Former Home to the Palace of Placentia and birthplace of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, the story of Greenwich starts here. Glimpse the foundations of this former royal home where new renovations to the grounds allow visitors to see parts of the palace’s foundations.
Tour Sir Christopher Wren’s landmark buildings, designed in 1692 as a home for returning seamen. Explore its magnificent exterior, wander its atmospheric grounds and courtyards, hear the stories of the people who made this place their home, plus discover the exquisite 18th century Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, the famous Water Gates and the Victorian Skittle Alley.
Tickets include a multimedia guide to the Painted Hall and access to the new Sackler Gallery, where you can discover how Thornhill created the Painted Hall and meet many characters including gods and heroes, shown on the ceiling.
Alongside accessible exhibits exploring the Painted Hall’s creation, you can get up close and personal with hands-on treasure chests, filled with exquisite touch objects inspired by the Painted Hall. Try on King William’s Crown and clock, dare yourself to stare into Medusa’s face on Athena’s shield, or hold up King Louis XIV’s broken sword.
Opening Hours
Old Royal Naval College 10am – 5pm Daily
Grounds 10am – 5pm Daily
Closed: 24, 25, 26 and 31 December
Please exchange your printed out voucher upon arrival at the Painted Hall. The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London SE10 9NN
Children aged 16 and under are FREE
Please exchange your printed out voucher upon arrival at the Painted Hall.
Closed on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December
Grounds
Free to visit and open daily to all, the grounds are a perfect place to relax, stroll, or have a picnic, surrounded by some of the finest buildings in the world. The extensive gardens follow the mid-19th century designs of Phillip Hardwick.
Picnics
If you have brought your own packed lunch or want to eat food from The Old Brewery, Painted Hall Café or Greenwich Market outdoors, why not sit on the lawn of the Old Royal Naval College and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. All we ask is that you help us to keep our grounds tidy and throw away your litter into the designated bins.
Photography
Photography on the site for personal use only is free of charge, though the use of tri-pods, lighting etc. are not allowed.
Disabled Access
The Old Royal Naval College welcomes visitors with disabilities, their families, friends and carers.
The capacity of the lift from College Way into the main body of the Painted Hall is one wheelchair user and one companion OR four people standing. Lift Specification: weight limit 881lbs/400kg.
Find out more about the venue's location and how to get there.