Explore the grandeur of Greenwich and uncover the captivating history of the Painted Hall and Old Royal Naval College. Marvel at the intricate Baroque murals that adorn the "UK’s Sistine Chapel" while delving into over 600 years of naval heritage. Whether you opt for a guided tour or prefer self-exploration, this experience promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to discover more. Get ready to be captivated by the rich tapestry of Greenwich’s iconic landmarks.

Contents show

Key Points

The Painted Hall and Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich offer entry starting at $21.36 per person with flexible booking and free cancellation options.
The Painted Hall is regarded as one of Europe’s finest interiors, featuring over 40,000 square feet of intricate Baroque-style ceiling murals.
Luke Jerram’s "Mars Installation" showcases detailed NASA imagery of the planet, providing a captivating celestial encounter for visitors.
The Old Royal Naval College has over 600 years of history and is an architectural gem known for its Baroque design.
The venue is wheelchair-friendly and offers various accessibility features, including audio guides in multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Greenwich: Painted Hall Entry and Old Royal Naval College is a popular attraction offering visitors the chance to explore one of the finest Baroque interiors in Europe.

The Greenwich: Painted Hall Entry and Old Royal Naval College offers visitors a chance to explore one of Europe’s finest Baroque interiors.

Priced from $21.36 per person, the experience includes entry to the Painted Hall and Old Royal Naval College.

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, along with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The self-guided tour lasts around 2 hours, though a guided historical tour is available on the hour from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Groups are limited to 9 participants for an intimate experience.

Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Painted Hall: The UK’s Sistine Chapel

Considered one of the finest interiors in Europe, the Painted Hall is often referred to as the UK’s Sistine Chapel.

Commissioned by Sir Christopher Wren, this magnificent Baroque-style hall features stunning ceiling murals covering over 40,000 square feet.

Visitors are captivated by the intricate allegorical paintings, depicting the glorious reign of King William III and Queen Mary II.

The grand scale and remarkable attention to detail create an awe-inspiring experience, transporting guests back in time.

With free audio guides available in multiple languages, guests can enjoy the rich history and artistic splendor of this iconic Greenwich landmark.

Mars Installation: A Celestial Encounter

Amidst the grand Baroque architecture of the Old Royal Naval College, a captivating celestial artwork commands visitors’ attention. Luke Jerram’s "Mars Installation" features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface, allowing guests to experience an up-close encounter with the red planet.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Scale | The artwork measures 7 meters in diameter, accurately representing the planet’s size. |

| Detail | High-resolution scans capture the intricate textures and landscapes of Mars’ surface. |

| Lighting | Subtle lighting enhances the realism, creating a mesmerizing and immersive display. |

| Duration | The installation will be on view until January 20, 2025, offering ample time for visitors to explore. |

| Accessibility | Audio descriptions are available, ensuring an inclusive experience for all guests.

Old Royal Naval College: A Legacy Unveiled

Steeped in over 600 years of history, the Old Royal Naval College stands as an iconic landmark in Greenwich, London.

This architectural gem was the birthplace of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, and its grand buildings have graced the banks of the River Thames for centuries.

Visitors can explore the college’s rich heritage, marveling at its stunning Baroque architecture and learning about its storied past as a training ground for naval officers.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a glimpse into England’s royal lineage, the Old Royal Naval College is a must-see destination.

More Great Tours Nearby

Guided Tour: Journey Through History

For those eager to delve deeper into the storied past of the Old Royal Naval College, the guided tour offers a captivating journey through history. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes visitors through the breathtaking Painted Hall, where intricate murals adorn the walls and ceilings. Along the way, guests learn about the rich tapestry of events that have unfolded within these hallowed halls, from the birthplace of monarchs to the backdrop for cinematic masterpieces. The tour’s interactive nature and compelling narratives bring the past to life, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for this architectural gem.

| Tour Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Painted Hall | Explore the stunning Baroque-style masterpiece, known as the "UK’s Sistine Chapel" |

| Historical Narratives | Discover the fascinating stories that have shaped the college’s 600-year legacy |

| Insider Insights | Gain insights from passionate guides who bring the past to life |

There's plenty more to explore in London

Self-Guided Tour: Exploring at Your Pace

An optional self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the iconic Old Royal Naval College at their own pace.

Armed with informative audio guides, guests can wander through the stunning Painted Hall, admiring its ornate Baroque architecture and breathtaking ceiling murals.

The self-guided experience provides flexibility, letting them linger in areas of interest or quickly cover the highlights.

With the ability to start and stop the audio tour as desired, guests can tailor the experience to their preferences.

This independent exploration offers a chance to discover the site’s rich history and architectural marvels without the constraints of a guided group.

Additional Activities: Enriching Your Experience

What additional activities can visitors enjoy during their time at the Old Royal Naval College?

Beyond the breathtaking Painted Hall and historic buildings, guests can access the Victorian Skittle Alley open from 12-3 PM. Here, they can try their hand at this traditional British pastime.

Visitors can also opt for an optional film tour, exploring the iconic locations featured in popular movies and TV shows.

Whether seeking a unique hands-on experience or a deeper dive into the site’s cinematic legacy, these add-ons elevate the visit, enriching guests’ understanding and appreciation of this remarkable Greenwich landmark.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

How accessible is the Greenwich: Painted Hall Entry and Old Royal Naval College?

The venue is wheelchair-friendly, with an audio guide available in 7 languages as well as British Sign Language.

The meeting point is at the Visitor Centre or Painted Hall Undercroft, just a short walk from the main entrance.

Visitors should note the last entry time for the Painted Hall is 4:30 PM, while the Victorian Skittle Alley has different operating hours.

With these accessibility features and clear visitor information, the attraction ensures everyone can enjoy the historic grandeur of the site.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Greenwich’s rich history and marvel at the grandeur of the Painted Hall. Explore the legacy of the Old Royal Naval College, and tailor your visit with guided or self-guided options. Whether you opt for a celestial encounter or delve deeper into the college’s past, this experience promises to enrich your understanding of this captivating London landmark.