The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College
King William Walk, GreenwichSouth, East London, SE10 9NN -
Up to
400 guests
The Painted Hall, created between 1708–27 by Sir James Thornhill, is often described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the UK’. Your wedding day is a one-of-a-kind experience that deserves a venue like no other.
The moment you enter the Painted Hall, you will know that you have found such a venue. Exquisite paintings by Sir James Thornhill soar to the lofty ceiling of a room that always inspires awe and wonder. Here in the “finest dining hall in Europe”, your wedding breakfast will feel warm and intimate, even in the midst of such grandeur.
Beyond the hall itself, there is a wealth of venue treasures to discover. The majestic vaulted Undercroft that sit beneath the buildings can be hired separately or in combination with the hall. This setting showcases a different side of the Old Royal Naval College, a unique ambience, no less impressive. The Victorian Skittle Alley is a remarkable period setting which you can hire in conjunction with the Queen Mary Undercroft, giving your guests a chance to try their hand at skittles, 19th century style! It also works perfectly as a calm space for any guest that wants a moment away from all the excitement.
Your guests will arrive via the beautiful Westgate entrance, just moments away from the Painted Hall. Alternatively, why not make your entrance as dramatic as your venue and arrive by boat?Amidst the majesty of the Painted Hall, the bride will make her way down the aisle, with all eyes on her, the centrepiece of Sir James Thornhill’s masterwork. Here a beautiful civil ceremony is conducted, lasting for around half an hour and leaving barely a dry eye in the hall!
Once you have said your “I do”s, guests are invited to take advantage of warm weather, with an al fresco drinks reception on the King William Colonnades. During the cooler months, guests will be welcomed to the Queen Mary Undercroft for their pre-dinner drinks. This is a wonderful opportunity to take photographs capturing the enchanting backdrops offered by the grounds at the Old Royal Naval College. Before long, guests will be called to dinner. On returning to the Painted Hall, you will find it transformed for your wedding breakfast and speeches. Here in the “finest dining hall in Europe”, your celebration will feel warm and intimate, even in such grand surroundings.
As the mood changes, your guests will appreciate a change in scenery, as they discover more of the Old Royal Naval College’s elegant spaces. Take to the Undercroft to cut the cake and dance the night away in atmospheric surroundings. Hire the Queen Mary and your guests can even try their hand at skittles in our refurbished Victorian Skittle Alley!
Capacity & layout
Standing
up to 400
Location
Reviews
Antony Amalraj Morais
September 2024Visited this gem of a place recently and was impressed by the rich Hollywood history and the beauty of Painted Hall. I definitely recommend the Blockbuster Tour (1 hour) and the Painted Hall Tour (30 mins). There are huge beds in the Painted Hall that you can use to lie down and admire the ceiling. Do the blockbuster tour that starts from the visitor centre and ends at Painted Hall where you can continue the Painted Hall Tour, best way to utilise the time. Note: Blockbuster Tour doesn't happen on all days, so do check out the schedule before booking it.
Fatih C
August 2024The Old Royal Naval College are buildings that serve as the architectural centrepiece of Maritime Greenwich,a World Heritage Site in Greenwich, London, described by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as being of "outstanding universal value" and reckoned to be the "finest and most dramatically sited architectural and landscape ensemble in the British Isles". Formerly the site of a royal palace, the old college was originally constructed to serve as the Royal Navy's Greenwich Hospital, designed by Christopher Wren, and built between 1696 and 1712. The hospital closed in 1869 and so between 1873 and 1998 the buildings were used as a training establishment for the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. The site is now managed by the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College, established in 1997 to conserve the buildings and grounds and convert them into a cultural destination.
Maia Johnston
September 2024If you like classical art and you like learning about English Naval History, boy do I have the place for you! The Old Royal Naval College was also the Royal Hospital for Seamen, so there are a lot of ties to England's favorite Admiral Lord Nelson. The £16.50 to get into see the Painted Hall is *well* worth your money. It is absolutely stunning. The grounds are expansive and you can also pop over to see the Queen's House and the Royal Maritime Museum (both free). But seriously, go see the Painted Hall. I went first thing in the morning on a Monday and there was no line and maybe three other tourists in the Hall. Claim a bench, lay down and listen to the audio tour (included in the admission price). Also, if you know anyone who lives in London, they can register the pass and get an annual pass (I think).
Kitty
August 2024Stunning, all the architecture here are gorgeous. It’s so near to city center but the scene is totally different, like been to a heritage which is hours away from London, so it’s a perfect place to visit for those wanna experience an ancient journey but with limited time only. It’s free to walk around, didn’t buy ticket to get into the Painted Hall as there’s a wedding today, but it worths to give a donation at the St Paul Church as it’s too beautiful. Good to have a one day trip at Greenwich, with spending an afternoon here. No words can describe how beautiful here is, need to play a visit to witness it.
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