Old Royal Naval College, London

Name: Old Royal Naval College
Address: King William Walk, London, SE10 9NN, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 8269 4799

#78 among attractions in London

Museum, Baroque architecture, Historical place, Architecture, More...

Gallery (14)

Map

Gallery

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Facts and practical information

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the Old Royal Naval College stands as a majestic architectural gem in the heart of Greenwich, London. This grandiose ensemble of buildings, originally designed as a Royal Hospital for Seamen by Sir Christopher Wren, now serves as a beacon of British heritage and a testament to Baroque splendor.

The Old Royal Naval College occupies a site with a rich history, dating back to the time when the area was the birthplace of Tudor monarchs. This historical significance is further underscored by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shared with the nearby Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.

Visitors to the Old Royal Naval College can marvel at the Painted Hall, often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of the UK,' where the breathtaking ceiling and wall decorations painted by Sir James Thornhill unfold in an opulent display of art and history. The chapel, with its neoclassical design and peaceful ambiance, provides an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of London.

Tours of the site often include the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre, which offers insights into the area's maritime history and the college's evolution over the centuries. Additionally, the college's grounds provide an open space for leisurely strolls, with stunning riverside views and a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts.

For those interested in British naval history, the nearby National Maritime Museum and the historic ship Cutty Sark complement the experience, making Greenwich a full-day destination for history buffs.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 51°28'59"N, 0°0'21"W

Address

King William WalkGreenwich (Greenwich West)London SE10 9NN United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 8269 4799

Website

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London

Day trips

Old Royal Naval College – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, Cutty Sark.

~810 ftS
The history of Britain at sea
National Maritime Museum, London
4 min walk • The National Maritime Museum, situated in the heart of Greenwich, London, stands as a bastion of seafaring history, celebrating the UK's profound connection to the sea. This premier museum, founded in 1934, is an essential destination for anyone interested in the tales...
0.4 miSE
Astronomy centre on the Prime Meridian
Royal Observatory, London
12 min walk • The Royal Observatory is an iconic scientific landmark nestled in the heart of Greenwich, London. Established in 1675 by King Charles II, it is famed for being the location of the Prime Meridian, where time begins at longitude 0°.
0.5 miSE
Royal Park with panoramic hilltop views
Greenwich Park, London
13 min walk • Greenwich Park, a verdant haven in the heart of London, England, offers visitors a blend of history, nature, and stunning views. As one of the Royal Parks of London, this former hunting ground now serves as a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.
~860 ftW
The last surviving British tea clipper
Cutty Sark, London
5 min walk • The Cutty Sark is a historic maritime marvel nestled in the heart of Greenwich, London. This iconic British clipper ship, launched in 1869, is one of the last of its kind and a testament to the golden age of sail. Once a swift vessel that sailed the seas for the tea...
~840 ftSE
Museum, Vernacular architecture, Georgian architecture
Queen's House, London
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, London, the Queen's House is a historical gem and a must-visit museum for art and architecture enthusiasts. Designed by the pioneering architect Inigo Jones in the early 17th century, the Queen's House is celebrated as the first...
0.5 miSE
Tree
Queen Elizabeth's Oak, London
13 min walk • Queen Elizabeth's Oak was a veteran oak tree in Greenwich Park, London. Seeded in the 12th century, the tree formed part of the grounds of the Palace of Placentia, home to the Tudor royal family. Henry VIII is said to have danced around the tree with Anne Boleyn.
0.7 miNW
Park
Mudchute Park and Farm, London
17 min walk • Mudchute Park and Farm is a large urban park and farm in Cubitt Town on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, just south of Canary Wharf. It is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
1 miNW
Theater, Romanesque revival architecture
The Space, London
26 min walk • The Space is an arts space in Millwall on the Isle of Dogs, London. Its principal patron is Sir Ian McKellen, and it is a registered non-profit making charity.
~1730 ftNE
Nightlife
The Cutty Sark, London
9 min walk • The Cutty Sark is a Grade II listed public house at 6-7 Ballast Quay, Greenwich, London. It was built in the early 19th century, replacing an earlier pub, The Green Man. It was initially called The Union Tavern, but was renamed The Cutty Sark Tavern when the tea clipper came to Greenwich in 1951.
0.9 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Jack Cade's Cavern, London
23 min walk • Jack Cade's Cavern is a cavern, extending several hundred feet underground, in Blackheath, south-east London, England. It is located northwest of the Heath and southwest of Greenwich Park, mostly beneath the lawn of Hollymount Close.
~1410 ftS
Concerts and shows, Theater
Greenwich Theatre, London
7 min walk • Greenwich Theatre is a local theatre located in Croom's Hill close to the centre of Greenwich in south-east London. Theatre first came to Greenwich at the beginning of the 19th century during the famous Eastertide Greenwich Fair at which the Richardson travelling theatre annually performed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Old Royal Naval College open?

Old Royal Naval College is open:

Monday 10 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Old Royal Naval College?

Nearby attractions include National Maritime Museum, London (4 min walk), Queen's House, London (5 min walk), Cutty Sark, London (5 min walk), Greenwich Market, London (5 min walk).

How to get to Old Royal Naval College by public transport?

The nearest stations to Old Royal Naval College:

Ferry

Greenwich Pier • Lines: Blue Tour, Rb1, Rb1X, Red Tour (5 min walk)
Masthouse Terrace Pier • Lines: Rb1 (20 min walk)

Light rail

Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich Platform 1 • Lines: B-L, S-L (6 min walk)
Island Gardens Platform 2 • Lines: B-L, S-L (11 min walk)

Train

Maze Hill (11 min walk)
Deptford (24 min walk)

Bus

East Ferry Road • Lines: 277, N277 (12 min walk)
Millwall Park • Lines: 277, N277 (13 min walk)