Outdoor events
Our extensive riverside grounds with spectacular views offer versatile outdoor areas that are available to hire for all types of events from concerts and festivals to charity events.
You can explore our outdoor spaces below or you’re welcome to arrange a site visit. We’d be delighted to show you around and discuss your event in person. Download our venue hire map.
Rate Guide
Hire rates start from £1,200 ranging up to £20,000 for Upper Grand Square.
Consultation with Greenwich Foundation & Management required prior to quotation. Facility fees and security may apply.
Refundable damage deposit fee subject to the specifics of the event.
Contact us
Please contact our Commercial Team on 020 8269 4798, or email us at events@ornc.org.
UPPER AND LOWER GRAND SQUARES
One of the finest architectural and riverside views in Europe and immortalised by the Italian artist Canaletto, the Upper and Lower Grand Squares are the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The famous twin domes of the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, have appeared in multiple Hollywood blockbusters and provided an unrivalled backdrop for some incredible music festivals and live events. The domes can be lit up in colours to match brands or events.
The Squares comprise paved and lawn areas.
Measurements:
Upper Grand Square 82m x 33m
Lower Grand Square 70m x 60m
King William and King Charles Lawns
Adjacent to Greenwich Pier, both the King William and King Charles Lawns are perfectly positioned for a variety of events from corporate away days to weddings, and for two days each year, is home to one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals.
Bordered at one end by the Thames, the Lawns are attractive, mid-sized outdoor spaces, each divided into four quadrants with a central fountain.
Measurements:
King William Lawn 96m x 40m
King Charles Lawn 88m x 40m
Pepys Lawn, Monument Gardens and Chapel Garden
Smaller-sized, off-shoot spaces suited to intimate outdoor events of 300-600 people, or as a base for activities in the wider area. Pepys Lawn offers access to the Old Brewery and the Visitor Centre, whilst Monument Gardens overlooks the iconic Cutty Sark and the Thames River Walk.
Measurements:
Pepys Lawn 40m x 15m
Monument Gardens 30m x 10m
Chapel Garden 30m x 10m
King William Courtyard and Queen Mary Courtyard
The red brick and Portland stone King William Courtyard is festooned with shells, sea creatures and other details. An ornate lantern is the centrepiece of a cobbled courtyard, arranged to echo the pattern of the Union Jack.
The Queen Mary Courtyard is less ornate and is surfaced with flagstones.
Both Courtyards have steps leading onto the Colonnades.
Measurements:
King William Courtyard 48m x 30m
Queen Mary Couryard 50m x 40m
Colonnades
Get a breath of fresh air on the King William and Queen Mary Colonnades either side of Upper Grand Square. With detailed baroque ceilings and the site’s distinctive outdoor lanterns, these make exceptionally beautiful open air spaces. Available for hire along with the Painted Hall, Chapel, and Undercrofts, or on their own.
Measurements:
Colonnades 100m x 4m
Central wide area 24m x 8m
Dome Lighting
As part of our outdoor hire offer, our iconic domes and buildings can be illuminated in a host of colours to mark special occasions, anniversaries and highlight causes.
Organisations and charities wishing to promote their causes by lighting up, projecting images onto walls or flying flags from the buildings and grounds of Old Royal Naval College must request permission from the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College.
If you would like to request the lighting up of the domes, apply via the form which can be downloaded here. Please send forms directly to events@ornc.org.uk
