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

Events

Friday, 31st October 2025 - Sunday, 25th January 2026

Experience Connection and Identity by Peter WalkerConnection and Identity ExhibitionExperience Connection and Identity by Peter Walker, two large-scale interactive artworks using light and sound that invite us to contemplate what it means to be human.
more info

Friday, 31st October 2025 - Sunday, 29th March 2026

Step into the world of period drama and experience the UK’s most filmed heritage site like never beforeFilm Tour: Spies, Sleuths and SuperheroesEver wondered where Operation Mincemeat was filmed in London? Or which iconic backdrops from Sherlock Holmes were shot here?
more info

Thursday, 1st January 2026 - Thursday, 31st December 2026

Ever wondered where Bridgerton was filmed in London? Or which iconic backdrops from The Crown were shot here?  Film Tour: Wigs, Weddings, Powder and PalacesEver wondered where Bridgerton was filmed in London? Or which iconic backdrops from The Crown were shot here?  
more info

Friday, 23rd January 2026 - Friday, 23rd January 2026

Friday, 20th February 2026 - Friday, 20th February 2026

Friday, 27th March 2026 - Friday, 27th March 2026

Feel Good Friday sessions take place in the serene and spectacular surroundings of the Painted HallFeel 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, 13th March 2026 - Saturday, 14th March 2026

Thursday, 11th June 2026 - Friday, 12th June 2026

Friday, 18th September 2026 - Friday, 18th September 2026

Friday, 9th October 2026 - Saturday, 10th October 2026

Friday, 11th December 2026 - Saturday, 12th December 2026

Experience deep listening, rest and reflection in the extraordinary surroundings of the Painted HallLie Down and ListenExperience deep listening, rest and reflection in the extraordinary surroundings of the Painted Hall.
more info

Sunday, 24th May 2026 - Sunday, 24th May 2026

Does your dog have the waggiest tail or could they be the prettiest bitch or most handsome dog? Every dog is welcome!Greenwich Dog Show 2026The Greenwich Dog Show returns for a third year in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.
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

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      Map & Directions

      Old Royal Naval College

      Type:Sightseeing Attraction

      King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2789 reviews2789 reviews
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      Tel+44 (0)20 8269 4799

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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 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
      DayTimes
      Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
      Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00

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

      What's Nearby

      1. In celebration of Wren 300, Old Royal Naval College are delighted to partner with St…

        0.02 miles away
      2. The Painted Hall is a true masterpiece, boasting one of the most spectacular Baroque…

        0.02 miles away
      3. The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Still an…

        0.02 miles away
      4. With access to the Old Royal Naval College's jaw-dropping Painted Hall, a climb up The…

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      4. The Queen’s House is home to an internationally renowned art collection, Inigo Jones’…

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      5. Explore the Ocean Court at the National Maritime Museum.

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      6. Cutty Sark is the last surviving tea clipper and the fastest ship of its time. Now an…

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      7. St Alfege is the Anglican parish church in the centre of Greenwich. There has been a…

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      Related

      The stunning Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval CollegeThe Painted Hall, GreenwichThe Painted Hall is a true masterpiece, boasting one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe. Also known as the 'UK's Sistine Chapel'.

      Admiral’s House, GreenwichThe Admiral's House is the oldest building within the Old Royal Naval College grounds.

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