredible, with vaulted high ceilings with a gorgeous Chihuly chandelier, marble everywhere just mind-boggling. Further, we decided to forgo the special exhibits as they unfortunately just were not in our budget and began with the fashion exhibit rooms.
From Chanel to Alexander McQueen and everything that came before and after these exhibits are absolutely a must-see for the fashionphile. further, room 40 contains the Fashion exhibits and they run chronologically around the room starting in 1750.
We pretty much just stumbled around in complete awe admiring jewelry from every century to Tapestries, Theatrical exhibits, paintings, and artwork from every era. It definitely takes more than a day to see everything you should. Don’t forget, if you get a chance check out The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square as well.
Science Museum
On the tube the day before we went to Chelsea, we saw around 50 young kids with their teachers. One of the mums told us they were on their way to the Museum to visit a real astronaut. Moreover, we noticed loads of groups of school kids at all the Museums and we were really impressed with the kids, the teachers, and the experience the kids had in those museums.
It’s often assumed that the Science Museum is just for kids. It’s certainly very family-oriented, but there are many galleries aimed at a more adult audience. The Making the Modern World gallery further contains a staggering collection of artifacts, including the Apollo 10 capsule. On the last Wednesday of every month, there is an adults-only late opening with music, talks, wine … and no children.
Natural History Museum
This is the Museum kids love the most, famous for its dinosaur displays (plaster casts of the originals); the NHM holds much wider treasures, including a full-scale model of a blue whale.
Further, the building itself is a masterpiece with intricate animal carvings peering out from every corner. If the lineups are long, try the side entrance on Exhibition Road with much smaller lines if any.
Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea
Charles Saatchi, one of the world’s foremost art collectors, opened his own gallery in 1985. It specializes in cutting-edge contemporary art that most of us just don’t get. Even if the art is not for you, the gorgeous, sparse interiors are worth a look. Although the entrance is free, you might want to buy a guide, as the labels on the work really don’t tell you very much.
18 Stafford Terrace
Description: The home of Edward Linley Sambourne, the Punch cartoonist, and his family. Now a unique museum is offering a chance to see a fully preserved Victorian family dwelling.
Florence Nightingale Museum
St Thomas’ Hospital 2 Lambeth Palace Road
Description: Museum celebrating the life of Florence Nightingale the founder of modern nursing. Adult: £7.50 Concessions £3.80 Small groups £13.00 Large groups £18.00
Handel & Hendrix in London
25 Brook Street Mayfair
Description: Historic site of two residences: Handel’s house at 25 Brook Street and Jimi Hendrix’s flat on the top floor. Handel & Hendrix: Adult £10: Child £5, Handel House: Adult £7.50: Child £3 Hendrix Flat: Adult £7.50: Child £3
Kensington Palace State Apartments
The Broad Walk Kensington Gardens
Description: Historic royal palace within Kensington Gardens.
Leighton House Museum
12 Holland Park Road
Description: Museum
Museum and Library of the Order of St John
St John’s Gate St John’s Lane
Description: Museum and library of the Order of St John. Discover the medical, religious, and military roles of the Order.
Museum of Fulham Palace
Bishops Avenue
Description: Tudor, Georgian and Victorian building with a 13-acre restored walled garden telling the story of Ful.
National Army Museum
Royal Hospital Road
Description: Discover the impact the British Army has had on the story of Britain, Europe, and the world.
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
Description: The Museum of the natural world; there is a huge range of exhibits from animated dinosaurs to an earthquake.
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road
Description: The world-famous home of the Chelsea Pensioners – also houses a museum, landscaped gardens, and more.
Royal Hospital Chelsea Museum
Royal Hospital Road
Description: Museum of the famous Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and its Chelsea Pensioners.
Science Museum
Exhibition Road
Description: National Museum of Man’s greatest inventions and achievements.
The British Library Sound Archive
96 Euston Road
The Royal College of Music Museum of Instruments
Prince Consort Road
Description: an Internationally renowned collection of musical instruments.
William Morris Society
Kelmscott House 26 Upper Mall Hammersmith
Description: Aims to promote interest in the life and work of Willaim Morris through lectures and visits to schools.
