Pregnant woman being examined by female doctor and nurse during wartime in London 1940

Queen Charlotte'S And Chelsea Hospital

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to London Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital is a cornerstone of London’s medical heritage and a modern leader in maternity and women’s health. With origins dating back to 1739, it is among Europe’s oldest specialist maternity hospitals. Over nearly three centuries, the hospital has evolved through royal patronage, innovative medical practices, and academic partnerships, shaping maternal and neonatal care in the UK. Today, it operates as part of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, delivering exemplary clinical care, research, and education.

While Queen Charlotte’s is an active NHS facility rather than a traditional tourist destination, its remarkable history and enduring contributions to healthcare make it a point of interest for patients, families, history enthusiasts, and professionals alike. This comprehensive guide covers the hospital’s historical significance, visiting hours and policies, access information, facilities, and practical advice for visitors, as well as recommendations for exploring nearby medical heritage sites in London.

For official information and the latest updates, consult resources from the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Care Quality Commission (Everything Explained Today, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust).

Opening of a new wing at Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1886

1931 fund appeal poster for Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital

Introduction
Historical Evolution
Founding and Early Development (18th–19th Centuries)
Royal Charters, Expansion, and Academic Prestige
Mergers and Modernization (20th Century)
Medical Innovation and Specialization
Architectural and Institutional Heritage
Significance in London’s Medical and Social History
Visiting Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital
Location and Access
Visiting Hours and Policies
Tickets and Tours
Facilities and Accessibility
Tips for Visitors and Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Key Visiting Tips
Sources and Official Links

Historical Evolution

Founding and Early Development (18th–19th Centuries)

Established in 1739 as the General Lying-in Hospital, Queen Charlotte’s was one of Europe’s earliest specialist maternity hospitals. Its founding mission—to reduce maternal and infant mortality among the “deserving poor”—reflected Enlightenment and Victorian philanthropic ideals, setting a new standard for maternity care in London (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Everything Explained Today).

Royal patronage was secured in 1809, with Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, becoming its patron. This support led to the hospital’s renaming and elevated its profile, further boosted by Queen Charlotte’s annual fundraising events. In 1813, the hospital relocated to Marylebone, and a new building designed by Charles Hawkins was completed in 1856.

Royal Charters, Expansion, and Academic Prestige

In 1885, Queen Victoria granted the hospital a Royal Charter, cementing its status and enabling further growth. By 1923, it was renamed Queen Charlotte’s Maternity Hospital and Midwifery Training School, reflecting its expanding educational mission. The hospital quickly became a national and international leader in obstetric care and midwifery, shaping standards of maternal health (Everything Explained Today).

Mergers and Modernization (20th Century)

With the founding of the NHS in 1948, Queen Charlotte’s merged with the Chelsea Hospital for Women, forming a combined institution focused on integrated care and medical education (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust). In 1988, the Chelsea Hospital for Women relocated to the same site, creating the Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, which further strengthened research and teaching capabilities (EZITIS).

A major move in 2000 brought the hospital to its current location on Du Cane Road, adjacent to Hammersmith Hospital, as part of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, reflecting a commitment to state-of-the-art facilities and academic excellence (Everything Explained Today).

Medical Innovation and Specialization

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital has pioneered advances in maternal, neonatal, and women’s health, often in partnership with Imperial College London (My Hospital Now). The hospital’s de Swiet Obstetric Medicine Centre is internationally renowned for managing complex pregnancies. High ratings from the Care Quality Commission reflect its commitment to quality, safety, and compassionate care.

Architectural and Institutional Heritage

From its original Marylebone location to its 20th-century site in Ravenscourt Park and its present home in Hammersmith, each facility reflects the era’s medical and architectural developments (EZITIS). The hospital’s integration with the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust ensures its continued leadership in clinical and academic medicine.

Queen Charlotte’s is recognized as a trailblazer in reducing maternal and infant mortality and in professionalizing midwifery and maternity care (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust). Its legacy demonstrates the evolution of British healthcare from philanthropic institutions to the modern NHS, and its training programs continue to influence practitioners worldwide.

