Family Visits

Interact with history

The Visitor Centre is packed with a fascinating permanent collection of historical artefacts, film footage, and hands-on displays – from a replica of Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace to a life-size reconstruction of a Greenwich pensioner’s room from the 1750s and a knight’s helmet to handle and hold. Purchase a £3 Discover Greenwich ticket and learn more about this extraordinary place.

Make the most of Painted Hall tickets

A trip to the Old Royal Naval College is not complete without seeing the Painted Hall. Tickets give you unlimited re-entry for a whole year and children aged 16 and under, go free.

Tour guides and volunteers help to bring the paintings to life.

For younger visitors, a family trail has been developed alongside a range of sensory backpacks. A free interactive pack is available and explores the magnificent paintings with toys, puzzles, games and fun informative activity sheets.

Benches in the Painted Hall allow visitors to sit (or lie down) in comfort and discover the beauty and wonder of the artist, Sir James Thornhill’s masterpiece.

The Skittle Alley

Be bowled over by the Skittle Alley. Created in the 1860s to help entertain the Greenwich Pensioners living at the Royal Hospital for Seamen. Today, children and adults can stop off for a game. Open daily 12pm – 3pm.

Family Events

There is a year-round programme of family-friendly activities, a mix of free and ticketed events and workshops, plus storytelling sessions aimed at children from 5+.

Come and take part in free creative making workshops, drama or history sessions on Sundays. Learn about the fascinating stories behind the buildings, take part in lively drama and movement sessions for families and there’s just a chance you might meet someone from history as you walk the grounds.

Blockbuster Film Tours

For family film buffs the Blockbuster Film Tours are an essential discovery into the films that were shot here. Discover the behind-the-scenes filming secrets of what’s been called “the most popular filming location in the world.” (Empire magazine).

Family Trails

For those of you visiting with children aged 5 – 12 years, ask for a free family booklet from the Visitor Centre and explore the exciting history of the Painted Hall with interactive activities.

Family friendly facilities

Baby changing facilities and toilets are available across the Old Royal Naval College. There is a lift available into the King William Undercroft, where the main cafe and shop are situated, as well as buggy parking and a lift into the main section of the Painted Hall. Children’s books and toys are available to purchase from our shops.