New to this year’s Chelsea Dog Day, the Soane Stable Yard of the Royal Hospital will open its doors for a fun, relaxed, and dog-friendly day out set within the beautiful surroundings of its Grade II listed buildings. Visitors can enjoy the courtyard with a coffee, treat their dogs to a puppacino from on-site café Heidi, and participate in various dog-themed activities suitable for all ages.
Event Highlights & Schedule
🎖️ Dog Tours with a Chelsea Pensioner
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, South Grounds
Times: 11:00 and 14:00 (30–45 minutes each)
Explore the rich history of this iconic site as you uncover the stories behind the historic cannons, learn about the Battle of Chillianwala memorial, and delve into the significance of Figure Court. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the proud traditions and daily life of the Chelsea Pensioners.
This is a dog-friendly event, perfect for history lovers and their four-legged companions. Please ensure all dogs are kept on a lead, and owners clean up after their pets.
£10 per person (one dog per person).
👉 More details & tickets for Dog Tours
🐶 Meet Séamus – Mascot of the Irish Guards
Location: Soane Stable Yard Courtyard
Time: 13:00 (drop-in event)
Meet Turlough Mór (Séamus), the Irish Guards’ Regimental Mascot, and his handler. Learn about the role of military dogs and their place in tradition.
📖 War Dog Storytelling
Marking 80 years since Victory Over Japan Day, this unforgettable event brings to life a remarkable yet often overlooked chapter of wartime history. Judy, a loyal ship’s dog aboard HMS Gnat and HMS Grasshopper, became a beacon of resilience and hope for her human companions – ultimately earning the prestigious Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
During this interactive session, Tom Palmer will read from War Dog, sharing the incredible true story behind the book and how Judy’s courage continues to inspire readers young and old.
After the reading, you’ll have the chance to meet Tom, ask questions, purchase your copy of War Dog and get your book signed.
Location: Soane Stable Yard, Activity Space
Times: 11:30 and 13:00
👉 More details & tickets for War Dog Storytelling
🎨 Dog Jacket Colouring Activity
Location: Activity Space
Time: 14:00–16:00
Children can enjoy a creative drop-in colouring session, designing their own dog jacket templates.
Extra Highlights
☕ Heidi Café – Relax in the courtyard with a coffee while dogs enjoy puppacinos. Special dog biscuits will be available.
🛍️ Soane Stable Yard Shop – Browse an extended selection of dog-themed items, including jackets and treats, alongside regular shop favourites.
Check out these dogs in red coats by @dogsdogscatsdogs on sale at the shop.
Plan Your Visit
Chelsea Dog Day at Soane Stable Yard offers a mix of history, creativity, and canine fun — from guided tours and storytelling to hands-on children’s activities. Whether stopping by for a puppacino or joining one of the scheduled events, visitors can look forward to a lively day celebrating dogs in one of Chelsea’s most historic settings. 🐾
https://chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/events/chelsea-dog-day-soane-stable-yard
