Add dates

Old Royal Naval College

Old Royal Naval College: Our most recommended tours and activities

London: Go City Explorer Pass for 2 to 7 Attractions

1. London: Go City Explorer Pass for 2 to 7 Attractions

Get your London Explorer Pass, a digital credits package, and create your own city itinerary. Redeem your credits against 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from a selection of over 80 monuments, tours, cruises, dining experiences, and more. Choose from a variety of venues, including the Tower of London, the Shard, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Get instructions on how to plan your itinerary and place reservations ahead when needed. You have 60 days to use your attraction credits starting with your first choice. Save up to 35% with each visit equaling 1 credit used. Choose any 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from the following list: Popular attractions: • 1-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour • Tower of London • The View from the Shard • Kensington Palace • Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour • St Paul’s Cathedral • Thames River Cruise (City Cruises Thames River Pass) • Tower Bridge Exhibition • Westminster Abbey • The London Bridge Experience • ZSL London Zoo Fun Activities and Tours: • Up at the O2 • Brit Movie Tours • Brit Music Tours • Brit Icon Tours • Hop-on Hop-off Open Bus tour of Windsor • 20+ London Sights and enjoy Fish & Chips - Top Sights Tours • 30+ London Sights Tour - Top Sights Tours • Palaces and Parliament Tour - Top Sights Tours • Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum • Emirates Arsenal Stadium Tour • Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour • Wembley Stadium Tour • Twickenham Stadium Tour & World Rugby Museum • Kia Oval Ground Tour • London Bicycle Tour • Fuller's Brewery Tour • Hard Rock Café London • ArcelorMittal Orbit • Curzon Cinema Bloomsbury (Renoir) • Curzon Cinema Mayfair • Curzon Cinema Soho • Swingers Crazy Golf (West End or City venues) • Sherlock: The Official Live Game • All Star Lanes (bowling) • The Chocolate Cocktail Club • The Bermondsey Bierkeller • The Dare Skywalk • Solve a Mystery: the Murder at Trafalgar Square • Solve a Mystery: the Murder at Westminster Museums and Places of Interest: • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew • Royal Observatory Greenwich • London Transport Museum • Cutty Sark • Benjamin Franklin House • Florence Nightingale Museum • Freud Museum London • Hampton Court Palace • Household Cavalry Museum • London Bicycle Tour - Hire • Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising • The Painted Hall • Old Royal Naval College • Pollock's Toy Museum • Royal Albert Hall • Garden Museum • The Guards Museum • The Monument to The Great Fire of London • The Postal Museum • Wembley Stadium Tour • Apsley House • Eltham Palace • Jewel Tower • Wellington Arch • Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden • Royal Air Force Museum

London: Old Royal Naval College Visit and Painted Hall Tour

2. London: Old Royal Naval College Visit and Painted Hall Tour

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.

Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich

3. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich

Embark on a day trip from London to discover some of England's most important attractions. Explore Leeds Castle, see the historic Canterbury Cathedral, stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial, and marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover. Described as 'the loveliest castle in the world' by Lord Conway, Leeds Castle sits on 500 acres of landscaped parkland across two idyllic islands, deep in the heart of the magnificent Kent countryside. Arrive early to visit Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII retreated to escape the plague that was raging in London during his reign. Upon arrival at Leeds Castle, you will be greeted by your guide. Discover the history behind this magical castle and experience life how Henry VIII would have. Next up, embark on a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, the scene of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s gruesome murder in 1170. Learn the intriguing history behind this captivating masterpiece of medieval architecture. Marvel at the cathedral’s spectacular stained glass windows, many of which have survived from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Then, tantalize your taste buds with a traditional two-course meal. Admire the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you drive past Then, head to Greenwich to see the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, as well as the Royal Observatory and the world-famous Cutty Sark, a fascinating 19th-century clipper ship. Stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial Get a fresh perspective on London’s attractions with a boat ride on the River Thames, from Greenwich to Embankment Pier. You'll pass Tower Bridge and stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral along the way.

