Your go‑to guide for exploring everything around the College.
Chelsea College of Arts is located in Pimlico, in central London. Overlooking Tate Britain and the river Thames, it is a fantastic location to study art and design.
Getting around
Studying at Chelsea means you are based in one of the most connected spots in London. You are close to:
- West End
- South Bank
- Brixton
- Peckham
You are also just a 20‑minute walk to Westminster Bridge.
With local buses, the Victoria Underground Line, and Vauxhall and Victoria overground stations, getting to places like Islington, Shoreditch, and Camden is quick and easy.
Head to the Find Us page for travel routes to and from the College.
, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL
Local guide
Budget friendly travel
City mapper
Compare routes, travel times and prices.
Student Oyster Photocard
Save 30% on Travelcards and Bus Passes.
TfL Hopper Fare
Unlimited bus journeys within 1 hour for £1.75.
Eating and drinking
Great options for lunch or a quick bite:
Bonnington Café
Community-run, vegetarian and vegan menu.
Burrito Kitchen
Mexican food, quick and filling.
Café Society
River views, great coffee, and a pastry deal worth checking out.
Lebanese Gardens
Authentic Lebanese food and amazing falafels.
Lime Orange
Korean favourites including bibimbap, BBQ, noodles (with vegan and gluten-free options).
Market Place Food Hall
Offering global Street food.
O'Sole Mio
Classic Italian dishes and pizzas.
Relish Sandwich Bar
Fresh sandwiches and jacket potatoes, and just around the corner.
Tachbrook Street Market
Fresh produce and street food.
Green spaces
Need a breather from the city? Try:
Bonnington Square
A hidden community-run oasis.
Garden Museum
A peaceful spot offering student discount on admission.
Kennington Park
A classic London park - ideal for walks and picnics.
Millbank Gardens
Very close to campus and a top lunch spot in summer.
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
Don’t miss the Tea House Theatre for leaf teas, sandwiches and cakes.
Nights out
Top student picks for the evenings:
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
A legendary LGBTQ+ venue known for drag nights and club events.
Tamesis Dock
A floating bar on the Thames with views of Parliament.
The Grosvenor Pub
Always lively and student‑friendly.
White Swan Pub
Only a 2‑minute walk from campus.
Studios and galleries
While our central location means you will find it easy to get to galleries and museums all over London, there are plenty of galleries nearby:
Beaconsfield Gallery
Artist‑run space for experimental contemporary art.
Cabinet Gallery
Innovative contemporary gallery in Vauxhall Gardens.
Cave Pimlico
Part gallery, part workshop, part vintage shop!
Gasworks
Contemporary gallery with studios and residencies.
Greengrassi
Kennington based gallery representing contemporary artists.
Newport Street Gallery
Damien Hirst’s free contemporary art gallery.
Tate Britain
British art showcased across 5 centuries.
Budget tip: Pick up your UAL Tate Britain Card for free entry to special exhibitions.
The Sunday Painter
Gallery exhibiting emerging and mid‑career artists.
Supermarkets nearby
Perfect for picking up essentials as you head home:
Boots
Toiletries, cosmetics, pharmacy.
Holland & Barrett
Health, wellbeing and beauty.
Budget tip: you can compare supermarket prices via Trolley.
Vintage and charity shops
Looking to keep within budget? Victoria and Pimlico have loads of great charity shops:
Pimlico Car Boot (Sundays)
Second-hand clothing, homeware, books and more.
Retromania
One of London’s best vintage shops.