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Old Royal Naval College

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Get your tickets to The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College from just £15

It's not often you get to visit the birthplace of an English king, let alone world-famous husband Henry VIII, but the stunning walls and ceiling inside the Old Royal Naval College are actually a much bigger draw than Old Coppernose.

The Painted Hall, situated in the heart of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, is a true masterpiece of Baroque artistry and architectural splendour in London. This grand hall, often described as the "Sistine Chapel of the UK" is a monumental adorned with decorative paintings.

Highlights of your Royal Naval visit

Join regular award-winning tours throughout the day which tell the story of this magnificent 17-acre riverside estate.
Explore the breath-taking 17th century Painted Hall known as ‘the UK’s Sistine Chapel’ with included audio guides in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, German, and Japanese.
See the refurbished Nelson room where iconic naval hero Admiral Nelson laid in state after the Battle of Trafalgar.
Visit the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul to see one of Britain’s finest 18th century interiors.
Glimpse the remains of Greenwich Palace, where Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary I were born.
Try your hand at one of the last remaining Victorian Skittle Alleys (open daily from 12-3pm).
Discover Greenwich Museum in the Visitor Centre.

Experience one of the best things to do in London at the Painted Hall in Greenwich

Commissioned in the late 17th century as a ceremonial dining hall for retired sailors, the hall's walls and ceiling were transformed by artist Sir James Thornhill. The iconic paintings depict scenes of British naval prowess, allegorical figures, royal figures, and Greek gods.

On your visit to the Painted Hall, you'll marvel at the intricate details and vivid colors of Thornhill's masterpiece. The grandeur and storytelling within the hall's artwork will take you on a captivating journey through British history and culture.

So when you're in Greenwich, be sure not to miss The Painted Hall, one of the best things to do in London for art and history lovers as you admire one of the most impressively decorated halls that you'll ever see!

Get your tickets today for the Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall, or the Blockbuster Film Tour!

The Old Royal Naval College - Painted Hall Tickets

Greenwich's story starts here with 600 years of history. Take an award winning tour of this magnificent 17-acre estate - a UNESCO world heritage site!

Available to 26 April 2025

Book now from £16.50

Blockbuster Film Tours at the Old Royal Naval College

Find out what makes the Old Royal Naval College “one of the most popular film locations in the world” and some trade secrets as to how it's done

Available to 30 March 2025

Book now from £16.50

60 Aldersgate Street,
London EC1A 4LA

How to Find Us

By Train

Greenwich Station is only 8 minutes by train from London Bridge. Old Royal Naval College is also a short walk from Maze Hill train station.

Mainline rail services run from Cannon Street, London Bridge and Dartford to Greenwich (South Eastern) and twice an hour (once an hour at weekends) from Luton, West Hampstead, Kings Cross St Pancras, Farringdon, Blackfriars and stations from Rainham, Kent (Thameslink).

You can also take the DLR from Greenwich Station for one stop to Cutty Sark DLR.

By Bus

129 North Greenwich (O2) – Greenwich
177 Peckham – New Cross – Deptford Bridge – Greenwich – Woolwich – Thamesmead
180 Lewisham – Greenwich – Woolwich – Plumstead – Abbey Wood – Thamesmead
188 Russell Square – Aldwych – Waterloo – Elephant and Castle – Surrey Quays – Greenwich
199 Canada Water – Greenwich – Lewisham – Catford
286 Sidcup – Eltham – Kidbrooke – Greenwich
386 Woolwich – Shooters Hill – Greenwich (Mon – Sat)

By London Underground

Take the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf and change to the DLR. You can also take the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich (the O2) and then take either bus 188 or 129 which stop outside the Old Royal Naval College on Romney Road.

By Docklands Light Railway (DLR)

Cutty Sark DLR is a three minute walk away from the Old Royal Naval College.

The DLR connects to a number of other transport options at the following stations:

London Underground (Tube): change at Bank to connect to Central, Northern and Waterloo and City lines. You can also change at Bank for Monument station which connects to the District and Circle lines. Canary Wharf connects to the Jubilee line. You can change at Tower Gateway for District and Circle lines from Tower Hill station.
Trains: Lewisham, Stratford, Limehouse and Greenwich all connect to different train lines which connect to a number of railway lines connecting London with the surrounding areas.