Old Royal Naval College, London

Elegant and dramatic, Old Royal Naval College represents a former military hospital built between 1696 and 1712, now inscribed on the World Heritage List. The hospital was established on the ground of the former Palace of Palentia, the birthplace of Tudor queens Mary I and Elizabeth I. In 1873 it was converted to a training facility for the navy, though the elegant Baroque architecture was preserved. Visitors today can tour the painted hall, a dining hall intended for naval veterans and extravagantly decorated with floor-to-ceiling murals representing British power. Visitors can also tour the queen's palace, hospital, training facilities, and 18th-century chapel. With its twin domed spires, statues, and columns, the grand museum makes a stunning sight along the Thames. Work out when and for how long to visit Old Royal Naval College and other London attractions using our handy London trip planner.