neighbouring areas
Rich in shops, restaurants, cinemas, theatre and transport, Chelsea is one of London's prettiest and most desirable residential areas.
Living in Chelsea
Chelsea, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is one of the jewels in London's encrusted crown.
Bordered by the River Thames to the south and Fulham Road to the north, Chelsea, unlike much of London, is almost flat which makes exploring its winding streets and green, leafy squares such a simple pleasure.
Some of the most amazing buildings in Chelsea date from the 16th century, including the Royal Hospital, home to the Chelsea Pensioners. Most of the terraced houses and cottages are Georgian and Victorian.
Many of Chelsea's larger houses have been converted into maisonettes and flats but quite a number still offer a single residence for the very wealthy. Purpose-built flats are located in imposing mansion blocks such as Chelsea Cloisters in Sloane Avenue, but there is also a good choice of flats in more modern service blocks off King's Road.
Every street and square in Chelsea is prime real estate and enjoys wonderful facilities within walking distance. Sloane Square, on Chelsea's eastern border offers The Royal Court Theatre and the recently refurbished department store Peter Jones.
To the north, Sloane Street leads to the chic shops in Knightsbridge, while to the west, King's Road is resplendent with boutiques, restaurants, farmers' and antique markets, cinemas, and Marks and Spencer.
The Royal Marsden and Chelsea & Westminster hospitals are on Fulham Road, and further west, just over the border into Fulham, is Chelsea Football Club.
Transport
Sloane Square tube station is on the District and Circle lines and is one stop away from Victoria's tube and mainline stations. Almost opposite Victoria Station, on Buckingham Palace Road, is Victoria Coach Station.
Chelsea may be infamous for its Chelsea "tractors" (SUVs - the preferred vehicle choice of many Chelsea residents) but it is well-served by London buses including night buses. For a full list of bus routes please visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/
Sloane Square has an official taxi rank, and neighbouring tube stations include Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Earl's Court.
History and culture
Forty-five years ago, Chelsea blew away post-war gloom and embraced the swinging sixties. King's Road was the centre for bohemian trendies and a popular haunt for pop stars including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. A decade later, Vivienne Westwood opened her boutique 'Sex' in the World's End section of King's Road.
Twenty years ago, Chelsea's rich kids were known as Sloane Rangers and today, Chelsea nightlife attracts well-connected twenty-somethings, often with royal links. In fact, Chelsea has been a stomping ground for royals since King Henry VIII bought land in Chelsea Manor Street.
For tickets and information regarding the Chelsea Flower Show, held annually in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, please visit http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea/ and for The Royal Court Theatre visit http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/
Further information about Chelsea can also be found at www.rbkc.gov.uk