The Old Royal Naval College

Explore centuries of maritime history at the Old Royal Naval College.

The Old Royal Naval College is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, offering a stunning riverside setting and a rich history that spans over 600 years.

Highlights

• Marvel at the breathtaking Painted Hall, often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel.
• Step inside the neoclassical Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul, a hidden gem of Greenwich.
• Stroll through the historic grounds, once home to Tudor monarchs and naval heroes.

Tickets & Prices

General admission to the Old Royal Naval College includes access to the Painted Hall, the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Visitor Centre, and expert-led talks. Visitors can also join the 600 Years of History Tour, which explores the site’s transformation from a Tudor palace to a naval college.

A multimedia guide is available in multiple languages, and families can enjoy interactive activities and the historic Skittle Alley, subject to availability.

Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, and general admission can be upgraded to an Annual Pass at no extra cost, allowing unlimited visits for a year. Discounted rates are available for students, seniors, armed forces personnel, and those receiving Universal Credit.

On the first Sunday of each month, visitors can explore the site at a reduced rate. Groups of ten or more can also access special pricing with advance booking.

Tours

The Old Royal Naval College offers a range of guided tours, with the 600 Years of History Tour included in general admission. Running hourly throughout the day, this tour explores the site’s transformation from a royal palace to a naval training ground, highlighting its architectural and historical significance.

Visitors can also attend Painted Hall Talks, which provide insights into the masterpiece of Sir James Thornhill, detailing the stories behind its grand ceiling artwork.

For a unique experience, the Film Tour showcases the college’s role in major productions like The Crown and Les Misérables.

Those looking for an exclusive adventure can book the Dome Tour, which grants access to Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic dome, offering panoramic views over Greenwich and central London. Special tours require advance booking due to limited availability.

Opening Hours

The Painted Hall, Chapel, and Visitor Centre welcome visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. If you’re looking to enjoy a scenic stroll, the grounds remain open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, offering stunning riverside views well into the evening.

Planning your visit? Be sure to check for scheduled closures, as certain areas—especially the Painted Hall and Chapel—may close early or for an entire day due to special events. Temporary closures happen throughout the year, with some lasting only a few hours and others spanning multiple days.

For the latest updates on opening times and any unexpected closures, visit the official website before your trip to ensure you don’t miss out on key attractions.

What to See and Do

The Old Royal Naval College isn’t just a historic site—it’s a place where art, architecture, and centuries of naval heritage come together in an unforgettable riverside setting.

Step Inside the Painted Hall – Britain’s Sistine Chapel

If there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss, it’s the Painted Hall. Designed by Sir James Thornhill in the early 1700s, this grand dining hall was originally built for naval pensioners but quickly became one of the most impressive Baroque interiors in Europe. Think epic ceiling frescoes, gilded details, and over 200 painted figures, all telling the story of Britain’s naval power and royal legacy.

Here’s a fun fact: the Painted Hall was the location for Admiral Lord Nelson’s lying-in-state after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. Today, you can stand in the very spot where one of Britain’s greatest naval heroes was mourned.

Insider Tip: Grab a beanbag and lay back to admire the ceiling properly—trust me, your neck will thank you!

Explore the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul

Tucked away within the College grounds, this neoclassical chapel is a hidden gem. Designed by James “Athenian” Stuart in the 18th century, the chapel features intricate plasterwork, a grand organ, and an elegant coffered ceiling. Unlike the grandiosity of the Painted Hall, this space is more serene—a perfect place to sit, reflect, and soak in the craftsmanship.

It’s still an active place of worship, so if you visit on a Sunday morning, you might catch a choir performance or a service.

Join a Guided Tour for the Full Experience

While you can wander the grounds on your own, joining one of the expert-led tours really brings the place to life. The 600 Years of History Tour (included with admission) covers everything from the site’s early days as a Tudor palace to its time as a naval training college.

If you’re a film buff, the Wigs, Weddings, Powder, and Palaces Tour is a must. The Old Royal Naval College has been a backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean and Thor: The Dark World, as well as Netflix’s The Crown. Seeing these locations in real life gives you a whole new appreciation for the magic of the movies.

