Every part of London has its own distinct charm, allure and mystique and Chelsea is no different. In this guide, the team at Luxury Serviced Apartments take a deep dive into Chelsea and conjure up 9 things everyone should do when they find themselves in this part of the capital.
What to do in Chelsea? Try Any of These 9 Brilliant Ideas
There is a lot more to Chelsea than meets the eye.
1: Visit the Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery houses one of the world’s great collections of contemporary art and if that’s not enough to pique your interest consider it also happens to offer free admission! The gallery occupies a portion of the stunning Duke of York’s Headquarters building, a Grade II Listed Building dating from 1801 which is worth checking out even if you’re not an art lover.
2: Explore the history of Chelsea
Chelsea has a history that dates back more than 1,000 years so there’s plenty for the history buff to sink their teeth into. Blue Plaques are seemingly everywhere denoting where some of the area’s many notable residents – including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, JRR Tolkien, Kylie Minogue and others – spent much or part of their lives.
3: Enjoy the shopping
Chelsea is noted for its multitude of fashionable boutiques along King’s Road, Sloane Street and Duke of York Square. You’ll find everything from high-end clothing brands to bespoke tailoring, exquisite jewellery and more. If the weather is less than ideal, duck into the astonishing Peter Jones and Partners shopping mall not far from Sloane Square.
4: Pick up an antique
With more than 1,000 years of history you can be sure that Chelsea’s many antique shops contain some of the most compelling antique furniture in the capital. Spend some time navigating Lots Road and end your day of antiquing at the monstrous 30,000-square-foot Furniture Cave. If you’re lucky you’ll end your day in Chelsea with an heirloom you can pass down to your kids and their kids and their kids…
5: Eat Well
You would expect any trendy and fashionable neighbourhood to play host to world-class eateries and that is certainly the case with Chelsea. If money is no object we recommend you try Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant located on Royal Hospital Road. With 3 Michelin Stars to its credit, it’s the crème de la crème of the dining experience in Chelsea. Fortunately, the Chelsea landscape is dotted with a plethora of equally exciting if not as well-known (or expensive) restaurants including Stanley’s Chelsea, the Bluebird Cafe, Medlar (French cuisine), La Famiglia and many more.
6: Make a pilgrimage to Stamford Bridge
No serious football fan can spend a day in Chelsea without making a pilgrimage to Stamford Bridge, home of the world-famous Chelsea FC. If you’re lucky enough to secure tickets to see the team play you’re in for a treat. But even if you can’t you can still take a tour of the stadium and relive all the incredible moments that have transpired there.
7: Take in the Chelsea flower show
Every May the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) puts on the Chelsea Flower Show on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The event lasts 5 days with the first 2 days reserved for members of the RHS and the remaining days open to the public. The vibrant and dazzling horticultural displays are the stuff dreams are made of.
8: Take in a show at the Royal Court Theatre
The Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square is a hive of activity and an incubator for talent that includes Mike Barlett, Polly Stenham and David Hare, among others. You won’t find yet another rendition of Macbeth here as the Royal Court Theatre of the 21st century is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing the work of up-and-coming British and international playwriting talent.
9: Hear world-class music
Just a block north of Sloane Square is Cadogan Hall home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a favourite venue for the BBC’s Proms Chamber Music Series held during lunchtime on Mondays. The hall was refurbished in the early 2000s at a cost of £7.5 million which included the installation of new lighting and sound systems.
