Family visits
The Old Royal Naval College offers a wonderful experience for families. Discover a variety of events and activities both inside the historic buildings and around the picturesque grounds.
With expansive lawns and beautiful riverside views, our grounds are free to visit and open daily. It’s the ideal place to stroll, play, and enjoy a lunch or an ice cream in a safe, relaxing setting.
Children under 16 enjoy free entry to the Old Royal Naval College, making it an accessible destination for families.
Explore our family friendly activities below.
Explore Mars
Bring the family to see the Mars in the Painted Hall! This giant glowing planet is sure to wow visitors of all ages.
To make your visit even more fun, grab our family trail at the entrance. It’s full of fun facts, puzzles, and activities to help kids explore the Painted Hall and learn all about Mars.
Kids go free
Interact with history
The Visitor Centre features a fascinating collection of historical artefacts, film footage, and hands-on displays, including a replica of Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace and a life-size Greenwich pensioner’s room from the 1750s. Free for kids and £3 for adults (17+).
What's here
Enjoy the Painted Hall at any age
Comfortable benches in the Painted Hall invite visitors to relax and admire Sir James Thornhill’s masterpiece. Our family trail and sensory backpacks, including an interactive pack with toys, puzzles, games, and activity sheets, enhance the experience for younger guests.
See the Painted Hall
The Skittle Alley
Enjoy a game at the Skittle Alley, originally created in the 1860s for the Greenwich Pensioners. Open daily from 12pm – 3pm or join a 600 Years of History Tour.
Learn more
Family Trails
Families with children aged 5 – 12 years can request a free family booklet from the Visitor Centre to explore the Painted Hall with interactive activities.
Events for the whole family
We have full programme of special family events throughout the year and during school holidays. Check out our What’s On for all the latest events.
Explore events
Family friendly facilities
We offer baby changing facilities, toilets, and a lift into the King William Undercroft, where the main café and shop are located, as well as buggy parking and a lift into the Painted Hall.
Access information
Family Sunday Refresh
Our weekly Family Sunday Programme will be paused from August to improve our offerings. We are redesigning the programme with input from visitors, families, and stakeholders, aiming to relaunch in 2025.
We would love to hear from you! If you’d like to help us shape the future of our family activities, please share your ideas in this survey.
