Where to Stay in Chelsea
Chelsea is known as one of London’s most desirable areas. Suffice to say that anyone staying in any part of the area is unlikely to be disappointed with their surroundings - whether it be expansive views of the Thames to the south, or within easy walking distance of Kensington’s museums to the north. However, Sloane Square is generally considered the best part of the neighbourhood - close to the local amenities and offering easy access to the local amenities as well as being close to the many landmarks and attractions of Westminster and Knightsbridge.
Facts About Chelsea
Chelsea’s reputation as an affluent area has endured for centuries, being a popular location for several British monarchs to build estates. Further to this, Chelsea is also famous in the culinary world for its contribution to baking with the popular Chelsea Bun. Throughout the years the area has also been at the forefront of several cultural and social movements.
Below are a few interesting facts about Chelsea:
- The name Chelsea is translated from Old English as the “landing place on the river for chalk or limestone.
- In 1536 Henry VIII built a manor house in Chelsea but it was demolished in 1760.
- Chelsea once had a reputation as London's bohemian quarter, the haunt of artists, radicals, painters and poets.
- Chelsea was the heartbeat of London’s Swinging Sixties which is said to have been born on King's Road, which runs the length of the area.
- The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been held since 1804. Originally called ‘The Great Spring Show’ it was moved to its current home, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, in 1931.
- Gnomes were officially banned from the flower show until 2013 when a display of 150 gnomes was gathered to greet the Queen.
Things to Do in Chelsea
Chelsea is a hugely popular area that not only offers a wealth of things to do locally, but also provides the ideal base from which to explore Greater London. Of course, the area also hosts the famous Chelsea Flower Show in the month of May, which sees millions of visitors flock to the neighbourhood. However, Chelsea also offers plenty of things to do throughout the year.
What are the most popular things to do in Chelsea?
Chelsea is part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which is known as being the museum district of London. These world-class facilities are not just the most popular attractions in the neighbourhood, but they are some of the most popular in the whole of the UK.
What are some free things to do in Chelsea?
Once again, many of the world-class museums in Chelsea and neighbouring Kensington offer free admission, so it is one of the best places to be to enjoy London on a budget. Similarly, several of London’s sprawling green spaces are located nearby, which are also free to enjoy.
What is there to do in the evening in Chelsea?
Chelsea is the perfect place to spend an evening in London. The area’s picturesque streets make it perfect for taking a leisurely stroll along the Thames, whilst the abundance of high-end restaurants and traditional London pubs means there are plenty of opportunities to socialize over drinks or a bite to eat.
Is Chelsea close to many other attractions or famous places?
Chelsea itself is an iconic location, but it is also close to South Kensington, with its abundance of museums and Knightsbridge, famous of course for Harrods department store. Just across the river is also the iconic district of Battersea, which offers the opportunity to explore the real London, underneath the famous landmarks.
Places to Visit in Chelsea
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Chelsea is that it puts visitors right on the doorstep of some of London’s most iconic landmarks. From world-renowned museums to some of the most stunning city parks in the world, anyone staying in Chelsea will find plenty of famous attractions are just a short walk away. Alternatively, those wishing to explore the rest of the city will find there are plenty of transport links out of Chelsea and most of London’s major sights can be reached in just a few minutes.
Below is a selection of places to visit in and around Chelsea:
- Hyde Park - London’s stunning 350-acre park, offering a stunning landscape of lakes, woodland and gardens.
- The Chelsea Flower Show - iconic flower show, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society. Held annually in May.
- The Natural History Museum - one of London’s most popular museums, dedicated to the history of the natural world and housed in a stunning Romanesque building.
- Carlyle’s House - a stately home which now serves as a time capsule dedicated to London life in the Victorian era.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum - the largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design in the world, founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- The National Army Museum - a Museum dedicated to the history of the British army, with exhibits, artworks, and an educational centre.
- Chelsea Physic Garden - charming botanical gardens in the heart of Chelsea.
- The Saatchi Gallery - modern art gallery founded by advertising mogul Charles Saatchi, also hosts temporary exhibits of international treasures.
Places to Eat in Chelsea
As might be expected for such an affluent area, Chelsea has some of the best restaurants in London. Those staying locally will find every taste is catered to - from sophisticated fine dining to no-frills takeaways and pub food. However, fine dining is really where Chelsea shines, with several of London’s most prestigious restaurants based locally. These include:
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
- Medlar.
- Manicomio Chelsea Restaurant.
- The Five Fields.
- Scalini.
- Le Colombier.
However, Chelsea also caters to those looking to enjoy dining out in a more relaxed setting. There are several pubs in the area which are known for their excellent menus:
- The Chelsea Pensioner.
- Hollywood Arms.
- The Harwood Arms.
- The Surprise.
- Admiral Codrington.
Shopping in Chelsea
Visitors to Chelsea are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, as not only does Chelsea itself offer plenty of retail opportunities, but the area is also surrounded by many of London’s most famous shopping destinations. Both Kensington High Street and King’s Road are local to Chelsea - both of which are considered amongst the best shopping streets in London. There are also several markets operating in the vicinity - Portobello Road being the most famous of course. However, those seeking larger facilities also have the option of heading to one of the many nearby shopping malls.
These include:
- Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush (The capital’s largest shopping center).
- Kings Mall Shopping Centre.
- Kensington Arcade.
- W12 Shopping Centre.
- Broadway Shopping Centre.
Transportation in Chelsea
Chelsea is, of course, part of London’s extensive transport network and therefore visitors will find they have no problems getting around. The neighbourhood itself is highly pedestrianised and an easy place to navigate on foot. There are also numerous bus routes servicing the area, with the 14, 49, 74 and 360 being some of the main routes during the day and the N74 and N97 running overnight. However, the London Underground is usually considered the easiest and most convenient way of getting in and out of the area and to the rest of the city. Chelsea is served predominantly by the Piccadilly and Circle and District Lines and has several stations in its vicinity.
These include:
- Chelsea.
- Kensington Olympia.
- High Street Kensington.
- Gloucester Road.
- West Kensington.
- Earl’s Court.
The most cost-effective way of paying for public transport is to make use of London’s Oyster card payment system. This is particularly true for those planning to make regular trips around the city - a single trip to zone 1-2 will cost £2.40 whilst the equivalent single ticket is £4.90. Similarly, a zone 1 - 4 Travelcard will cost £13.10, whilst the Oyster is capped at £10.10.
Weather in Chelsea
Chelsea, as with the rest of London experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. The summer months of July and August are usually warm without being too hot, whilst September sees cooler weather with an increased chance of rain. May is arguably the best time to visit Chelsea, as weather conditions are favourable and it is, of course, the month that hosts the Chelsea Flower Show. Winters in London can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing in the evening, however, London’s abundance of Christmas markets and events mean December is also a popular time to visit.
