The smart, definitive guide to Chelsea, London

LONDON CHELSEA

Take a look at all the best events and things to do in Chelsea

What's on in Chelsea

Chelsea might no longer be drawing in the hippy or rock n’roll crowds but it’s still swinging. The neighbourhood’s main artery is the famous King's Road, a shopping mecca of designer stores, high street shops, exclusive boutiques, bolt-hole pubs and independent restaurants. With the Saatchi Gallery and Royal Court Theatre amongst its cultural gems, Chelsea is also home to some of London’s biggest events and museums; the V&A, London Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum, which all attract many tourists. Come nightfall, Chelsea is populated by a young crowd who have money to spend. Chart and R’n’B music are the norm at Chelsea’s night clubs, such as the particularly popular Crazy Larry’s, Boujis, and Kitts. To welcome in the summer the Chelsea Flower Show is the horticultural event of the year.

About Chelsea

Situated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this area was once the home of Oscar Wilde, Turner, and Sir Thomas More. Chelsea is popularly renowned for being the epicentre of London’s Sixties and was once the bohemian quarter of Cool Britannia – the Rolling Stones bought up rows of houses and even Bob Marley took up residence in the neighbourhood. These days the punks and hippies have moved further afield and Chelsea is very much an area of the affluent, where wealthy yuppies mix with celebrities like Kylie Minogue, and footballers from local football club Chelsea FC.

Chelsea Venues

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
Best for : The free entry to one of the world's top museums.
Royal Court Theatre
Best for : Seeing a play by an up and coming playwrite.
Crazy Larrys
Best for : Public school kids.
London Science Museum
Best for: Indulging your geeky alter-ego.
Finsborough Theatre
Best for: Its fringe theatre shows.

How to get to Chelsea

By Tube: Sloane Square, South Kensington, Fulham
By Bus: 49, 211, 19, 11, 22, 319, 137, 170
24-hr Bus:14, 345, 414, 360

Please see Transport for London for more Chelsea travel information.