Chelsea History Festival; Wednesday 24th – Sunday 28th September 2025; from FREE
Chelsea Heritage Quarter is pleased to announce the seventh edition of Chelsea History Festival, taking place from Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 September 2025. The annual celebration of history and heritage brings the past to life through an immersive programme of talks by leading historians and authors, alongside family-friendly walking tours, garden visits, concerts and exhibitions.
The 2025 Chelsea History Festival explores Chelsea’s rich and varied past from the pioneering women who shaped the area, to its influential role in London’s punk and rock ’n’ roll scenes and the borough’s hidden connections to the world of espionage. Sponsored by Cadogan and supported by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, the programme of over 80 events will transform London’s most historic neighbourhood across three key venues, Chelsea Physic Garden, the National Army Museum and Royal Hospital Chelsea. The 2025 headline speakers and events include:
• Greg Jenner, host of hit podcast You’re Dead to Me, shares surprising history you won’t have learned in school
• Sunday Times columnist Mark Urban discusses the history of war tanks and the remarkable men behind them
• Writer and historian Paula Akpan tells the story of the reigns of 12 African queens and warriors from across the continent
• French WWII expert Hanna Diamond tells the remarkable story of Josephine Baker – stage and screen icon turned wartime intelligence operative
• Family-friendly activities and free entry to Chelsea Physic Garden throughout the Festival weekend
This year marks the second Chelsea History Festival since the launch of Chelsea Heritage Quarter – a new heritage destination for Londoners that tells a unique story of London and Britain from 1660 to the present day. Since its launch, Chelsea Heritage Quarter has offered events for visitors throughout the year, contributing to a Chelsea which is creative, vibrant and enjoyable for all.
