Events at Old Royal Naval College

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Royal Naval College lies in the heart of Greenwich, close to the River Thames in London. Constructed between 1696 and 1712, the college was partially designed by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the leading architects of the period. The site is used for a variety of purposes, which include a number of ticketed events throughout the course of the year.

For many decades, the college was used as a hospital, principally for former and serving seaman of the Royal Navy. In 1998, the college was taken over by a charitable foundation that was set up to look after the heritage of the site and to preserve the building’s ornate architectural features and wonderful interiors. At this time, it ceased to be known simply as the ‘Royal Naval College’ and had the term ‘Old’ added to its official name.

Old Royal Naval College history

The magnificent college buildings that now overlook the Thames were built on the site of a former palace that had stood in various forms since Tudor times. From the period of the English Civil War, the palace fell into disrepair and the decision to demolish it was taken in 1694. After that, building work began on the site for the construction of the aforementioned hospital. It was soon afterwards that many of the stunning interiors were added, such as the college’s famous Painted Gallery. In 1869, the hospital was decommissioned and four years later, the buildings were converted by the Navy to form a new training establishment.

Under its most recent custodianship, part of the college's site was leased to the University of Greenwich and another area to Trinity College of Music, giving the entire area a youthful and vibrant atmosphere. In 2002, the college’s Old Chapel and its Painted Hall were converted into a visitor centre that was opened to the public for the first time. In recent years, the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College have been used as the backdrops to various films. For example, sections of the thriller Patriot Games were filmed there. It was also used for location shooting for Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shanghai Knights, among others.

Old Royal Naval College events

The grounds of the Old Royal Naval College are now used for a regular lineup of summer concerts. These include popular music acts, such as Cliff Richard, Alexander O’Neal and Little Mix, as well as performances from entertainers more associated with musical theatre, such as Michael Ball.

Similar venues to the Old Royal Naval College

Seeking alternatives to the Old Royal Naval College? At StubHub, you can find tickets for events at Somerset House, another exceptionally ornate building in London, and the O2 Arena, just down the road in North Greenwich.