Greenwich Highlights Half Day Tour

4. Greenwich Highlights Half Day Tour

Starting at the Greenwich Visitor Centre, you'll walk along the River Thames towards the nearby Old Royal Naval College, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. See the famous Painted Hall, with its magnificent murals and painted ceiling, and other important sites of the Old Royal Naval College. From there you will walk up to the world famous Greenwich Royal Observatory, site of the Prime Meridian. Here visitors will see the line that divides the Western and Eastern hemispheres of the globe. Another highlight here are the unique clocks that occupy the Observatory museum, designed by Harrison, which eventually solved the "longitude" problem for seafarers. Following the visit to the Observatory, walk down to the largest maritime museum in the world: the National Maritime Museum. Britain's seafaring past and history as a naval power is on showcase here. You'll have the opportunity to rest your feet and enjoy a tea or coffee here. From here, your guide will take you aboard the world-famous clipper ship Cutty Sark. In her time, at the very end of the Age of Sail, she was the fastest ship on water. Newly restored for a staggering price tag of 50 million pounds, she was reopened to the public on May 1st, 2012. The tour ends at the historic Greenwich Market, home to art galleries, antiques and amazing street food.

The "Best of Greenwich" Day Tour

5. The "Best of Greenwich" Day Tour

The 'Best of Greenwich' day tour is both informative and fun. It's an entertaining and eco-friendly way to experience the magic of maritime Greenwich. See the amazing Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College, where movies such as Johnny Depp's 'On Stranger Tides' were filmed. Marvel at the elegance of Sir Christopher Wren’s architecture, the same architect who also designed St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Straddle the Prime Meridian - the very center of world time and space - at the Greenwich Royal Observatory. See the amazing clocks of John Harrison, the man who would eventually solve the " longitudinal problem " for mankind. Climb aboard the magnificent tea clipper Cutty Sark, now fully restored to her original splendor. Appreciate the naval and maritime paintings at Queen's House. You'll also get to enjoy a lovely pub lunch by the River Thames. Put on your favorite walking shoes and let your entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide show you all the historic sights.

Old Royal Naval College: Film & TV Locations Walking Tour

6. Old Royal Naval College: Film & TV Locations Walking Tour

Walk through over 60 years of filming on this guided tour of the iconic riverside grounds of the Old Royal Naval College and inside the Painted Hall. Spot locations from Bridgerton, The Crown, Thor, and more. From a starring role as Buckingham Palace in The Crown to 19th century revolutionary Paris in Les Misérables, and more recently as the backdrop for the award-winning TV period drama series Bridgerton, the Old Royal Naval College has provided the setting for some of the most memorable scenes in major film and TV productions. Following alongside your guide, spot the locations used for filming The Crown (2016 – present), including Buckingham Palace, Dartmouth College, and many more. Visit Lower Grand Square, which hosted a crashed spacecraft in a climactic battle scene in Thor: The Dark World (2013). Enter inside the Painted Hall and see where Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman waltzed the night away in Indiscreet (1958). Walk in the footsteps of Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady (2011) and Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides (2011). View the Painted Hall backdrop for a scene in The Madness of King George (1994) where Nigel Hawthorne’s George III is presented with the painting of his forebearer George I. Later, visit the chapel and marvel at the wedding venue of Rowan Atkinson’s famous performance in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994).

From London: Kent Countryside Christmas Service & Lunch

7. From London: Kent Countryside Christmas Service & Lunch

Travel through the stunning countryside of Kent on a guided bus tour to Canterbury Cathedral to attend the Christmas “Sung Eucharist” service. Savor a traditional Christmas lunch, view the famous White Cliffs of Dover, and visit Greenwich. Arrive at the Canterbury Cathedral, where you will attend the Christmas “Sung Eucharist” service – often graced by the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The line of succession from Augustine has seen 105 Archbishops uphold this prestigious title. After the church service, sit down and enjoy a festive traditional Christmas dinner. Soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a hearty three-course lunch with an alcoholic beverage or soft drink. Next, continue for a photo stop by the famous White Cliffs of Dover, the gateway to England You’ll also catch a glimpse of Dover Castle, a key filming location for The Other Boleyn Girl. On your way back to London, drive past the historic London borough of Greenwich, famous for its maritime past. Admire outstanding example of 17th-century Baroque architecture including the stunning Old Royal Naval College.

