When it comes to beautiful areas of London, Chelsea secures the top spot. Mix the shopping on King’s Road, with fast cars, swanky London hotels and restaurants, good old-fashioned English boozers and the chance to rub shoulders with a celeb or two, and you’re in for a real treat. Here is our list of the best things to do in Chelsea.
Join the Culture Club
Chelsea has long been the stomping ground of some of London’s artiest folks. Admire their handy work at Proud Chelsea, a photographic celebration of pop culture, focusing on the area’s most iconic rock stars, actors and fashionistas. The Michael Hoppen Gallery is another great choice for photography, featuring the work of contemporary artists alongside snaps from some of the best photographers of all time. The Saatchi Gallery offers free entry and its experimental exhibitions always hit the spot. If you’ve a hankering for an afternoon tea (or a glass of champers!), the gallery’s Bar & Brasserie by Searcy’s is a brilliant choice. Their jugs of Pimm’s are particularly delightful on a sunny day.
Splash that cash!
King’s Road, which runs parallel with the River Thames, is close to some of the best Chelsea hotels, and is one of London’s most famous shopping streets. Whether you’re on the hunt for high street threads, designer gear or a boutique shopping experience, Chelsea more than delivers. Start your spree at Peter Jones – the area’s suitably-upmarket department store, before popping over to Duke of York Square, an open-air retail space with great street-side dining options, and an excellent artisan food market every Saturday. Should antiques be more your thing, visit The Furniture Cave, check out the infamous auction held on Lots Road every Sunday, and swing by Bourbon-Hamby Arcade, an antique jewellery emporium, for one-off pieces that sparkle.