We’re delighted to once again be part of Open House London, delivering special talks and giving access to several areas in our beautiful site, some of which are normally closed to the general public.

See the full programme here.

Free access

Visitors wishing to explore the Grand Square, King William Courtyard, and Jacobean Undercroft must collect a free ticket from the check-in gazebo located at Lower Grand Square. This ticket grants access to the designated Open House areas and scheduled talks. Please note that the Admiral’s House tour is drop-in only, and no ticket is required to join.

Grand Square

Saturday & Sunday
15 minute talks at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm

The Grand Square of the Old Royal Naval College lies at the heart of one of the most spectacular architectural complexes in Europe.  These drop-in talks will explore the histories behind the sweeping vistas on view.

King William Courtyard

Saturday & Sunday
15 minute talks at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm

Hawksmoor’s work in the King William Courtyard, with its massive scale and sculptural enrichment, is a quintessential example of English Baroque.  The Courtyard is overlooked by the Nelson Pediment, created in Coade stone to a design by the American-born history painter, Benjamin West. These talks will examine the art and architecture of this unique space.

Jacobean Undercroft

Saturday & Sunday
Open from 10.30am to 5pm, drop-in

A rare opportunity to visit the Undercroft of the Queen Anne Building, a survival from the early 1600s and the only remaining intact room from Greenwich Palace.

The Undercroft is reached by a flight of steps: we regret there is no step-free access for this visit.

Admiral’s House & Morning Room

Saturday & Sunday
Open from 11am to 5pm, drop-in

One of the oldest surviving parts of the site, Admiral’s House, overlooking the Thames, was once the residence of the Governor of the Royal Hospital for Seamen. Originally designed by John Webb for Charles II as part of a plan to create a royal palace to rival Versailles, it was later part of the complex to house seamen of the Royal Navy who could no longer go to sea. The Morning Room displays a collection of items relating to Admiral Nelson.

Access will be to the ground floor only.

British Sign Language (BSL) Tour

Saturday 13 September, 2.30pm

Take part in a free, volunteer-run BSL tour of the Jacobean Undercroft and Admiral’s House. Meeting point will be in the gazebo located at Lower Grand Square at 2pm. Advance booking required.