For five days in May, the royal borough is a hive of activity, as 150,000 people descend on SW3 for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. While ostensibly a chance to swot up on the latest in the horticultural world over a glass of bubbly, it’s also a great opportunity to see a little bit more of London’s glitziest neighbourhood, Chelsea.
Synonymous with the rich and the glamorous, Chelsea has a reputation for being, well, a bit posh. But it’s not all snooty: in fact, this former village is one of the most welcoming in town, with plenty of things to see and do that don’t involve high heels or designer handbags (unless you want them to). It’s also very close to our much-loved Belgravia pub, The Orange, so do pop in and say hello.
So without further ado, here is a list of things we’d recommend getting up to if you find yourself in the area during the Chelsea Flower Show…
Take a load off at The Orange
Just nine minutes walk from the Chelsea Flower Show HQ, our beloved pub, The Orange, is a great place to relax and unwind after a day spent wandering around designer gardens and flower stands. Order a bottle of our in-house rosé and some charcuterie before soaking up rays on our terrace. If the weather isn’t cooperating (let’s face it, this is England) then don’t despair – our dining room and bar areas are made for hunkering down in.
Tick off the Blue Plaques
Chelsea has been home to far more than just reality TV stars. In the past, it was a haven for writers and artists, whose houses are handily signposted with an English Heritage Blue Plaque. Take yourself for a stroll around Cheyne Walk, Tite Street and Cromwell Road, while ticking off the likes of film director Alfred Hitchcock, author James Joyce, playwright Oscar Wilde and architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Book NowDo a tour of Stamford Bridge
Whether you’re a Chelsea FC fan or not, a tour of Stamford Bridge is well worth it, giving you the chance to see ‘behind the scenes’ at the world-famous club, from the changing room to the ice baths. After all, the Blues have been here for over 120 years, ever since their inception in 1905. Bonus points if you can score tickets to a match.
Be amazed by the Chelsea in Bloom window displays
The designer boutiques of the King’s Road have been taking the opportunity to show off their creative talents during the Chelsea Flower Show for 20 years now, with the annual ‘Chelsea in Bloom’ competition. The festivities see clever visual merchandisers coming up with inventive ways to decorate their shop windows, with incredibly Instagrammable end results.
Stop off for a cocktail – or two
Hidden in the basement of The Orange pub, the Blood Orange Bar is an underground hangout offering a carefully curated selection of cocktails, craft beers and wood-fired pizzas. This quirky cocktail bar in London is perfect for drinks after a day of sightseeing, with live music and vinyl DJs. Sit back, relax and let us shake up – or stir – a drink or two.
Book NowRelax in the Chelsea Physic Garden
Find some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle at the Chelsea Physic Garden. The oldest botanical garden in the capital, it’s long been a place of rest and relaxation for world-weary Londoners and tourists alike. Volunteers take tours daily, but we prefer getting lost amongst the pomegranate trees and rock gardens on our own.
Learn about the history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
When you get off the tube at Sloane Square, you’re likely to see silver-haired men in scarlet uniforms milling around. That’s because the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to the Chelsea Pensioners, is just around the corner. Book a tour with one of the 300 army veterans who live here to find out more about its fascinating history, including why it came about in the first place.
Discover new art at the Saatchi Gallery
Renowned for showcasing some of the most exciting up-and-coming contemporary artists, the Saatchi Gallery is a great shout for when the weather is less than cooperative. Housed in a beautiful white building in Duke of York Square, its ever-changing roster of exhibitions has seen everything from Tutankhamun to Chanel on display. We also love popping into the gift shop to buy quirky stationery and prints.
Walk along Chelsea Embankment
Any trip to London would be incomplete without a walk along our famous river. Amble along the Chelsea Embankment towards Albert Bridge and take in the views across to Battersea on the south side – bonus points if you come at nighttime when it’s illuminated by 4,000 LED lights. It’s also where a lot of movie history has been made – with scenes filmed here in A Clockwork Orange and Sliding Doors.
See a show at the Royal Court Theatre
Catch a play by the next big thing at the Royal Court Theatre. Famed for kick-starting the careers of some of modern drama’s biggest names, including Harold Pinter, John Osborne and Jez Butterworth, the Royal Court prides itself for being a ‘writers theatre’, and it shows.
Stock up on artisan food and drink at Duke of York Square
This isn’t just any market… this is the Duke of York Square Market. Taking place every Saturday from 10am – 4pm, arrive hungry and leave stuffed – or just with lots of nice gifts for lucky friends and relatives. P.S, small, furry friends on leads are welcome.
Treat yourself to a lie-in
For those who are spending the night, make yourself at home in one of four newly refurbished bedrooms at The Orange. Designed with handcrafted furniture and Best of British fabrics, these rooms are made for memorable staycations. Expect luxurious Emperor or King Size beds and a bathroom stocked full of 100 Acres botanicals. Check in, tuck in. Breakfast awaits downstairs.
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