About

The Old Royal Naval College will be a part of Open House London 2022, giving the public access to, and special talks about, the beautiful site - See the full programme here.

Admiral’s House - (Drop-in)
Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm

One of the oldest surviving parts of the site, Admiral’s House, overlooking the Thames, was once the residence of the Governor of the Royal Hospital for Seamen. Originally designed by John Webb for Charles II as part of a plan to create a royal palace to rival Versailles. A rare chance to view this elegant space.

* Access will be to the ground floor only. 

Grand Square - (15 minute Talk)
Time: at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3:30pm

The Grand Square of the Old Royal Naval College lies at the heart of one of the most spectacular architectural complexes in Europe.  These drop-in talks will explore the histories behind the sweeping vistas on view.

* Visitor must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

King William Courtyard - (Talk)
Time: 11:00am, 12 noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:000pm & 4:00pm

Hawksmoor’s work in the King William Courtyard, with its massive scale and sculptural enrichment, is a quintessential example of English Baroque.  The Courtyard is overlooked by the Nelson Pediment, created in Coade stone to a design by the American-born history painter, Benjamin West. These talks will examine the art and architecture of this unique space.

* There is no step-free access for this talk.
* Visitor must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

Jacobean Undercroft - (20 minute Tour)
Time: 11:00am, 12 noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm

A rare opportunity to visit the Undercroft of the Queen Anne Building, a survival from the early 1600s and the only remaining intact room from Greenwich Palace.

* The Undercroft is reached by a flight of steps: we regret there is no step-free access for this visit.
* Visitor must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

Chapel Tours - (15 minute Tour)
Saturday Time: 11:00am, 12 noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm
Sunday Time: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm

The Chapel was built by English architect Thomas Ripley (1682-1758) following designs by Sir Christopher Wren, for the use of the staff and pensioners of the Royal Hospital for Seamen. In 1779 the Chapel was gutted by fire; its interior was rebuilt in a neo-classical style by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart (1713-1788). It features a large altarpiece painting by the American artist Benjamin West (1738-1820).

* Visitor must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

Undercroft Café
Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Enjoy a delicious cream tea and hot drink in the Undercroft Cafe in the King William Undercroft, underneath the Painted Hall.

Visitor Centre - (Drop-in)
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm (Daily)

* The Visitor Centre features displays about the architecture of the site.

Painted Hall and Site Wide Tours - Find out more here
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm (Daily)

For this tour, you will need to purchase regular tickets for the Painted Hall, which includes an expert guided tour of the site will be avaialble as normal throughout the Open House weekend.

Smartify Virtual Tour
Discover the stories behind the site’s incredible architecture, from Royal Palace to Naval College. Explore the grounds at your own pace, and learn about the different influences and inspirations for these majestic buildings.

Click here, or download the Smartify app.

* Part of Open House London 2022