Chelsea History Festival 2026

A four-day Chelsea festival of history talks, performances, concerts, walking tours and family activities.

The Chelsea History Festival returns for its eighth year, guest curated by BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson and sponsored by Cadogan. Expect talks, performances, concerts, walking tours, exhibitions and family activities spread across the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, with events taking place at the National Army Museum, Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Chelsea Old Church, Chelsea Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and Garrison Chapel. Headline speakers include Andrew Roberts, Monty Halls, Anna Whitelock, Jonathan Fennell, Matthew Worley and Katie Wignall. Entry to the festival itself is free, though tickets for individual talks and events range from £0 up to £40, so it is best to book ahead through the Chelsea Heritage Quarter website once programming for specific sessions is confirmed.

Happening at

National Army MuseumFree galleries about army history plus a soft-play zone, Play Base, built for the under-8s.London · Free entry · accessible toilet · baby change · birthday partiesSee full listing →