garden
, 1673
Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS
Established in 1673, by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is the oldest botanical garden in London. This four-acre green space in the heart of Chelsea is home to the only botanic garden collection focused on medicinal, herbal and useful plants.
Sloane Square
Victoria
170
Tours will meet at the statue in the middle of the Garden and will remain in the Garden throughout.
The Garden is step-free from the street. There is one disabled parking bay directly outside the front door if needed.
Benches are available throughout the Garden as well as seating in the café. The Garden does not have any indoor spaces aside from the café.
17:00–19:00
17:00–19:00
Please note - last entry will be at 18:30
Guided tour
17:30–18:15
Join one of our volunteer guides for an exploration of Chelsea Physic Garden. Tours take place outside and last approximately 45 minutes.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Guided tour
18:15–19:00
Join one of our volunteer guides for an exploration of Chelsea Physic Garden. Tours take place outside and last approximately 45 minutes.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Guided tour
17:30–18:15
Join one of our volunteer guides for an exploration of Chelsea Physic Garden. Tours take place outside and last approximately 45 minutes.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Guided tour
18:15–19:00
Join one of our volunteer guides for an exploration of Chelsea Physic Garden. Tours take place outside and last approximately 45 minutes.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Chelsea Physic Garden is London's oldest botanical garden. Established in 1673, by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London as a training garden for their apprentices, it is now home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible and useful plants. Throughout its over 350 year history, the Garden became internationally recognised for its contributions to seed exchange and botanical research. Additionally, it is thought that the Garden was home to the first heated glasshouse in England.
Our modern Foster & Pearson glasshouses were installed in the early 1900s and were carefully restored between 2021 and 2023, reopening during our 350th anniversary celebrations.
During the Open House Festival, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Garden after hours. We will also be offering two guided tours per evening which can be booked via the Open House website. These tours will include information about the history of the site as well as a closer look at our glasshouses and other features within the built landscape of the Garden.
Chelsea Physic Garden is part of the Chelsea Heritage Quarter.
Located in the heart of picturesque Chelsea, the Chelsea Heritage Quarter brings together three remarkable and unique visitor destinations - the Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital Chelsea and, National Army Museum, all of whom share a heritage dating back to the 1600s century and are located together on Royal Hospital Road, not far from Chelsea’s famous King’s Road.
All three attractions are taking part in Open House 2025.
Guided tour
health, museum, historical house, military, mixed use
Part of the Chelsea Heritage Quarter, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has housed the iconic Chelsea Pensioners since 1692. Join a tour led by a Chelsea Pensioner to explore its rich history and architecture, from Wren’s design to Soane’s legacy. Visit the new Soane Stable Yard, opened in 2024, and its interactive exhibition for deeper insight.
Sir John Vanbrugh, Nicholas Hawksmoor, Sir Christopher Wren, Sir John Soane, Robert Adam, Samuel Wyatt, 1682
