Join on the day

Essential Information

Location
Queen's House
Price Prices vary | The Van de Veldes Highlights Tour: £10 adults; other tours and talks are free | Purchase tickets at the Admissions Desk

The Queen’s House is often referred to as Greenwich’s hidden gem.

A former royal residence, architectural masterpiece and renowned art gallery, England's first Classical building has a long and varied history.

Our programme of tours and talks bring the stories of the Queen's House to life, led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides. Check out the details below to find out what’s currently on offer.

All tours and talks are subject to staff availability. Please ask at the Admissions Desk to see what we have to offer on the day.

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A close up from a maritime oil painting, showing a sailing ship with an ornate stern decoration. Sunlight is catching the sails

The ​​​​​​Van de Veldes Highlights Tour

To accompany our exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Seathis guided tour uncovers the story of Dutch artists, Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger. Find out about their artistic career, their time working in the Queen's House and their influence on British marine art.

During the tour, you can also step onto the Loggia, the House's covered balcony, which is not usually open to the public.

  • Dates: 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17 December
  • Timings: 3.45pm.
  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
  • Meeting point: The Great Hall.
  • Price: £10 for adults; £7 for students and under 25s; £5 for children; (discounted rates for Members available).
  • Suitability: The tour is suitable for adults and children (although children under 12 will not be allowed on the Loggia due to health and safety).
  • Audio headsets: Depending on the size of the group, you will be provided with headphones and an audio headset, which allow you to clearly hear the guide and adjust the volume if required. The headphones and headset will be collected at the end of the tour.
  • Tour size: Each tour has a maximum capacity of 16 people.
  • Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
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A giant naval tapestry hung in the Queen's House in Greenwich

Gallery Favourite: The Solebay Tapestry

Discover the story behind this 17th century tapestry, designed in the Queen's House by Willem van de Velde the Elder.

  • Dates: 5, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 18,  20, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31 December; 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 10 January
  • Timings: 11am.
  • Duration: Approximately 20 minutes.
  • Meeting point: King’s Presence Chamber, located on the first floor.
  • Price: Free (suggested donation of £5).
  • Suitability: Suitable for adults and children.
  • Accessibility: The King’s Presence Chamber can be accessed via lift.
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An interior shot of art exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea at the Queen's House, showing an evocation of a 17th century artist studio

The Solebay Tapestry and the work of the Van de Veldes

To accompany the exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea, this tour tells the story behind the Solebay Tapestry and explores the highlights of the exhibition. 

  • Dates: 5, 12, 19 December; 9 January
  • Timings: 2.15pm.
  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
  • Meeting point: King’s Presence Chamber.
  • Price: Free (suggested donation of £10).
  • Suitability: The tour is suitable for adults.
  • Tour size: Each tour has a maximum capacity of 12 people.
  • Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
     

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Volunteer Tours

While providing you with a warm welcome, our dedicated team of volunteers also give fantastic tours on the stories of the Queen's House that inspire them.

Please be aware all tours are subject to availability.

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A view of the Queen's House in Greenwich from the outside. The square white building is almost symmetrical from the front, with a gravel pathway leading up to the main entrance

Highlights of the Queen’s House

Join one of our volunteers for this free tour exploring the Queen’s House and its collection.

  • Dates: Mondays.
  • Timings: 12pm and 1.30pm.
  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
  • Meeting point: Undercroft, located through the door between the curved exterior staircases.
  • Price: Free.
  • Suitability: Suitable for adults.
  • Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
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Inigo Jones and the Queen’s House

Uncover the life of Queen's House architect, Inigo Jones, on this free tour.

  • Dates: Tuesdays.
  • Timings: 12pm.
  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
  • Meeting point: Undercroft, located through the door between the curved exterior staircases.
  • Price: Free.
  • Suitability: Suitable for adults.
  • Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
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An interior shot of art exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea at the Queen's House, showing an evocation of a 17th century artist studio

Highlights of the Queen’s House and The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea

Delve into the early history of the building, the Armada Portrait and other paintings from Royal Museums Greenwich’s permanent collection. This free tour includes a walk through our exhibition The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea.

  • Dates: Thursdays.
  • Timings: 12pm and 2pm.
  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
  • Meeting point: Undercroft, located through the door between the curved exterior staircases.
  • Price: Free.
  • Suitability: Suitable for adults.
  • Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
More information

For bespoke tours and for larger groups, please contact the bookings office at bookings@rmg.co.uk

What’s On