Old Royal Naval College
Old Royal Naval College
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The story of Greenwich starts here with 600 years of history. Take an award winning tour of this magnificent 17-acre riverside estate - part of the Greenwich UNESCO world heritage site. Marvel at Sir Christopher Wren’s spectacular architecture and learn of the fascinating 600-year story of this site, including being the birthplace of Henry VIII. Visit the breath-taking Painted Hall (known as the UK's Sistine chapel), which took 19 years to Paint. (This is one of the most popular filming locations in the world including The Crown, Les Miserables, Thor, Cruella, Bridgerton and many more – book a "Blockbuster Film tour" to find out some trade secrets - limited availability.) Tickets include standard guided tour which leaves the visitor centre hourly from 11am - 3pm. Painted Hall entry*, entry to the Visitor Centre, Chapel and the Skittle Alley (usually open from 12-3pm) where you can try your hand at Victorian bowling. *Multimedia guides (7 languages)and guided tours every 30mins
Duration: 1-2 hours
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from £15.00
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Greenwich
Greenwich Mean Time starts here, so to speak, as the very concept of global time was established at Royal Observatory, just one of several buildings of architectural interest in Greenwich. Indeed, the whole of Greenwich's historic town center, its Royal Park and a number of related buildings (and one world famous ship, the Cutty Sark) make up the UNESCO World Heritage site known as Maritime Greenwich. Today a laser beam is shot out across the night sky from the Observatory to mark the location of the Prime Meridian. Other bold (some say brash) 21st century additions to the area include landmarks such as The O2 entertainment complex (previously known as the Millennium Dome) and the Air Line cable cars, which offer scenic transport across the Thames between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks.
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4.5
2,713 reviews
Excellent
2,125
Very good
479
Average
61
Poor
12
Terrible
36
sstaley
Upminster, UK718 contributions
I paid a surprise visit to an old friend in Greenwich, and our impromptu decision turned out to be quite rewarding.
The content of the building and the surrounding views were truly captivating. Notably, the iconic Painted Hall has earned the reputation of being the UK’s Sistine Chapel.
If you happen to visit between December and February. They have an exhibition on 2023 "Museum of the Moon." This year features "Coalescence" by designer Paul Cocksedge, making its London debut against the stunning backdrop of the Painted Hall. The installation, crafted from over 2,500 pieces of coal – equivalent to the amount consumed by a single 200W light bulb in a year, is a unique spectacle.
The venue also hosts diverse activities like Yoga & Brunch. I recommend checking their website for the latest updates on events and exhibitions.
The content of the building and the surrounding views were truly captivating. Notably, the iconic Painted Hall has earned the reputation of being the UK’s Sistine Chapel.
If you happen to visit between December and February. They have an exhibition on 2023 "Museum of the Moon." This year features "Coalescence" by designer Paul Cocksedge, making its London debut against the stunning backdrop of the Painted Hall. The installation, crafted from over 2,500 pieces of coal – equivalent to the amount consumed by a single 200W light bulb in a year, is a unique spectacle.
The venue also hosts diverse activities like Yoga & Brunch. I recommend checking their website for the latest updates on events and exhibitions.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann C
4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Five of us visited the Royal Naval College as a birthday treat for one of our group. We did both the Painted Hall tour and the 600 years of history tour with our guide Jim. He was very interesting and knowledgeable and managed to deliver a lot of facts with a good sense of humour. It was definitely worth doing the tour (which is included in the entrance fee) as it was so enjoyable and we found out so much more.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue H
Croydon, UK139 contributions
We did a tour of the painted hall with Jim, who was excellent. Very engaging and informative. As we were the last tour of the day, he gave us an extra 30 mins of his own time to show us around the surrounding parts of the college. Very worthwhile and he had some great stories that really brought to life the history and understanding of the paintings and artwork. An amazing place, well worth a visit.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are L
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Had a fantastic tour of the Painted Hall with tour guide Antonio that was included in the cost of the ticket. Antonio was very knowledgeable about the artwork and the history and made it a very interesting and engaging commentary. We met him again in the Chapel and he was equally friendly and generous with sharing his knowledge. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe C
7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A beautiful space and a a wonderful tour delivered by Jim. It was lovely to take it the awesome architecture and the history of the place. Greenwich is the perfect place to spend a day.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabriin A
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Friends
Amazing experience!
Had an excellent time during the tour. We happen to join Jim’s last tour of the day, it was very educational. Would highly recommend doing the tour.
Thank you Jim!
Had an excellent time during the tour. We happen to join Jim’s last tour of the day, it was very educational. Would highly recommend doing the tour.
Thank you Jim!
