2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea
Discover the real Chelsea rich in history and scandal encompassing princesses to punks, ties with America through plants, cotton and heiress wives to aristocrats.
Walk down hidden streets and explore a property development that Prince Charles influenced and started a public debate on the role and limits of the royals. Uncover why Chelsea residents look young and healthy, learn their habits and foods they eat that are banned in America despite being healthy. Learn which parts of Chelsea are great to buy, and which developments have seedy reputations.
Explore streets inhabited by musicians, artists and writers, uncover the Irish connections to Chelsea. Sarah and Ari crafted this unique walking tour based on their experiences growing up in Chelsea as well as their current professions as art psychotherapists and realtors respectively.
With Sarah's background as a historian, this walk encompasses many different lenses so you are left entertained and informed on multiple levels.
Options
2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea
What's included in 2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Walking tour which would last 2 hours in total
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Please wait outside Ottolenghi cafe on Pavilion Road. Nearest tube station is Sloane Square. If it is raining please feel free to wait inside. There is also a restroom if you need to use the loo before the walking tour. Many people also grab a coffee or water from here before our walk.