Want to do something truly special? Book the Dome Tour, where you’ll climb inside Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic dome for breathtaking 360° views over Greenwich and London.

Stroll the Riverside Grounds and Discover Hidden History

The college’s grounds are free to wander and offer some of the best riverside views in London. From here, you can look across to Canary Wharf’s modern skyline, a striking contrast to the classical architecture around you.

Keep an eye out for hidden historical gems as you walk. There’s the Nelson Room, which once housed the admiral’s body before his state funeral, and the Queen Mary Court, originally designed as a hospital for seamen. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a costumed reenactment bringing history to life.

Visit the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre

Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre. This free exhibition space is packed with interactive displays, models, and artifacts explaining the history of the site and its naval connections. It’s a great place to get some context before exploring, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

Insider Tip: Check the events schedule—you might catch a hands-on family activity or a live historical demonstration.

Directions

The Old Royal Naval College is easily accessible by train, DLR, bus, and boat. The nearest train station is Greenwich Station, an 8-minute walk away, with National Rail services connecting to central London.

The Cutty Sark DLR station is even closer, just a 5-minute walk, providing a direct link from Canary Wharf and Bank. For a scenic route, take an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Greenwich Pier, a 6-minute walk from the site.

Several bus routes, including 129, 177, 180, 188, 286, and 386, stop near the college, making it easy to reach from various parts of London. If you prefer to arrive on foot, a pleasant riverside walk from the nearby attractions in Greenwich, such as the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum, offers a great way to take in the area’s historic charm before exploring the college.

Nearby Places

Cutty Sark: A legendary 19th-century tea clipper, the Cutty Sark is the world’s last surviving ship of its kind. Visitors can explore its decks, walk beneath its soaring hull, and learn about its record-breaking voyages.

National Maritime Museum: The largest maritime museum in the world, it houses fascinating exhibits on naval history, exploration, and navigation. Highlights include Admiral Nelson’s uniform from the Battle of Trafalgar and an immersive gallery on polar expeditions.

Greenwich Park: One of London’s oldest royal parks, offering breathtaking views over the city from the top of the hill. It’s home to the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, stunning gardens, and plenty of open space for a relaxing stroll.

Queen’s House: A striking 17th-century royal villa, the Queen’s House is an architectural gem featuring an impressive art collection. Visitors can see the famous Tulip Stairs and masterpieces from artists like Turner and Gainsborough.

Royal Observatory Greenwich: The home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian, this observatory is a must-visit for astronomy lovers. Stand on the Meridian Line, explore historic telescopes, and enjoy stunning views of London from its hilltop location.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. The Old Royal Naval College was originally the site of Greenwich Palace, the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I.
2. The Painted Hall was used as a Royal Navy dining hall, but it was deemed too grand, so it became a ceremonial space instead.
3. Admiral Lord Nelson’s body lay in state in the Painted Hall for three days before his funeral in 1806.
4. The site has appeared in over 80 films and TV shows, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Les Misérables, and The Crown.
5. During World War II, the College was bombed multiple times, but much of its historic architecture survived.

History

• 15th century – Greenwich Palace is built and becomes a royal residence for the Tudor monarchs.
• 1694 – After the palace is demolished, Sir Christopher Wren is commissioned to design the Royal Hospital for Seamen.
• 1705 – The Painted Hall is completed, showcasing Sir James Thornhill’s incredible ceiling murals.
• 1824 – The hospital closes, and the site is repurposed as the Royal Naval College, training officers for the British Navy.
• 1869 – The Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul is rebuilt after a fire, featuring a stunning neoclassical design.
• 1997 – The Royal Navy leaves, and the site is transformed into the Old Royal Naval College, open to the public.
• 1997 – UNESCO designates Maritime Greenwich, including the College, as a World Heritage Site.
• 2019 – The Painted Hall undergoes a £8.5 million restoration, revealing its original vibrant colors.

FAQ

Map & Address

Old Royal Naval College

King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN, United Kingdom