About

The Old Royal Naval College are delighted to once again be part of Open House London, delivering special talks and giving access to several areas in our beautiful site, some of which are normally closed to the general public.

See the full programme here.

Grand Square 
Date: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September
Time: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm & 3: 30pm (Duration: 15 minutes)
The Grand Square of the Old Royal Naval College lies at the heart of one of the most spectacular architectural complexes in Europe.  These drop-in talks will explore the histories behind the sweeping vistas on view.
* Visitors must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

King William Courtyard
Date: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September
Time: 11:00am, 12 noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4:00pm (Duration: 15 minutes)
Hawksmoor’s work in the King William Courtyard, with its massive scale and sculptural enrichment, is a quintessential example of English Baroque.  The Courtyard is overlooked by the Nelson Pediment, created in Coade stone to a design by the American-born history painter, Benjamin West. These talks will examine the art and architecture of this unique space.
NOTE: There is no step-free access for this talk.
* Visitors must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

Jacobean Undercroft
Date: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September
Time: 11:00am, 12 noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 4pm (Duration: 20 minutes)
A rare opportunity to visit the Undercroft of the Queen Anne Building, a survival from the early 1600s and the only remaining intact room from Greenwich Palace.
NOTE: The Undercroft is reached by a flight of step, hence there is no step-free access for this tour.
* Visitors must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

Admiral’s House
Date: Sunday 10th September
Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm
One of the oldest surviving parts of the site, Admiral’s House, overlooking the Thames, was once the residence of the Governor of the Royal Hospital for Seamen. Originally designed by John Webb for Charles II as part of a plan to create a royal palace to rival Versailles. A rare chance to view this elegant space.
NOTE: Access will be to the ground floor only
* Visitors must collect a free ticket on day from the on-site gazebo.

Undercroft Café
Date: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Enjoy a delicious cream tea and hot drink in the Undercroft Cafe in the King William Undercroft, underneath the Painted Hall.

Visitor Centre
Open Daily
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tickets: £3 per person
The Visitor Centre features displays about the architecture of the site. 
To find out more, click here.

Painted Hall and site wide tours
Open Daily
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tickets: £15 per person 
The regular tickets for the Painted Hall, which includes an expert guided tour of the site will be available as usual throughout the Open House weekend. 
To find out more, click here.