Inside an iconic London building is a stunning hall that has been compared to the Sistine Chapel.
One of the best things about living in Hampshire is the proximity to London. We can enjoy what the big smoke has to offer, pretend we aren't tourists, and return home in time for bed. Perfect.
In general, I tend to avoid the big tourist traps - I'm sure the London Eye is fun but it's not for me.
I am, however, quite partial to a museum so when Transport For London (TFL) invited us down to visit the Old Royal Naval College I couldn't say no.
@megan_stanley_ This is my idea of a very nice day out #greenwich #oldroyalnavycollege #museum #londontiktok #pressinvite #press ♬ A Summer Place - Hollywood Strings Orchestra
TFL has partnered with the museum to offer visitors 30% off tickets, but you've only got until November to take up the deal.
The college is based in the iconic Greenwich domes next to the Cutty Sark, the beautiful structures have appeared on TV and film including The Crown, Bridgerton, Les Miserables, and even Thor.
Tickets include talks and tours which run throughout the day, our first tour guide was Brian who was extremely knowledgeable.
The space is rich with history. In the space of 30 minutes, we stood where King Henry VIII was born, looked out over the Thames where Anne Boleyn arrived, and admired the view Queen Mary II adored so much.
Four buildings make up the Old Royal Naval College of today, including the Royal Hospital for Seamen, which was a place of refuge for retired or injured sailors who’d served in the Royal Navy, known as Greenwich Pensioners.
We were taken to the beautiful Chapel of St Peter and St Paul which was breathtaking thanks to the intricate artwork on the ceiling.
Made with wood from the Deptford Docks, it would have been a treasured place for the pensioners who would find a religious connection there. The space is still open for prayer and holds regular lunchtime recitals from the local Trinity Laban students.
We then crossed the green to explore more of the life of the pensioners, before finally reaching our final destination: The Painted Hall.
Now, this room is described as Britain's Sistine Chapel, having just visited the real Sistine Chapel a few weeks ago, I was intrigued. It's quite bold to compare something to one of the most impressive ceilings in the world.
Our new tour guide John took his time to point out which figures were painted where, who paid for the hall, and how each part came into being. I won't spoil who is where, but let's just say one pensioner found himself being painted to keep him out of trouble.
I was particularly keen to hear about the Vice Admiral Horatio, Lord Nelson link, especially after visiting HMS Victory in the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth last year.
After his death in 1805, Nelson was brought to the Royal Hospital to lay in state for three days in the Painted Hall.
After the detailed tour of his life onboard HMS Victory, it was nice to find another chapter of Nelson's story in London.
Now, does it compare to the Sistine Chapel? Well. It's complicated.
Unlike the Sistine Chapel, the budget was much smaller so many of the pillars and designs are illusions, painted on to appear 3D. But honestly, I quite liked the character and charm this gave the room.
The ceiling does take your breath away, there's no doubt about that and unlike the Sistine Chapel, you are allowed to talk and the tour guide really does bring the space to life.
The Old Royal Naval College is a unique bit of history that isn't too far from home. The tours aren't too long, and afterwards, you can spend hours enjoying the views or exploring Greenwich.
It takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours to get from Hampshire to the Old Royal Naval College. It can be the perfect day out or activity for a weekend away.
@megan_stanley_ A 10/10 stay. Thank you Vintry & Mercer 🙏 #london #hotel #londontiktok #stpaulscathedral #PR #PRinvite ♬ Summer Vibes - GRLN
We stayed overnight at the Vintry & Mercer which is just a short walk from St Paul's Cathedral. The five-star boutique hotel provided fantastic service, nothing was too much trouble for the friendly staff who were very attentive.
The room was luxurious and comfortable, the bath robes were the perfect comfort after a long, relaxing soak in the bath.
What shouldn't be missed is the rooftop terrace which overlooks some of London's most famous landmarks - including the Shard and St Paul's. The view is paired with incredible food and cocktails served up by lovely servers who make every diner feel like royalty.
How to get to the Old Royal Naval College and ticket information
You can get a direct train to London Waterloo from Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover using regular South Western Railway services.
From Waterloo, the museum is just 30 minutes away using the London Underground or TFL bus network.
Tickets cost £16.50 which includes tours, entry to the Painted Hall, the Skittle Alley and much more. For more information visit ornc.org.
The Old Royal Naval College has partnered with TFL which means visitors who can prove they've used the TFL network can get 30% off the entry fee.
It’s applicable for up to four adults in one transaction when they book tickets in advance on ORNC’s website (only one person needs to show proof). It excludes every first Sunday of the month.
Up to four children aged under 11 years old travel for free with a fare-paying adult on TfL's network. Children aged 17 and under can also get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard.
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