Old Royal Naval College: Tickets and Tours
The Old Royal Naval College, in the London district of Greenwich, is home to some of Britain’s finest Baroque buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On an Old Royal Naval College tour, you are surrounded by history dating back more than 600 years. Originally a Tudor Palace, designed by the world-renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, the Old Royal Naval College has undergone transformation and ongoing restoration, leading to its current esteemed status as having one of the finest 18th-century interiors in existence today.
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The Old Royal Naval College, in the London district of Greenwich, is home to some of Britain’s finest Baroque buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On an Old Royal Naval College tour, you are surrounded by history dating back more than 600 years.
Originally a Tudor Palace, designed by the world-renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, the Old Royal Naval College has undergone transformation and ongoing restoration, leading to its current esteemed status as having one of the finest 18th-century interiors in existence today.
Here's your guide to the Old Royal Naval College, one of the top attractions in London.
How much do Old Royal Navy College tickets cost?
There are several different types of tickets available for the Old Royal Naval College. The three primary tour options are:
- 500 Years of history and Painted Hall - General Admission
- Film and TV Location Tours
- Wren Tours
Ticket prices for any of these tours are as follows:
- Adult: £15 per adult
- Concession tickets: £8.50 per person
- Children aged 16 and under: Free when accompanied by an adult
There is also the option of Afternoon Tea in the Painted Hall Café from July onwards that includes general admission to the attraction.
- Afternoon Tea: £23.50 per person
- Afternoon Tea and a glass of Prosecco: £31.50 per person
- Cream Tea: £8.50 per person
An Admirals Afternoon Tea on the Colonnades can be booked on select Sundays in the Summer months.
- Afternoon Tea: £42 per adult
- Afternoon Tea: £25 per child
Should you book tickets in advance?
Booking Old Royal Naval College tickets in advance online ensures a place on your selected date and tour, as numbers per tour are limited and subject to availability.
Who can get discounts?
Students and serving members of the Armed Forces, as well as Armed Forces and Navy Veterans, can enter at the concession rate. Currently serving Navy personnel can enter for free, as can personal assistants who are accompanying a disabled visitor.
On the first Sunday of the month, adults pay a discounted entrance fee of £5 and children enter for free. Additional discounts are available to permanent residents of Greenwich.
What are the best Old Royal Naval College tours?
Tickets can be booked directly or through various tour operators. The best tour would be the one that aligns most closely with your interests. A general admission ticket offers the broadest overview of the attraction.
What will you experience?
A general admission ticket to the Old Royal Naval College, includes hour-long tours, entry to the Painted Hall, the Nelson room, Skittle Alley and many other majestic rooms. Expert guides walk you through the history of Great Britain and this building itself as you marvel at the magnificently maintained interiors and exterior spaces.
On a film and TV location tour, you will spend most of your time outdoors viewing the locations of many memorable scenes from major films and TV series including "The Crown" and "Les Misérables."
A Wren tour commemorates the contributions of Sir Christopher Wren to the site and explores both his work and his life story.
If you opt for an afternoon tea in the Painted Hall’s ‘Undercroft’ or an Admiral’s afternoon tea, you can expect to enjoy delectable finger sandwiches, cakes and sweet treats as well as a wide selection of teas. Prosecco or Champagne are also served on request at an additional cost.
How to get there?
Located in the heart of Maritime Greenwich, the attraction can be reached by tube, train, boat, bus, or bicycle. The Visitors Centre is located directly opposite the famous Cutty Sark ship moored on the Thames. The use of public transport is encouraged, as parking in the area is limited.
What are the opening times?
The Painted Hall, Visitor Center and Chapel are open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. The grounds open daily from 8 AM and close at 11 PM.
Is it wheelchair friendly?
The staff at the Old Royal Naval College are trained to support visitors with disabilities. There is step free access across the site, as well as accessible toilets. Manual wheelchairs can be hired on a first come, first served basis.
Audio descriptions are available for blind and partially sighted visitors, and guide dogs are welcome. Hearing loops are installed in the Visitors Center and Chapel. Autistic visitors and people with sensory sensitivities can download an information sheet providing details about quiet spaces and reduced noise routes. Ear defenders can also be borrowed for the duration of the tour.
When is the best time to visit the Old Royal Naval College?
The best time to visit the Old Royal Naval College is from April to October, when the weather is generally mild. The site is less crowded on weekdays and in the morning, which are ideal times to for a more leisurely tour.
Travel tips
- The Old Royal Navy College is expansive, so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Allocate about 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the site, it's not something you want to rush.
- The weather in London can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring a light raincoat or umbrella.
- Check local listings for exhibits, events and concerts at the Old Royal Navy College before planning your visit.