Visiting Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital

Location and Access

Address: Du Cane Road, Hammersmith, London, W12 0HS (Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
Underground: East Acton (Central Line – 10–12 min walk), White City (Central Line – 14 min walk or short bus ride), Wood Lane (Circle/Hammersmith & City Lines – 16 min walk)
Bus: Routes 7, 70, 72, 272, 283, N7 stop nearby
Bike: On-site racks; Santander docking stations nearby
Car: Limited parking at the rear and paid street parking in front. The hospital is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)—confirm vehicle compliance before traveling (Imperial Private Healthcare).

Visiting Hours and Policies

Visiting policies are designed to balance patient care, privacy, and infection control. As of July 2025:

Ward/Area	Visiting Hours	Policies
Birth Centre	4–7 pm	Two birth partners during labor (no swapping)
Lewis Antenatal Suite	1 partner: 9 am–7 pm; 2nd visitor: 4–7 pm	No children permitted
Labour Ward	Two named support people (one 24/7)	Siblings can visit during hours
Edith Dare Ward	Two adults per bedside; children 4–7 pm	Lockers available; sitting room for families
Victor Bonney Ward	3–8 pm	Two visitors per bedside
Neonatal Unit	Parents: 24/7; others: per arrangement	Four named visitors during stay; siblings may visit weekly

Protected meal times: Breakfast 8 am, Lunch 12:30 pm, Dinner 5:30 pm

Tickets and Tours

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital does not offer public tours or tickets as it is an active NHS facility. Visits are limited to patients, families, and authorized guests. Academic or professional visits may be arranged in advance through the maternity team ([email protected], +44 (0)20 3313 3569).

Facilities and Accessibility

Food & Drink: AMT Café (Mon–Fri, 7:30 am–5 pm), restaurant (Hammersmith Hospital, daily hours), Amigo Shop (snacks, drinks, toiletries)
Wi-Fi: Free NHS Wi-Fi throughout the hospital
Parent Support: Weekly groups led by a neonatal psychologist; COSMIC charity for families with children in intensive care
Amenities: Accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities, lockers, sitting/day rooms, computer access for parents
Accessibility: Step-free access, lifts, website toolbar for additional needs, translation services via Google Translate

Tips for Visitors and Nearby Attractions

Arrive early to allow time for check-in and parking
Use public transport where possible
Check for updates to visiting policies before arrival
Respect patient privacy and hospital protocols at all times
For those interested in medical history, nearby attractions include:
- Hammersmith Hospital
- The Science Museum’s Medicine Galleries
- The Wellcome Collection
- Chelsea Physic Garden
- Royal Hospital Chelsea (offers guided tours – Royal Hospital Chelsea Tours)

Visuals and Media

High-quality images and historical photographs are available through the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust website and EZITIS archives. Maps and accessibility information are also provided online, with descriptive alt text for better user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital as a tourist?
A: No. The hospital is a working healthcare facility; visits are limited to patients, families, and authorized guests. No public tours are available.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Visiting hours vary by ward; see the table above or check the Care Quality Commission or NHS profile for the latest details.

Q: Is the hospital accessible to people with disabilities?
A: Yes. There is step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, and translation services.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: The hospital is accessible via East Acton, White City, and Wood Lane Underground stations, and several bus routes stop nearby.

Q: Are children allowed to visit?
A: Children are permitted to visit certain wards during designated hours. Always check current policies in advance.

Q: How can I book a hospital tour?
A: Public tours are not offered. Prospective patients or professional visitors can arrange a tour by contacting the maternity team.

Conclusion and Key Visiting Tips

Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital is a living testament to nearly 300 years of medical innovation and compassionate care. While it is not a public tourist site, it welcomes patients, families, and authorized visitors with clear policies and comprehensive facilities. Plan your visit in advance, use public transport where possible, and consult official resources for up-to-date information.

To explore more of London’s medical heritage, consider nearby institutions like the Science Museum’s Medicine Galleries, the Wellcome Collection, and the Royal Hospital Chelsea. For further guidance, download the Audiala app for curated visitor tips and updates.