Days out guides Easter School Holidays

Spring at The Old Royal Naval College

By Fergus McCarthy · March 30, 2026 · 5 min read

Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN

This spring, the Old Royal Naval College invites visitors to step into a vibrant season of family experiences, live music, history and outdoor theatre. Across the season, the historic site will come alive with immersive events, concerts, talks and tours as it also marks a milestone 300^th anniversary of the Painted Hall.

New Family Days

Children and adults alike to take part in creative activities inspired by the site’s heritage and stories on the third Sunday of each month. With activity stations throughout the Painted Hall and wider site, from sketching to dress-up, visitors of all ages can engage, create and learn together. Each Family Day is themed around ideas central to the history, heritage and stories of the Painted Hall itself – from myths and symbols, to art and architecture – alongside prompts to celebrate its 300^th anniversary, so new and returning families alike can experience the hall in a new and engaging ways.

Tudor Takeover

Whilst 2026 lets audiences immerse themselves in the 300-year history of the Painted Hall year-around, the Old Royal Naval College will also take families even further back in time. The brand-new Tudor Takeover on 18^th – 19^th April will bring the past back to life through immersive historical re-enactments where children can learn to be a knight for the day. Calligraphy workshops, period music and dance, and a spectacular Tudor royal procession across the grounds are also part of this time warping event. Renowned touring company The Three Inch Fools then return with their irreverent outdoor musical comedy King Arthur and the Holy Fail. In a thrilling quest to save his beloved realm, would-be hero Arthur steps into the light to juggle with fate, destiny and chivalry. Featuring live music and legendary laughs, this outdoor comedy is fun for all the family.

Greenwich Dog Show

Spring at the Old Royal Naval College isn’t complete without our four-legged friends, as the ever-popular Greenwich Dog Show returns on 24^th May for its fourth year. Welcoming pups, pooches and proud owners to put their best paw forward and show off their finest tricks, this joyful celebration of canine companionship always thrills. For 2026, Bridgerton’s Gracie McGonigal (Into the Woods, Bridge Theatre) will join TV Presenter Jodie McCallum as a celebrity judge.

A Celebration of Organ Music in the Chapel

Music also takes centre stage throughout the spring season. A Celebration of Organ Music in the Chapel led by Ralph Allwood MBE with musician and Organist Alexander Knight and the Chapel Choir presents a memorable evening celebrating the grand symphony of the restored organ in the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul on 20^th March. Bringing together choirs and vocal groups, regular concert?goers or new vocal audiences can enjoy in The BIG Sing: Spring Gospel Concert’s feel-good concert on 25^th April for an uplifting performance showcasing the power and joy of collective singing. Famous scores from blockbuster movies will fill the Chapel on 30^th May, as Cinematic Sounds: An evening with Docklands Sinfonia bring musical classics to this iconic filming location.

Film Tour offering

Guided tours for a more modern lens are also regularly available with the site’s core Film Tour offering, providing a behind the scenes look at the countless iconic productions filmed at the Old Royal Naval College, from Bridgerton to Bond alike. From April, Saturdays see Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces taking centre stage, where period drama lovers can follow in the footsteps of their favourite actors and actresses from Bridgerton, The Crown, Pirates of the Caribbean, Les Miserable and much more. While Sundays put the world of espionage and mystery firmly in the spotlight, with Spies, Sleuths and Superheroes – an interactive walking tour with a secret mission to crack before time runs out – inspired by the likes of Bond, Slow Horses, Sherlock and The Dark Knight. While those with an interest in the history of Gin, can partake in an exclusive tour and tasting at the on-site Greenwich Spirits, exploring the maritime connections and history of this iconic British tipple.

Secret Dome tours

From April, the Old Royal Naval College relaunches their popular Secret Dome tours, sharing the architectural and historical insights of Greenwich’s iconic domes, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. These guided tours join the Old Royal Naval College’s ongoing 600 Years of History and Painted Hall tours, which for 2026 highlights the milestone 300^thanniversary of the iconic Baroque space.

Title Family Day

Dates Sunday 17^th May 2026

https://ornc.org/whats-on/family-day/

Title Tudor Takeover

Dates Saturday 18^th – Sunday 19^th April 2026

https://ornc.org/whats-on/tudor-takeover/

Title The BIG Sing: Spring Gospel Concert

Dates Saturday 25^th April 2026

https://ornc.org/whats-on/big-sing-gospel-concert/

Title Greenwich Dog Show

Dates Sunday 24^th May 2026

https://ornc.org/whats-on/greenwich-dog-show/