From Brighton: Greenwich and Cambridge Day Trip

8. From Brighton: Greenwich and Cambridge Day Trip

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover breathtaking views from Greenwich Park, stand on the Prime Meridian of the World, where eastern and western hemispheres meet, and learn why Greenwich became the home of time (GMT). Learn why Greenwich is also a hugely popular TV and film location. Netflix filmed scenes from "The Crown" and "Bridgerton" here. Greenwich is also featured in the films "Les Miserables," "Pirates of the Caribbean", and "Thor: The Dark World." Finish your guided walk at the Cutty Sark. Enjoy free time to discover the many culinary options at Greenwich Market, also famous for its arts and crafts. Set off to Cambridge, home to the second oldest university in the English-speaking world. Take a guided tour and discover why people like Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking have made Cambridge famous for its contributions to mathematics and science. Select the additional option to enjoy a 45-minute Punting boat tour on the River Cam.

London: Greenwich Highlights Private Tour and Thames Cruise

9. London: Greenwich Highlights Private Tour and Thames Cruise

"Curious to learn about the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)? Join a 5-Star Expert Guide on a walk through Greenwich and its highlights. Immerse yourself in British maritime history and listen to stories about the Vikings, Saxons and Tudors. Fall in love with Greenwich, London! The 2-hour option includes a walking tour of historic buildings, monuments and parks of Greenwich. Your Private Guide will meet you by Greenwich Theater. Enjoy a walk through the charming Greenwich Park and see the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) that passes through the historic Royal Observatory (tickets to the observatory are not included in this options). This is where the universal term ‘GMT’ and the time zone UTC+00:00 originates from! Thir Greenwich area boasts incredible history as the home to the Royal Navy and the birthplace of many Tudor monarchs. Admire the 16th century Queen’s House, the National Maritime Museum and the elegant riverside complex of the Old Royal Navy College. Feel the busy atmosphere of the historic Greenwich Market where you can purchase rare antiques, artworks and handmade goods. The final stop will be at the 150-year-old tea clipper Cutty Sark (outside only), which has sailed from Asia to Victorian Britain. The 3-hour option includes skip-the-line tickets to the Royal Observatory Greenwich! This famous 18th century astronomical observatory now houses a museum with a planetarium. Its highlights include the Flamsteed House where royal astronomers lived with their families and one of the largest telescopes in the world! The Royal Observatory is a must-do if you are interested in astronomy, or curious about the history of the Greenwich Mean Time. We provide skip-the-line tickets to skip the long queues, as it is one of London’s most visited attractions. The 4-hour option offers a chance to explore Cutty Sark! Step on board the historic sailing ship, the last remaining tea clipper in the world. Walk through the lower deck and cabins and get a glimpse into the daily life of the ship crew. Experience authentic life at sea and learn about the ship’s role in the tea trade between China and Britain and as an auxiliary vessel to HMS Worcester for sail training drill. Choose the 5-hour option to enjoy all benefits of this tour and go on an exciting 1-hour boat cruise down Thames! Sit comfortably and enjoy the views of one of the most celebrated rivers in the world, with many London landmarks along the way! See the iconic Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, as well as modern attractions like the Shard, the O2 and the Thames Barrier. The cruise will end at the City of Westminster, home to the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben!"

Other Sightseeing Options in Old Royal Naval College

Want to discover all there is to do in Old Royal Naval College? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Old Royal Naval College

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 472 reviews

We bought the pass before we left for London. We were very satisfied with it. I still advise to check the activities included in the pass to anticipate what you will do even if it remains very flexible. Special mention for St Paul's Cathedral which we hesitated to do but which was really worth it for its 360° view of the heights of London.

Gorgeous! I highly recommend because it is complete, extremely practical and very interesting thanks to Lew (Lou), the best guide ever!!!

We had a very pleasant day visiting historic and important sites with a very informed and educated guide Pablo - highly recommend

Really capturing either you are an art lover or not. It's just great to see such a majestic work.

Una cola de hora y media al sol.

Excellent tour. Very informative. Even the headphone information was concise and interesting.