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The Chelsea & Battersea Park Walk

You walk from Sloane Square in Chelsea to Battersea Park and then to the Latchmere pub/Theatre 503. There is a lot of Medical plants in the garden and this is a very green walk.

  • Sloane Square —> south Battersea Park
  • ~3 hours
  • Physic Garden, Battersea Park, Pump Gallery, Latchmere Pub/Theatre503

1. Sloane Square

Take the tube to Sloane Square (opened in 1868). At Sloane Square, the districts of Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Belgravia meet. Sir Hans Sloane was a British physician and British Museum, established in 1753 is largely based on his collections.

2. The Royal Hospital of Chelsea

Retired soldiers can apply to become Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital of Chelsea. Today some 320 army veterans call the hospital their home and you recognize the pensioners by their uniforms.

3. Chelsea Physic Garden

The garden was established in 1673 as the Apothecaries´ Garden. The term “Physic” in the name refers to the science of healing. Sir Hans Sloane leased out the land making the existence of the garden possible. In the garden, you also find the Physic Garden Café serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.

4. Albert Bridge

The bridge was built in 1873 and the unusual colours used when painting the bridge is not the original colours. The painting is a product from the 1990s, most of the time the bridge has been green like the Hammersmith Bridge. Misty Morning, Albert Bridge.

5. Battersea Park

Prior to 1846, the area was called Battersea Fields and it was a popular duelling spot. If you follow the route you will see the steel constructions built for the Festival of Britain 1951. Just east of the park you find the Battersea Power Station area, now rebuilt into a residential and office space area.

6. Pump House Gallery

This art gallery opened in 1999 and is housed in a pump house used for the fountains and irrigations of Battersea Park. Check opening hours and days in advance, if you want to go there. Leave the park through the southwest corner and head for the Latchmere.

7. Theatre 503/The Latchmere

Above the Latchmere pub, you find the Theatre503, for more than 30 years the home for new writing and performing arts. Outside the pub, you can catch a bus back to Sloane Square or South Kensington. An alternative is catching a train from Battersea Station or Clapham Junction.