Chelsea hasn’t always been the bohemian chic neighbourhood as today. Before London spread, it was just a small fisherman village on the Thames River… then some celebrities came to this little haven, to get away from the craziness of the city. To this day, some stars can be seen in the neighbourhood (like Mick Jagger or Margaret Thatcher)
When wandering in the small streets and their brick houses looking all the same, we stumbled upon Oscar Wilde’s house (well his former house of course, since he’s been dead for over a century now!) If you research a bit before visiting you might find the place Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones where roommates, the house of the historian Thomas Carlyle, and much more…
Besides finding celebrities’ cribs, there’s not much to see in Chelsea: a few churches – like Holy Trinity Church known for its stained-glass windows representing scenes from the Old and New Testaments-, the National Army Museum – if you feel like learning about the history of the British Army -, the Chelsea Royal Hospital – a big and elegant building for former soldiers -, the Chelsea Physic Garden – England’s oldest botanical garden…
If you like shopping – for expensive things – Chelsea is your neighbourhood! Exit at Sloane Square tube station (the only station in the neighbourhood!), you’ll be facing Peter Jones, a department store. We didn’t get in, the façade isn’t calling for more attention, but it seems that inside is a shopper’s paradise!
Then walk on King’s Road, you’ll find many cute but expensive designer shops, bars and restaurants. And if you’re about interior design, Heal’s and Habitat are there for you.
