Neighbourhood Guide: Chelsea
As far as borough’s in London go, Chelsea is certainly up there as one of the most picturesque. The home of iconic British show Made in Chelsea, over the past few years Chelsea has found itself on the map thanks to its high-end boutique shops, instagrammable cafes and eateries, glamorous residents and beautiful views of the river and parks. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your trip to London, the array of accommodation in Chelsea London is hard to beat, with many sitting just North of the beautiful Ranelagh Gardens. Morning run, anyone?
Here’s our take on a friendly neighbourhood guide to Chelsea.
Green Spaces
If you take a look at a map of London, you’ll see that every so often, a street is interjected by an area of green — often in uniform strips so as not to detract from the order of the city. Chelsea is no different, and yet there’s something incredibly unique about the Ranelagh Gardens which back directly onto the River Thames path. Similarly, the top end of the park links onto the gardens of the Saatchi Gallery, exhibiting contemporary art that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Chelsea Common is located a mere five-minute walk from the San Domenico Hotel London, and is regularly filled with people of all ages engaging in bootcamp style activities — whatever the weather.
London’s most iconic spots
London’s most famous spots range from streets to shops, right through to landmark attractions and even simple blue plaques situated on the walls. The blue plaque dedicated to Oscar Wilde, for example, can be found just outside the Ranelagh Gardens in Chelsea, adding an element of culture to your morning stroll through the park. London’s department stories provide a key attraction for many visitors throughout the year, and with Chelsea providing a home to some of the best hotels near Harrods London among other stores, it’s a popular spot for those looking to enjoy the array of shopping opportunities in London.
Fuelling up
If there’s one other thing that Chelsea’s famous for, it’s attractive eateries and picture-perfect picnic spots. The infamous King’s Road is home to everything from artisan chocolate shops to specialist bakeries, vegetarian eateries and the much-loved Bluebird Café. In Chelsea, fine dining becomes a part of the every day as eateries like The Chelsea Pig and Beaufort House offer a high-end dining environment next door to restaurants like Made in Italy, which delights visitors with metre-long pizzas and a roof terrace. If picnicking outdoors is more your thing, indulge in one of Chelsea’s many bakeries, for example GAIL’s Bakery next to the Chelsea Town Hall, and pick up a treat to enjoy from a bench by the side of the river. However you choose to fuel up, Chelsea is home to some fantastic spots.
Travel
Given its proximity to the river and Hyde Park, walking through Chelsea and up towards the rest of the city is perhaps one of the most satisfying options. However, if you are looking to preserve your energy, or if the weather has turned bad, Victoria Station is a short walk or taxi ride away, and the easiest tube stop is Sloane Square which connects to the Circle and District Lines.
