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The view of the Old Royal Naval College from across the river Thames

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About

The Old Royal Naval College’s iconic riverside estate boasts 600 years of rich history linking an incredible cast of monarchs and famous British figures including King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, William and Mary, Lord Nelson and William Shakespeare.

Built on the site of Greenwich Palace, this extraordinary building, designed by esteemed architect Sir Christopher Wren, has seen life as both a Royal Hospital and a Royal Naval College. From Henry VIII’s birthplace to Lord Nelson’s resting place, these walls contain a wealth of key historical moments.

Following an £8.5-million makeover, you can visit the incredible Painted Hall, also known as the ‘UK’s Sistine chapel’. This 18th century baroque masterpiece, the handiwork of St Paul’s Cathedral painter Sir James Thornhill, is a sight to behold.

Opposite the Painted Hall you’ll find the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul. A beautiful and peaceful place to visit, the Chapel is still an active place of worship and also holds regular lunchtime recitals from the local Trinity Laban students.

Delve into 2,000 years of history connected to this remarkable location in Discover Greenwich at the Visitor Centre, the newly renovated museum space where you’ll find a collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits and intriguing objects.

Book Tickets

Visit the website for more information

Events

Friday, 23rd February 2024 - Friday, 20th December 2024

Friday, 25th October 2024 - Friday, 25th October 2024

Friday, 29th November 2024 - Friday, 29th November 2024

Friday, 31st January 2025 - Friday, 31st January 2025

Friday, 28th February 2025 - Friday, 28th February 2025

Friday, 28th March 2025 - Friday, 28th March 2025

Feel Good FridayFeel Good Friday: Yoga in the Painted HallTake part in one of our bespoke morning yoga classes in the serene and spectacular surroundings of the Painted Hall.
more info

Friday, 22nd March 2024 - Saturday, 26th October 2024

Join the Old Royal Naval College for an exclusive adventure into Wren’s DomeSecret Dome ToursClimb the steps high insde the Chapel dome, and take in the 360° view of Greenwich on an exclusive tour.
more info

Friday, 29th March 2024 - Sunday, 3rd November 2024

Step back in time to the 18th century, and discover the history and appeal of chocolate with a recreation of Grace and Thomas Tosier's famous 'royal' Chocolate House GreenwichDiscover the key role chocolate played in the revival of 1700s Greenwich and adventure into a recreation of the Tosier Chocolate House.
more info

Saturday, 12th October 2024 - Sunday, 15th December 2024

This display in the Painted Hall vestibule marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the War. It presents documents and artefacts belonging to Jane ShoPainted Hall Display | Women at War: Wrens at Greenwich and BeyondThis display in the Painted Hall vestibule marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the War. It presents documents and artefacts belonging to Jane Shorey and Nina Wilkin, two of the thousands of Wrens who completed their training at the Royal Naval College during the war years.
more info

Monday, 28th October 2024 - Sunday, 3rd November 2024

Turkish designer and artist Melek Zeynep Bulut presents ‘Duo’ for London Design Festival 2024, a suspended installation in the Painted Hall exploring London Design Festival in the Painted HallDon’t miss this captivating art installation, presented in partnership with London Design Festival 2024.
more info

Thursday, 31st October 2024 - Thursday, 31st October 2024

Join the Old Royal Naval College this October half term for an array of chocolate-themed family activities, from the downright delicious to something Choctober Half TermJoin the Old Royal Naval College this October half term for an array of chocolate-themed family activities, from the downright delicious to something a little spookier.
more info

Saturday, 23rd November 2024 - Tuesday, 28th January 2025

Monday, 25th November 2024 - Monday, 27th January 2025

Friday, 29th November 2024 - Friday, 24th January 2025

Following the sell-out success of Gaia and Museum of the Moon, Mars will complete the trilogy of Jerram’s out-of-this-world installations at the iconiMars in the Painted HallFollowing the sell-out success of Gaia and Museum of the Moon, Mars will completing the trilogy of Luke Jerram’s out-of-this-world installations at the iconic Old Royal Naval College.
more info

Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Saturday, 30th November 2024

You’re invited to an out-of-hours event under Luke Jerram’s Mars that explores the fascinating connection between space exploration and popular culturSilent Disco Party Under MarsYou’re invited to an out-of-hours event under Luke Jerram’s Mars that explores the fascinating connection between space exploration and popular culture through music.
more info

Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Monday, 23rd December 2024

Sunday, 8th December 2024 - Sunday, 8th December 2024

Sunday, 15th December 2024 - Sunday, 15th December 2024

Sunday, 22nd December 2024 - Sunday, 22nd December 2024

Feel the magic of Christmas with a family-friendly takeover in Admiral's House, Old Royal Naval CollegeFather Christmas Storytelling | Christmas Magic in GreenwichFeel the magic of Christmas with a family-friendly takeover in Admiral's House, Old Royal Naval College.
more info

