Royal Hospital Chelsea

A hospital may seem like an odd place to host a party - but stay with us. Royal Hospital Chelsea is no ordinary hospital; it was commissioned by King Charles II in the late 1600s and designed by one of the UK's most prestigious architects, Sir Christopher Wren, spanning ornate, Grade I and II Listed facades, interspersed with beautiful gardens. 

Inside, there's a mix of spaces available to use for a whole host of events and - spoiler alert - they're stunning. Imagine soaring ceilings, majestic fireplaces, oak wood pannelled walls covered with proud oil paintings. In other words, they don't make hospitals like this anymore. For weddings, award ceremonies, corporate functions or milestone celebrations, Royal Hospital Chelsea offers a variety of gorgeous spaces that you can make your own. 

Over 300 years ago, The Great Hall was designed to be a dining hall and today makes a grand backdrop for all sorts of get-togethers. There's capacity for 120 people seated with a dance floor fitted, 180 without a dance floor, and for cocktails and canapes receptions, you can invite up to 320 people. Elsewhere, discover the State Apartments which boast an incredible view of the Thames and have capacity for up to 160 people standing or 60 people seated. 

For the summer months, the warmly rustic Soane Stable Yard is a great choice for meetings, training days or summer drinks. Once a working stable yard, it still retains plenty of original features such as a cobbled courtyard and today, a homely cafe. Here, you can host 30 people seated or up to 100 people standing. Or, if an intimate soiree is what you had in mind, check out Wren House, with space for 20 people seated. It's ideal for special suppers or important board meetings.

Another thing to note about Royal Hospital Chelsea is that today it serves as a home for former soldiers of the British Army and famous scarlet-coated Chelsea Pensioners. The team are keen to share that by choosing this venue for your event, you're directly supporting those who have served their country and helping to continue the good work of this initiative.