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennie H
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Friends
An amazing visit. I had booked to go and see one of the exhibitions but that also gave us access to all the buildings. The painted hall is beautiful and we were lucky enough to join a tour given by Jim of the hall. He then offered to take us on a tour around the other buildings too (as an extra to his day). He was so knowledgable and approachable to ask questions about the history. If you can get on one of his tours definitely do it. Well worth a visit.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samira C
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
Had an excellent time during the tour. It was engaging inclusive and very educational. We happen to join Jim’s last tour of the day at 3:30 and then without planning also joined his second tour of the 600 year history. It was a pleasure, would highly recommend.
Written 28 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew B
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Our tour guide Jim was absolutely fantastic - so informative, knowledgeable and funny. He made for a very memorable day.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob B
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Jim our tour guide was probably the best guide I've ever had on any tour I've done. His knowledge was faultless, he kept everyone so engaged and interested and had a great sense of humor too! He didn't skip a beat and was absolutely, 100% worth it.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William G
Raleigh, NC2 contributions
Briefly in Greenwich later this year. If we purchase the First Sunday Tickets to view the Painted Hall, is it possible to be in, take a few pictures, and out again within a 1.5 hour span if we arrive at opening time? Are First Sundays different than the other open days?
jane j
Dursley, UK165 contributions
Yes, could be done easily.
Venture23084734671
1 contribution
Can I walk to it from Greenwich Park, if so how long will it take.
filrite
Greater London, UK298 contributions
Furthest entrance, up at Blackheath, would take you about 20-25 minutes, closest by the Maritime museum would be as long as it takes to get across the road unless anyone in your party has any mobility problems :-)
Is free entrance at Painted Hall ?
Old Royal Naval College
London, UK
Hi Doru, The Painted Hall reopened in March 2019 following a major conservation project. It now costs £12 for adults and is free for kids. This includes use of a multimedia guide and expert talks throughout the day in the Painted Hall, free kids activities and hands on exhibits. A guided tour of the whole of the Old Royal Naval College and entrance to the Victorian Skittle Alley is also included in your ticket price. For more information please see our website.
Nicola R
Amesbury, UK157 contributions
Is it easy to park at the college? I will have a car with me so keen to understand if I go to hotel first and then come across or can come directly to the college to look round.
Jackie D
London, UK13 contributions
You cannot park in the college grounds. There is an expensive car park at the other end of the college. It would be much better to park at the hotel. Besides it's lovely to walk to it as there's so much to see around there which you'll miss if you're driving and the traffic is always heavy.
p0llyanna17
Great Yarmouth, UK2 contributions
Where is a nice place to stay near the Navel College
Old Royal Naval College
London, UK
Hi p0llyanna17, we recommend checking out the Visit Greenwich website for recommendations on places to stay. We hope you enjoy your stay in Greenwich!
lisazeravica
Lusaka, Zambia7 contributions
How long does one need to see everything without rushing?
Old Royal Naval College
London, UK
Hello Lisa,
We would say you need at least an hour to take in the grounds and Visitor Centre. In addition you may choose to go on one of the daily 45 minute guided walks led by knowledgeable volunteers, which will enhance your experience of the site. The chapel is free to enter, barring closure for private events.
The Painted Hall is currently closed for our Painted Hall conservation project, where we are removing 50 years' worth of built up dirt from the beautiful painted ceiling. However, we are offering the exciting opportunity for people to go on Painted Hall Ceiling Tours, giving the rare chance of seeing the masterpiece up close from an observation deck. These tours will take around 45 minutes.
If you're interested in booking a ceiling tour or would like more information about visiting, please visit our website (address is listed on TripAdvisor- we can't post links here).
Thanks for your interest and we hope to see you soon!
Khalid A
184 contributions
how much tickets?
Old Royal Naval College
London, UK
Hi Khalid,
We are free to visit!
Thanks,
Andrew
globug24
Newport, UK70 contributions
are the music events held in the grounds
Old Royal Naval College
London, UK
Our summer music events are held in the grounds, most other events are held in our beautiful Chapel.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Old Royal Naval College
- Old Royal Naval College admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £15.37, while a popular guided tour starts around £15.27 per person.
- Hotels near Old Royal Naval College:
- (0.08 mi) Admiral Hardy
- (0.09 mi) Calm, 2 bed apt, Cutty Sark, Riverside views in the heart of Greenwich
- (0.14 mi) Let's holiday in London Greenwich B1
- (0.14 mi) Cozy 2 Bedroom London Apartment B2
- (0.12 mi) Welland House
- Restaurants near Old Royal Naval College:
- (0.02 mi) The Old Brewery
- (0.03 mi) The Tasting Rooms
- (0.10 mi) Goddards at Greenwich
- (0.07 mi) The Gipsy Moth
- (0.12 mi) Buffalo American Grill & Tex-Mex