Old Royal Naval College Tours

London which includes a city, a river or creek and heritage architecture
London showing heritage architecture
Old Royal Naval College which includes heritage architecture and interior views
London showing a park and heritage architecture
London showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza


Marvel at a famous ceiling mural in the elegant dining hall where war hero Horatio Nelson’s body lay after the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Old Royal Naval College is an inspiring landmark by the River Thames in London and houses several outstanding attractions. It was once home to a hospital and then the Royal Naval College, which closed in 1998. Now, it has historical artifacts and intriguing buildings. Britain’s most famous architect, Christopher Wren, built the symmetrical domed structure at the turn of the 18th century. It is a UNESCO site due to its remarkable design and cultural significance.

Admire the large structure’s twin domes, which tower over the River Thames. Explore the elegant Painted Hall, which was originally designed in the 1700s to be one of the finest dining halls in the world. The hall is now known as the place where British war hero Horatio Nelson’s body lay after defeating Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar. Artist James Thornhill took 19 years to complete the interior decorations and ceiling painting.

Discover the neoclassical designs in the site’s chapel. Marvel at the gold statues, stone columns and Baroque works of art. Attend a religious service and see an exhibition on 500 years of history in the Greenwich Visitor Center. End your visit with a beer at The Old Brewery. Admire stunning views of the River Thames and the financial district’s skyscrapers on the horizon from inside the buildings.

The site opens daily from morning until late in the evening, though each building has its own closing times. Admission is free.

The attraction was once home to the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich, which then became Greenwich Hospital. In the 17th century, the Palace of Placentia was situated on the same site. It was the birthplace of Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth II and was allegedly the favorite spot of King Henry VII.

The Old Royal Naval College sits on the edge of the River Thames in the southeast of London. It is near to Greenwich Park, the Royal Museums and Greenwich Market. There are many transportation links to the site. Take the Docklands Light Railway to the Cutty Sark station, just a 5 minute-walk away. You can catch the River Bus, railway or take the London Underground to Canary Wharf nearby.

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Best Lodging Options Near Old Royal Naval College

Novotel London Greenwich

Novotel London Greenwich

4 out of 5
173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, England
Novotel London Greenwich
ARK Canary Wharf

ARK Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
20 Crossharbour Plaza, London, England
ARK Canary Wharf
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Tribe London Canary Wharf

Tribe London Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
15 Water Street, London, England
Tribe London Canary Wharf
The Clarendon Hotel - Blackheath

The Clarendon Hotel - Blackheath

3.5 out of 5
8-16 Montpelier Row, Blackheath Village, London, England
The Clarendon Hotel - Blackheath
Hilton London Canary Wharf

Hilton London Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
South Quay, Marsh Wall, London, England
Hilton London Canary Wharf
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Novotel London Canary Wharf Hotel

Novotel London Canary Wharf Hotel

4 out of 5
40 Marsh Wall, London, England
Novotel London Canary Wharf Hotel
InterContinental London - The O2 by IHG

InterContinental London - The O2 by IHG

5 out of 5
Waterview Drive, Greenwich Peninsula, London, England
InterContinental London - The O2 by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Old Royal Naval College

When visiting the Old Royal Naval College in London, immerse yourself in fascinating tours that explore its rich history, including historical guided tours and engaging skittle alley experiences. Additionally, enjoy a vibrant arts and theater scene nearby, offering a variety of entertainment options to enhance your visit. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the unique charm of this historic site while enjoying the surrounding attractions.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Old Royal Naval College, visit Westfield Stratford City, just 4 miles away, offering entertainment and family vibes. Borough Market and Old Spitalfields Market, both also 4 miles away, provide unique local goods and a lively atmosphere perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

Enjoy an exhilarating experience at O2 Arena, just a mile from the Old Royal Naval College, where you can catch thrilling sports events. For a unique concert experience, head to ABBA Arena, located three miles away, and immerse yourself in vibrant entertainment vibes.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 2 miles away. For climbing enthusiasts, the Castle Climbing Centre offers thrilling routes 7 miles away. For adrenaline junkies, TeamSport Go Karting in North London, 9 miles away, promises an exhilarating racing experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Old Royal Naval College. Enjoy thrilling views on the London Eye, immerse yourself in culture at the Barbican Arts Centre, or explore the cosmos at the Royal Observatory. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for an unforgettable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Old Royal Naval College

When visiting the Old Royal Naval College in London, you'll find a rich blend of urban parks, charming streets, and historic churches. This area offers cultural experiences perfect for families and travelers alike. Don't miss exploring the Old Royal Naval College itself, as well as nearby royal museums that highlight the area's maritime heritage. Whether you're soaking in the history or enjoying the scenic surroundings, there's plenty to discover.

  • Tower Bridge: Experience the iconic Tower Bridge, a historic drawbridge that beautifully combines Victorian architecture with modern engineering. Explore the glass-floored walkway for stunning views of the Thames and the city below, immersing yourself in London’s rich cultural history.
  • Tower of London: Discover the fascinating history of the Tower of London, a formidable castle that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. With tales of romance and intrigue, you can marvel at the Crown Jewels and learn about its storied past through engaging guided tours.
  • London Bridge: Walk across the modern London Bridge, a bustling symbol of the city that connects the past with the present. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding area, filled with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the Thames.

Best time to go to Old Royal Naval College

The best time to visit Old Royal Naval College is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Royal Naval College

To save money on your visit to the Old Royal Naval College, plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance or checking Expedia's last-minute deals can yield great savings. Sundays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider package deals for flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't forget to check reviews and compare room rates for the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old Royal Naval College are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Old Royal Naval College about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Royal Naval College is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Royal Naval College is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Old Royal Naval College with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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