Guided tour

London: Old Royal Naval College Visit and Painted Hall Tour

4.8 / 5

66 reviews

Activity provider: Old Royal Naval College
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    Guided tour

    London: Old Royal Naval College Visit and Painted Hall Tour

    Activity provider: Old Royal Naval College
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 15.28 per person

    Likely to sell out

    Admire the newly reopened stunning Painted Hall at London’s Old Royal Naval College. Learn about this fascinating artwork and the birthplace of King Henry VIII on a guided tour.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
    Valid 1 day
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English
    Audio guide included
    English, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish
    Wheelchair accessible
    Small group
    Limited to 9 participants

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Discover one of London’s most beautiful locations as you peruse the stunning recently renovated Painted Hall
    • Visit the Nelson Room or join one of the drop-in-talks about the Painted Hall available throughout the day
    • Play like a Greenwich Pensioner in the Victorian Skittle Alley
    • Explore the new Sackler Gallery and discover how Thornhill created the Painted Hall and meet the many characters shown on the ceiling
    • Wander the atmospheric grounds, view Tudor remains or try afternoon tea in our brand-new Painted Hall Café
    Full description

    Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Painted Hall is known as the UK's very own Sistine Chapel and reopened in 2019 following a 2-year restoration project. With your guide, discover Old Royal Naval College that houses the Painted Hall, admire the beauty of its magnificent interiors, wander its atmospheric grounds and courtyards, and hear the stories of the people who made this place their home. Explore the newly refurbished Nelson Room and learn more about the glorious life of this national naval hero through a multimedia exhibition. Visits to the Painted Hall include guided tours as well as access to the Sackler Gallery, where you can learn about the many characters, including gods and heroes, that are painted onto the ceiling. Learn about the Old Royal Naval College and how it was built in 1692 as a home for returning seamen. Discover the stunning 18th century chapel of St Peter and St Paul, the famous Water Gates, and the Victorian Skittle Alley. Glimpse the foundations of royal history as you see parts of the former Palace of Placentia, and the birthplace of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.

    Includes
    • General admission ticket and explorer map
    • Entry to Painted Hall and Nelson Room
    • Entry to Victorian Skittle Alley (subject to opening, check on arrival)
    • Guided tour
    • Multimedia guide (subject to availability)

      Select participants and date

      Participants

      Date

      Meeting point

      You can redeem your ticket at our ticket desks in the Visitor Centre or Painted Hall Undercroft. King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN, UK.

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      Important information

      What to bring

      • Comfortable shoes

      Know before you go

      •  Last entry is at 4:30 PM
      • The Victorian Skittle Alley is subject to opening times, please check on arrival
      Customer reviews

      Overall rating

      4.8 /5

      based on 66 reviews

      Review summary

      • Guide
        4.5/5
      • Value for money
        4.5/5
      • Service
        4.5/5
      • Organization
        4.8/5

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      Star rating:

      The audio visual guide is excellent. You can lie back on the seats in the hall so that you can properly study the details of the paintings. If you have booked a 10am tour, don't arrive too early as there is no sign of life until a couple of minutes before that.

      September 12, 2021

      B
      BARRY – United Kingdom Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Brilliant experience

      The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich is an incredible place to visit, with so much to see. The Painted Hall is a must see which left me in awe. The amazing restoration work was so well worth it. We also had a fantastic tour of the whole site with a wonderful guide called Isabel. She was so knowledgeable and very interesting to listen to. We learned so much from her and she exudes such enthusiasm and love for the college and environs. We were also directed to look at the Queen's House which we also thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely a fascinating place to visit and explore.

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      May 14, 2019

      S
      Siobhan – United Kingdom Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Loved seeing the beautiful art in the Painted Hall. A fantastic area to explore the outside area as well.

      December 24, 2022

      C
      Carla – United States Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Product ID: 221709

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