Chelsea and Fulham are iconic parts of Southwest London with a lot to offer. Located by the Thames, the two neighbourhoods blends city amenities with nature and riverside tranquillity. The atmosphere is generally quiet and residential, attracting professionals and families seeking a modern riverside lifestyle.
This combination of peaceful riverside living and well-connected urban amenities makes this Chelsea and Fulham a great pick for those looking to balance city life with green relaxed living. In this area guide we’ll take you through all the highlights of living in Chelsea and Fulham, from their great restaurants to the best things to do.
Find the best shopping and dining in Chelsea and Fulham
Chelsea offers a diverse and vibrant shopping and dining scene, catering to luxury seekers and casual visitors alike. The iconic King's Road, about a mile from Imperial Wharf, is the best area for shopping addicts. This famous street boasts a mix of high-end fashion boutiques, designer stores, and popular chain retailers. Notable shops include Peter Jones, Anthropologie, and the stylish Partridges’ furniture store. Just off King's Road, you'll find Duke of York Square, an open-air shopping centre home to high-street stores like Zara and COS, along with the popular Saturday food market that draws food enthusiasts from across London. For those interested in antiques, Lots Road is known for its auction houses and vintage shops.
When it comes to dining, Chelsea doesn't disappoint. If you want to enjoy dinner by the river, head to The Waterside. This gastropub, located a short walk from Imperial Wharf station, offers indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of the Thames. On King's Road, you'll find local institutions like The Ivy Chelsea Garden, a chic all-day British brasserie, and Bluebird Chelsea, a multi-faceted venue with a café, restaurant, and bar. Foodies will appreciate Medlar, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern European cuisine. The area also boasts numerous casual options, including charming cafes and traditional pubs like The Fulham Arms, right by Imperial Park.
Fulham also offers an impressive range of options. For riverside meals, The River Café is a local icon, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant near Hammersmith Bridge renowned for seasonal dishes. On Parsons Green, you’ll find neighbourhood favourites like Megan’s, a laid-back Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its all-day brunch, and The Harwood Arms, London's only Michelin-starred pub, known for its elevated gastropub fare.
Find the best spots for culture and entertainment in Chelsea and Fulham
Chelsea's cultural scene is as rich and varied as its shopping and dining offerings. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Saatchi Gallery, which showcases contemporary art, and the smaller 508 Gallery on King's Road, known for featuring emerging artists. History buffs can explore the National Army Museum, which delves into British military history, while nature lovers will enjoy the Chelsea Physic Garden, London's oldest botanical garden.
The area is also home to several notable theatres. The Royal Court Theatre is renowned for its new and experimental plays, while the intimate Finborough Theatre supports emerging playwrights. Music lovers can enjoy live performances at the 606 Club, a respected jazz venue, or Under the Bridge, located beneath Stamford Bridge stadium. Stamford Bridge is the home of Chelsea Football Club, offering exciting Premier League matches for sports fans. Film buffs can catch independent and foreign films at the Curzon Chelsea, a local arthouse cinema.
Chelsea hosts several high-profile events throughout the year. The Chelsea Flower Show, held annually in nearby Ranelagh Gardens, is a major fixture in the London social calendar. During the festive season, the Chelsea Christmas Lights switch-on event brings a magical atmosphere to the neighbourhood.
The area's riverside location also provides unique entertainment possibilities, from scenic Thames trips on river bus services to boat tours and charters from Chelsea Pier. This blend of traditional charm and modern activities, coupled with the picturesque riverside setting, makes the Chelsea area a vibrant and exciting place to live and explore.
Fulham also has a rich mix of culture, history, and fun things to do. If you like history you can enjoy exhibitions and events at Fulham Palace, a riverside estate with beautiful gardens and a museum. Theatre lovers can catch fringe performances at the intimate Barons Court Theatre, while South of the river you can find live music at The Half Moon in nearby Putney. Seasonal events like the Parsons Green Fair and riverside walks along the Thames add to Fulham’s charm.
Explore the parks and riverside paths in Chelsea and Fulham
Chelsea offers a delightful array of outdoor spaces and scenic routes for those who enjoy a stroll or a breath of fresh air. The area surrounding Imperial Wharf is the best spot to walk by the river. Nearby Chelsea Harbour provides a relaxing green space on the Thames, perfect for watching boats go by or enjoying a peaceful moment. For a longer walk, the Thames Path offers a picturesque route along the river, allowing you to take in views of both north and south London as you wander. When heading away from the Thames, you'll find Imperial Park, a hidden gem that offers a quiet break from the bustle of the city and features a children's playpark.
For those seeking a bigger green space, Battersea Park is just across the river, accessible via Chelsea Bridge. This Victorian Park boasts formal gardens, a small zoo and even a boating lake. Closer to the heart of Chelsea, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a botanical haven, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of medicinal plants. If you're looking for a touch of creativity, the Chelsea School of Botanical Art in the Chelsea Physic Garden offers painting classes where you can capture the beauty of nature.
In Fulham there is also plenty of parks, with South Park and Hurlingham Park in the south near the Thames. In the centre you will find Eel Brook Common with open space, tennis courts, and a playground. Finally in the west lies Fulham Palace with its Walled Garden, and with Bishops Park next door.
Transport in Chelsea and Fulham
Despite its calm atmosphere, Chelsea and Fulham boast excellent transportation links. The Imperial Wharf station provides convenient access to the London Overground network and Riverboat via Chelsea Harbour pier, offering scenic commutes along the Thames.
For those needing underground connections, nearby Fulham Broadway and West Brompton stations serving the District Line (with West Brompton also on the Overground) are within easy reach.
Buy your dream Shared Ownership home in Chelsea
Chelsea is one of London's most expensive boroughs, which can make it challenging for people to get onto the property ladder. In 2025, we are launching a collection of one —and two-bedroom homes available to buy through Shared Ownership at Chelsea Botanica on the River Thames in the Hammersmith and Fulham borough.
This alternative way to buy allows you to purchase your home by shares. This means you will need a lower deposit than if you'd needed a mortgage for the overall value of the property. The monthly repayments also end up being more affordable with that government-backed way to buy.
Buying through Shared Ownership at Chelsea Botanica means affordability without giving up on comfort and luxury. Along with stunning outdoor spaces designed in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, residents will benefit from luxurious on-site amenities such as a private Peloton-equipped gym and a concierge service. Visit our dedicated page to find out more and register your interest.
Frequently asked questions about living in Chelsea and Fulham
Yes, both areas have excellent transport links. Chelsea connects to Bank by the District Line from South Kensington, while Fulham offers access to the District Line through Fulham Broadway and West Brompton stations, making travel into central London easy and efficient.
This will depend on your finances, but Shared Ownership makes buying in these sought-after areas more accessible. Developments like Chelsea Botanica offer one- and two-bedroom homes with lower deposits and more manageable monthly costs compared to traditional buying routes, with prices starting from £143,750 (25% share of £575,000), helping more people get onto the property ladder.
Yes, both areas are home to several highly regarded schools. Chelsea offers prestigious independent schools like Hill House and Garden House, while Fulham features excellent state and private options, including The London Oratory School and Fulham Prep School, making the area popular with families.
