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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

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Events

Saturday, 11th October 2025 - Saturday, 31st October 2026

Inspired by oral testimony and the untold stories of British Caribbean lives during the Second World WarCornwallis Cloth ExhibitionCornwallis Cloth is a brand-new film created and produced by Sweet Patootee Arts as part of the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund.
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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?  
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Thursday, 1st January 2026 - Thursday, 31st December 2026

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

Saturday, 14th February 2026 - Saturday, 14th February 2026

Treat your loved one to an ultimate romantic evening in one of London’s most unique setting at the Painted HallValentine’s Dinner in the Painted HallTreat someone special to a romantic fine dining experience in the breathtaking Painted Hall, with a glass of champagne on arrival and a beautifully crafted three-course dinner.
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Sunday, 15th February 2026 - Sunday, 15th February 2026

Sunday, 15th March 2026 - Sunday, 15th March 2026

Sunday, 17th May 2026 - Sunday, 17th May 2026

Sunday, 21st June 2026 - Sunday, 21st June 2026

Sunday, 19th July 2026 - Sunday, 19th July 2026

Sunday, 18th October 2026 - Sunday, 18th October 2026

Sunday, 15th November 2026 - Sunday, 15th November 2026

Sunday, 20th December 2026 - Sunday, 20th December 2026

Family Day in the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval CollegeFamily Days in the Painted HallCome along to the Old Royal Naval College on the third Sunday of each month, when activity stations are set up throughout the Hall, inviting families of all ages to get involved, play, create, and learn together.
more info

Wednesday, 18th February 2026 - Wednesday, 18th February 2026

Become an eco-architect this February Half Term!Wren’s Eco ArchitectsBecome an eco-architect this February Half Term!
more info

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

Immerse yourself in the art of tea tasting in the breathtaking setting of the Painted HallTea Tasting ExperienceImmerse yourself in the art of tea tasting in the breathtaking setting of the Painted Hall.
more info

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

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

Friday, 24th April 2026 - Friday, 24th April 2026

Friday, 29th May 2026 - Friday, 29th May 2026

Friday, 26th June 2026 - Friday, 26th June 2026

Friday, 24th July 2026 - Friday, 24th July 2026

Friday, 28th August 2026 - Friday, 28th August 2026

Friday, 25th September 2026 - Friday, 25th September 2026

Friday, 30th October 2026 - Friday, 30th October 2026

Friday, 27th November 2026 - Friday, 27th November 2026

Feel Good Friday sessions take place in the serene and spectacular surroundings of the Painted HallFeel Good Friday: Yoga in the Painted HallOn the last Friday of every month, take part in one of the bespoke morning yoga classes in the serene and spectacular surroundings of the Painted Hall.
more info

Saturday, 21st February 2026 - Saturday, 21st February 2026

A collage of various arts and crafts, including sewing, knitting, and working with flowersGalentine’s Mystery Craft WorkshopA sociable craft evening where the final creation remains a surprise until you take your seat. Whether you arrive on your own or with friends, expect a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere designed for connection and creativity.
more info

Friday, 6th March 2026 - Friday, 6th March 2026

Step into a world of intrigue and excitement for a thrilling after-hours murder mystery experience in the astounding Painted HallMurder Mystery ExperienceUncover secrets and solve a murder mystery in the Painted Hall. A thrilling after-hours detective game in a historic setting.
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, 15th March 2026 - Sunday, 15th March 2026

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon tea in the exclusive Admiral’s House at Old Royal Naval College, GreenwichRegency Mother's Day Afternoon TeaCelebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon tea in the exclusive Admiral’s House.
more info

Friday, 20th March 2026 - Friday, 20th March 2026

A memorable evening celebrating the remarkable sound of the restored organ in the Chapel of St Peter and St PaulA Celebration of Organ Music in the ChapelAn unforgettable celebration as you hear the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul organ played for the first time since its remarkable restoration.
more info

Tuesday, 12th May 2026 - Tuesday, 12th May 2026

A programme exploring majestic music from the Spanish Renaissance alongside spellbinding works from James MacMillan and Kerensa BriggsThe Choral Pilgrimage 2026: GreenwichA programme exploring majestic music from the Spanish Renaissance alongside spellbinding works from James MacMillan and Kerensa Briggs.
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

Saturday, 20th June 2026 - Saturday, 20th June 2026

Experience a silent disco like no other, and dance the night away as Painted Hall as it is transformed into a luminous dance floorSilent Disco in the Painted HallAn unforgettable silent disco where art, music and atmosphere take over the Painted Hall.
more info

Friday, 31st July 2026 - Friday, 31st July 2026

Saturday, 1st August 2026 - Saturday, 1st August 2026

Sunday, 2nd August 2026 - Sunday, 2nd August 2026

Friday, 7th August 2026 - Friday, 7th August 2026

Saturday, 8th August 2026 - Saturday, 8th August 2026

Sunday, 9th August 2026 - Sunday, 9th August 2026

Saturday, 15th August 2026 - Saturday, 15th August 2026

"Labyrinth On The Thames" - a six date music series staged in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Royal Naval College, GreenwichLabyrinth On The Thames 2026Following a landmark debut last summer, the series returns for another year, bringing internationally renowned artists to our spectacular riverside setting of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
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

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      Old Royal Naval College

      Type:Sightseeing Attraction

      King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

      TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2790 reviews2790 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 2026 - 31 Dec 2026)
      DayTimes
      Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
      Bank Holiday10:00 - 17:00

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

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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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