Saturday, 30th November 2024 - Sunday, 22nd December 2024

Sunday, 8th December 2024 - Sunday, 8th December 2024

Sunday, 15th December 2024 - Sunday, 15th December 2024

Sunday, 22nd December 2024 - Sunday, 22nd December 2024

Monday, 23rd December 2024 - Monday, 23rd December 2024

Join Santa’s Elves as they stumble upon a bag of untouched Christmas letters a few days before the grand celebrationThe Elves and the Magic BearA heart-warming Christmas performance is returning to Admiral’s House this Winter!
more info

Friday, 6th December 2024 - Saturday, 7th December 2024

Embark on an exclusive multi-sensory sonic voyage beneath Luke Jerram’s breathtaking installation, MarsLie Down and Listen: A Sound Journey to MarsEmbark on an exclusive multi-sensory sonic voyage beneath Luke Jerram’s breathtaking installation, Mars. Immerse yourself in the experience of quantum listening, and contemplate humanity’s future from a deeply personal, introspective perspective - all while remaining grounded here on Earth.
more info

Friday, 20th December 2024 - Friday, 20th December 2024

Immerse yourself in a sound healing ritual beneath Mars in the Painted Hall Sound Healing: Serenity on MarsImmerse yourself in a sound healing ritual beneath Mars in the Painted Hall.
more info

Saturday, 18th January 2025 - Saturday, 18th January 2025

Set your intentions for 2025 with a transformative 45-minute vinyasa yoga session beneath Luke Jerram’s Mars installation, followed by a revitalising Mars Flow: Yoga & BrunchSet your intentions for 2025 with a transformative 45-minute vinyasa yoga session beneath Luke Jerram’s Mars installation, followed by a revitalising brunch.
more info

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Assistance dogs welcome
  • British Sign Language
  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Ear defenders available
  • Facilities for hearing impaired
  • Facilities for visually impaired
  • Video/virtual tours
  • Wheelchairs available - Manual wheelchairs are available to hire from the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre open 10am–5pm. These are allocated on a first come, first served basis. There is a deposit of £50 which is refunded when the wheelchair is returned. For further information please call 020 830 55235 or email tic@visitgreenwich.org.uk.

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)
  • Currency Exchange - Available at the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre, open 10am–5pm. For further information please call 020 830 55235 or email tic@visitgreenwich.org.uk.

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments
  • Picnic site

Children

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Coach parking - If you are travelling by coach, there is a coach drop off point in Stockwell Street (SE10 9JN) which is a 10 minute walk to the grounds. There is free coach parking on Norman Road (SE10) and Charlton Way (SE3) or paid coach parking on Park Row/Romney Road (SE10 9NL).
  • Drop Off Point - If you are travelling by coach, there is a coach drop off point in Stockwell Street (SE10 9JN) which is a 10 minute walk to the grounds. There is free coach parking on Norman Road (SE10) and Charlton Way (SE3) or paid coach parking on Park Row/Romney Road (SE10 9NL).
  • Facilities for groups
  • Guided tours for groups

Languages

  • French signs/guides
  • German signs/guides
  • Italian signs/guides
  • Spanish signs/guides

Parking

  • Parking with charge - Please note that there is limited parking in Greenwich, particularly at weekends and we encourage you to use public transport if possible. Paid car parking is available in Park Row (SE10 9NL) and Cutty Sark Gardens.

Property Facilities

  • Gift shop
  • Onsite Catering
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed
  • WiFi or internet access - Free WiFi is available at the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre.

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted
  • Hen/Stag Dos Welcome

Special Offers

  • Enjoy a complimentary ‘Painted Hall’ cocktail at Highroad Social

    Old Royal Naval College have partnered with new local restaurant, Highroad Social to offer ticket holders to the Painted Hall a free ‘Painted Hall’ cocktail when dining off their set menu. All you need to do is show your wristband or a screenshot of your ticket at the restaurant. Offer ends Friday 22nd November, 2024.

    Click here to read full terms and conditions

    Special Offers - redeem this special offer between 09/10/2024 and 22/11/2024

    More offers like this - Special Offers

  • Peter Harrison Planetarium Tickets Special Offer

    Get up close and personal with the stars at London’s only Planetarium, led by expert Royal Observatory astronomers.

    OFFER: 25% off weekday Planetarium tickets.

    See What's On here.

    Book Now

    Special Offers - redeem this special offer between 25/11/2024 and 09/01/2025

    Attraction Offers - redeem this special offer between 25/11/2024 and 09/01/2025

    More offers like this - Special Offers, Attraction Offers

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      Map & Directions

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      Old Royal Naval College

      Type:Sightseeing Attraction

      King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2738 reviews2738 reviews

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      Awards

      • Other AwardsVisit Greenwich Partner Visit Greenwich Partner 2021
      • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

      Opening Times

      Opening Hours: (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
      DayTimes
      Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
      Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00

      * Closed from Sunday 24th to Tuesday 26th December.

      What's Nearby

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