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Pictures of Chelsea

in the county of Greater London

About Chelsea

Chelsea is a district in London which in recent times gained fame as the 'home' of the 'swinging sixties' . The swinging sixties was defined on the Kings Road, which runs the length of the area and both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones lived here at one time.

The district is loosely defined by the area around the Kings Road (named for Charles II) beginning at Sloane Square at one end, and the World's End public house, at the other. The River Thames and the Victorian artist's district are to the south. It is often said that Chelsea reflects an odd mixture of reticent English upper class and the cultural Avant-garde. Chelsea, though, has long been known for it's Bohemian quarter, the haunt of Arist's and radicals.

Apart from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, other famous residents include; Sylvia Pankhurst, Elizabeth Gaskell and the Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher.

Of the famous buildings in Chelsea, the best known must be the Royal Hospital. This great establishment was founded by Charles II in the year 1682 for the use of veteran and invalid soldiers. Sir Christopher Wren designed most of the buildings, and his work can be seen at it's finest in the Figure Court and the Chapel. Alterations and additions were subsequently made by Robert Adam and Sir John Soane. The Hospital houses a number of army pensioners who parade in their scarlet frock-coats on Oak Apple Day, May 29th. The uniform of the Chelsea pensioner has hardly changed in 260 years, it is scarlet for summer and dark blue, in winter. The famous three cornered hats are worn on special occasions only.

The National Army Museum too, is well worth a visit.

Once famous for Chelsea China ware, which although the works ceased to be here long ago, can still be bought. Today, original pieces sold at auction can fetch a high value. The Chelsea bun also originated here and it is here too, that the Chelsea Flower Show is held. A visit to Chelsea is a great experience and as you can see, not just for it's lively pubs and bars.

Recommended towns & villages near Chelsea

A picture of Hyde Park

Kensington (97 Pictures) in the county of Greater London

(1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction NW of Chelsea)

The attractive Royal borough of Kensington has many special places. Most prominent is Kensington Palace, birthplace of Queen Victoria...

The Royal Arcade (c.1879), Mayfair

Mayfair (33 Pictures) in the county of Greater London

(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction NE of Chelsea)

Mayfair has it all, it is the haunt of the rich and famous, with elegant houses and apartment buildings that are the sole province of the wealthy...

Terrace Across the Street from our Room at the Paddington Hotel

Westminster (131 Pictures) in the county of Greater London

(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction NE of Chelsea)

Of all the jewels in the City of Westminster, none shines more brightly than Westminster Abbey, stunning setting for the coronation of almost every English monarch since William the Conqueror was crowned there in 1066...

Royal Academy of Arts (Burlington House), Piccadilly

Piccadilly (18 Pictures) in the county of Greater London

(2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction NE of Chelsea)

One of the Capital's most noted places, Piccadilly sweeps uphill with handsome houses on one side and Green Park on the other...

The Duke Of Wellington

Notting Hill (35 Pictures) in the county of Greater London

(2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction NW of Chelsea)

This area of London is known throughout the world as the scene of London's biggest annual street party...

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Nearby attractions..

Brompton Cemetery, Chelsea

Brompton Cemetery (69 Pictures)

(0.5 miles, 0.9 km)

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The natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum (36 Pictures)

(0.7 miles, 1.2 km)

The Natural History Museum is situated in South Kensington and first opened in 1881. The Museum is one of the finest and largest.....

London - Victoria and Albert Museum, Sept 1996

Victoria and Albert Museum (13 Pictures)

(0.8 miles, 1.3 km)

The Victoria and Albert Museum dates back to 1852 and is the world's finest and most influential museum of decorative arts. It.....

The Science Museum

The Science Museum (8 Pictures)

(0.9 miles, 1.4 km)

The Science Museum, situated in South Kensington, first opened in 1857 and holds the world's largest collection illustrating both.....

Earl's Court in London

Earl's Court Exhibition Centre (3 Pictures)

(1.0 miles, 1.7 km)

Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London..

London - The Royal Albert Hall, Sept 2002

Royal Albert Hall (24 Pictures)

(1.1 miles, 1.8 km)

Impressive venue for Gala concerts and National celebrations. The Albert Hall was built in Kensington Gardens to a design by.....

Prince Albert Memorial

Albert Memorial (35 Pictures)

(1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction N)

The Albert Memorial is a commemorative sculpture of Prince Albert commissioned by Queen Victoria. Whilst the structure was.....


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