Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich is Sir Christopher Wren's riverside masterpiece. This British landmark encompasses some of the finest buildings in the world, and is the must-see architectural centrepiece of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Visitors can see the magnificent Painted Hall and the Neoclassical Chapel, hear the stories of the site and of those who lived and worked here, and enjoy the beautiful historic grounds. With a bar and restaurant serving locally sourced quality British food, the Old Royal Naval College is the perfect destination for a great day out. Admission is free and all are welcome. Established as the Royal Hospital for Seamen by King William III and Queen Mary II in 1694, the buildings of the Old Royal Naval College were designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and from 1705 provided accommodation for retired sailors, housing as many as 2,700 residents at its peak in 1814. In 1869 the site became home to the Royal Naval College, an officers' training academy, until 1997. When the Navy left, the site was opened to the public as an extraordinary cultural destination to enlighten, enrich and delight for present and future generations.