Celebrating 100 years of cinematic legacy

For a century, the Old Royal Naval College, a historic and cherished landmark has played a starring role in some of the world’s most beloved films and TV shows, captivating audiences around the world.   

The 17-acre UNESCO World heritage site in Greenwich has been a ‘location stunt double’ for royal palaces and cities across Europe, from Regency era period dramas to out-of-this-world backdrops for superheroes, the site has captured the attention of filmmakers. 

Over the past 100 years, it has evolved into the UK’s No 1. most filmed heritage site, appearing in over 200 productions, listed in IMDb, from Hollywood blockbusters to beloved British TV dramas.  

Old Royal Naval College’s iconic baroque buildings, designed by Sir Christopher Wren with its Painted Hall, famed domes, colonnades and courtyards lend credibility and authenticity to movies and TV shows that cannot be replicated in studios. For filmmakers, the narrative possibilities are endless, an inspiring backdrop to conjure up the past, present and future.  

Filming at the Old Royal Naval College dates back to 1925, when its grand architecture and riverside setting and buildings featured in a silent film, Sons of the Sea, that tells the tale of two young men who join the Navy. In the film, the Royal Naval College features as itself.  

Throughout the mid-20th century, the site became a go-to location for historical dramas, thanks to its authentic period settings. By the 1990s, major productions such as Patriot Games (1992) and The Madness of King George (1994) cemented its reputation as a prime filming destination. 

The 21st century saw an explosion of high-profile productions, with the Old Royal Naval College starring in Sherlock Holmes (2009), The King’s Speech (2010), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) Les Misérables (2012), Skyfall (2012), Thor: The Dark World (2013), and The Crown (2016-2023).  

Today, film and TV production on site continue to flourish. More recently, it has featured in Bridgerton (2020-), Napoleon (2023), Slow Horses (2022), Cruella (2021), Enola Holmes (2020), and The Diplomat (2023), showcasing its versatility across genres. 

Empire Magazine once posed the question, “Is This The Most Popular Filming Location In The World?”, declaring that “Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College is taking over Hollywood.” This recognition reflects the site’s growing influence in global cinema and its appeal to film directors and makers such as Ridley Scott, Sam Mendes, Richard Curtis, George Clooney, Jane Campion, Phyllida Lloyd, Guy Ritchie, amongst many others. 

Steve Mortimore, the Supervising Location manager on Napoleon, said, 

“The beauty of filming at the Old Royal Naval College is that the scale of the site itself, allows for extremely ambitious levels of production design, and logistically complex shoots. It really is a classic filming location, there is nothing quite like it in Central London or even the UK overall.” 

Matthew Mees, Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College, said:  

“Celebrating 100 years of film and TV at the Old Royal Naval College is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament to the heritage site’s enduring cinematic, cultural and creative legacy. It is a unique opportunity to honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire and welcome future filmmakers and creatives from around the world.” 

Our cinematic significance has been formally acknowledged with its designation as a Treasure of European Film Culture—a prestigious recognition celebrating locations of historical and artistic value that have left a lasting mark on European cinema. This honour underscores the importance of preserving the Old Royal Naval College, not just as a heritage site, but as a vital part of film history. 

Filming at the Old Royal Naval College provides a high-return, low-cost source of income, making a significant financial impact on the charity.  The financial support from productions has been vital in preserving the stunning architecture, funding conservation work, and keeping this the heritage site open for visitors and preserved and well-maintained for future generations. 

New for April 2025, visitors can explore the location’s fascinating history and discover behind-the-scenes insights through a brand-new guided tour celebrating its role in film and TV history. Whether you’re a film buff, history lover, or just curious to see where some of your favourite scenes were shot, the Old Royal Naval College offers an unforgettable experience. 

Explore our film history here.