Uncover the hidden streets, scandalous history, and artistic connections of Chelsea on this engaging walking tour. Discover the influence of royalty, the secrets of healthy living, and the best places to buy in this historic neighborhood.
- Chelsea Physic Garden - The tour includes tickets to the Chelsea Physic Gardens and learning about the links between the CPG and America; how the founder Sir Hans Sloane brought hot chocolate to the UK; and discovering medicinal plants that changed history. We will also learn about the history of tea via theft and Empire; Sir Joseph Banks and Captain Cooks voyages and how they link to the CPG and Agatha Christie’s training in poisons.
- Duke of York Square - Discover some juicy gossip involving a Royal who claimed that the Germans bombing London in the Second World War was less destructive than modern architecture! Viewing the former military barracks, and discovering the history and how the space has been repurposed into commercial art gallery and cafes, as well as residential property. Guess which scandalous makes the ‘best tenant’ according to the former Earl of Cadogan (largest Landlord of Chelsea). Learn more about architecture and the fascinating people in history who shape the area today from fashion designers, social media make-up guru’s and artists who uses lookalikes for their very humorous and satirical photographs.
- Knightsbridge - Whilst walking on the boundaries of Chelsea and Knightsbridge look up to see the Queen Anne style houses and apartments; discover the dangers of Knightsbridge of times past with highway robbery and the current dangers that residents face so much so you might spot a private policeman patrolling the streets. Spot the Italianate tiles of a former hospital, and learn more about why there are so many garden Squares in the area and what ‘miasma’ is and how the slums and smelly air of East London shaped the building development of Chelsea.
- King’s Road - Discover the royal secrets of King Charles II who used the Kings Road as a private road to get to Hampton Court, or to sneak off to visit his mistress Nell Gwynn and how their relationship is immortalised in a well-known fountain on the street. Learn about the royals who visited and lived in the area including Princess Kate Middleton. Discover the links between Chelsea and vampires, from actors who played the role who lived nearby, to King Charles III relationship to Transylvania and visit nearby the home of the author Bram Stoker. Learn more about the migrants from Ireland and France who shape the area. Discover the Dutch style architecture that is reminiscent of Cape Dutch architecture in Stellenbosch.
- Pavilion Road - Taste and sample some British cheeses that inspired Stilton and some excellent French cheeses in honour of the many French migrants who have shaped London from Hugenots to more recent immigrants who live in Chelsea and South Kensington. Discover the history of Jewish migrants and how they were imperative in helping Royals to finance their palaces from William the Conqueror and how fried fish in matzo flour became a popular British staple of fish and chips. Learn more about the history of Australia and how prisoners were held in hulks, decommissioned ships and the cruel punishments inflicted to those who committed petty crimes. Discover the interesting links between Islamic law and British law whilst walking through the street.
- Cheyne Walk - Discover gruesome and grizzly stories from Tudor torture to Russian mafia murder mysteries in the backstreets of Chelsea, nicknamed ‘the burglars routes’. Discover why Chelsea is both one of the richest and poorest borough in England and visit a tree that was planted by Elizabeth I when she was a child.
- All fees and taxes included
Experience the authentic Chelsea brimming with historical events and controversies, ranging from royalty to punk culture, and its connections with America related to botany, cotton and heiresses wedded to noblemen.
Embark on an exploration of hidden lanes and a housing project influenced by Prince Charles that incited a public discussion on the roles and boundaries of the royal family. Discover the secrets behind the youthful and healthy appearance of the residents of Chelsea, learn about their unique dietary habits and the food items they consume that are prohibited in America despite their health benefits. Understand the best places to invest in Chelsea and the parts which have a dubious reputation.
Walk through neighborhoods populated by musicians, artists and authors, and reveal the Irish associations with Chelsea. This distinctive foot tour is designed by Sarah and Ari, based on their personal experiences of growing up in Chelsea along with their current professions as an art psychotherapist and real estate agent respectively.
Leveraging Sarah’s expertise as a historian, this exploratory journey offers diverse perspectives keeping the audience intrigued and knowledgeable on various aspects.
- Walking tour which would last 2 hours in total
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.