Fun things to do in Chelsea
Chelsea Physic Garden
This Chelsea Garden is the oldest botanical garden in London, founded in 1673 for the purpose of training specialists in plant identification. Nowadays, it is one of the most important centers of botany in the world. Further, come to this enchanted garden to read a bit about the history of plant exchange in the British Empire, and be sure to stop by the Tangerine Café for a delicious lunch overlooking this beautiful collection of greenery. The price may seem costly, however, the experience is totally worth it.
Things to do in Sloane Square
Further, if you are a dedicated follower of fashion you are sure to have heard of the infamous Sloane Rangers. A Sloane Ranger further was a young upper-class female who lived around Sloane Square and had a home in the country. Sloane Rangers were characterized by their clothing which was expensive but informal country dressing. Tweed jackets, jodhpurs, jeans, cardigans, and pearls. Diana, Princess of Wales was considered the archetypal Sloane Ranger of the 1980s by The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook.
At one end of Sloane Square is the stylish King’s Road while Sloane Street runs off the square and links to Knightsbridge. This location further puts it within walking distance of some of the best attractions in London, from bars and clubs to hotels and restaurants.
In the centre of the square is the famous Venus Fountain which was designed by sculptor Gilbert Ledward and constructed in 1953. As the name suggests the fountain depicts Venus while the basin of the fountain depicts King Charles II and Nell Gwynn.
Further, the two buildings worth of note within the square itself are the Royal Court Theatre and the Peter Jones department store, with the National Army Museum just a short walk away.
Stroll the Chelsea Embankment
These attractive gardens between Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Embankment are little-known to most visitors to London. Their trees shelter the beautiful Cheyne Walk houses of the rich and famous from the busy embankment road, and the gardens were only begun in the 1870s when the embankment was created.
Although not very wide these gardens occupy a lengthy part of the embankment on either side of Albert Bridge, there are flower beds in bloom in spring and summer, plenty is laid to grass, there are several interesting statues/monuments, bench seating, and plenty of trees to provide shade when the weather is sunny.
Kensington Roof Gardens
Come to Kensington Roof Gardens and enjoy the view! Located on top of the former Derry and Tom’s department store and covering 1.5 acres, this is the largest roof garden in Europe. Further, you can lose yourself in the Spanish, Tudor, and English woodland-style gardens and make the most of the panoramic views over West London. Moreover, you can even dine in the exclusive Babylon Restaurant. You should check that there are no private parties taking place before you go to avoid disappointment!
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show is a garden show held for five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London. Held at Chelsea since 1912, it is the most famous flower and landscape gardens show in the United Kingdom, and perhaps in the world.
Highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show include the avant-garde show gardens and an incredible cut garden flowers show in the marquee. There is cutting-edge garden design, fabulous floral displays, and simply the best shopping for plants and garden items – tickets are pretty damned expensive for non-members starting at £83.75.
Best oddity in Kensington
Kensington Gardens Elfin Oak is over 900 years old and originally grew in Richmond Park. It is covered with tiny magical figures carved between 1928-30 by Ivor Innes. This most unusual tree owes its preservation to Spike Milligan.
Royal Albert Hall
Classical music, rock, pop, and jazz, sporting events, galas, banquets and balls, and the world-famous Proms series all take place within the Royal Albert Hall’s iconic oval walls. The brainchild of Prince Albert, inspired by the success of the Great Exhibition, the hall first opened in 1871, ten years after the Prince’s death.
Heavily influenced by ancient amphitheaters and the theme of the ‘Empire and the arts, the oval structure’s terracotta walls are decorated on the outside with a frieze dedicated to “The Triumph of Arts and Sciences”. Gaslighting, poor acoustics, and old pipe organs have been replaced over the years and the awe-inspiring venue now exists as a testimony to both the architectural and aesthetic achievements of the past – it now features the largest pipe organ in the British Isles.
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens further used to be a private park that is now public. Home to Kensington Palace and the Diana Princess of Wales Playground and Memorial and many other attractions. Further, the beautiful grounds include a formal Italian Garden, and the Peter Pan Statue and cover over 260 acres.
Visit Kensington Palace
At Kensington Palace, further, you can explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty in Victoria’s re-imagined childhood rooms and the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments.
Kensington Palace further has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century and is currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke, and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.