Queen's House

Description

Queen's House is a former royal residence in the London borough of Greenwich, which presently serves as a public art gallery. It was built between 1616 and 1635 on the grounds of the now demolished Greenwich Palace, a few miles downriver from the City of London. 

The Armada Portrait is one of the most recognisable images of the Queen, or of any English monarch. The work is on permanent display in the Queen's Presence Chamber, and is one of the jewels in the crown of the Queen's House art collection.

Free entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Visit the Queen: The iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I commemorates the most famous conflict of the Tudor monarch's reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in the summer of 1588.
  • Check out iconic architecture: Anne of Denmark, the wife of King James I, commissioned the Queen’s House in 1616. Her vision was for it to be a garden retreat set between the River Thames and Greenwich Park.
  • Discover world-famous artists: The Queen’s House is a treasure trove for art lovers. From historic masterpieces to new commissions, its collections encompass seascapes, royal portraits and contemporary sculpture. 
  • See Turner's largest artwork: J.M.W. Turner’s The Battle of Trafalgar is one of the highlights of the Queen’s House collection. Measuring more than three metres wide by two metres in height, it’s a work that is colossal both in scale and ambition. 
  • Brush up on royal history: There's a reason this part of London is known as Royal Greenwich. Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary were all born in Greenwich; Henry VIII even had two of his weddings here.
  • Uncover cutting-edge contemporary art: Did you know that the Queen’s House was designed as a space to showcase the pioneering artists of the age? Today the Queen’s House continues this tradition, commissioning and displaying pieces from leading artists. 
  • Gaze out at the view: When the Old Royal Naval College was being built, Queen Mary stipulated that the new buildings should not block the view of the Thames from the Queen’s House - a request that Sir Christopher Wren fulfilled.
  • Listen to engaging tours and talks: Step back in time and uncover the stories of the Queen’s House, led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides. Explore the unique architecture and history of the former royal residence on ‘The Queen’s House Classic Treasures Tour’ and enjoy exclusive access to the balcony. 
  • Look at a rediscovered masterpiece: A long-lost portrait by the acclaimed 18th-century painter Thomas Gainsborough has been discovered in Royal Museums Greenwich’s collections.
  • Experience classical music in sublime surroundings: If you’re seeking extraordinary performances in an exquisite setting, why not check out our range of concerts? Whether you want to attend a free lunchtime recital – given by students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – or listen to an evening of chamber music, we have a rich programme of events on offer. 
  • Spot the Queen's House ghost: Do you believe in ghosts? The legend of the Queen's House ghost began in 1966, when Reverend and Mrs R. W. Hardy captured this spooky shot of a spectral figure (or figures) ascending the Tulip Stairs. 

Facilities

  • Parking: The National Maritime Museum car park at Park Row is a private car park. The car park (postcode SE10 9NG) is approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the National Maritime Museum, 10 minutes’ walk from Cutty Sark and 12-15 minutes’ walk from the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
  • Food & drinks: The Parkside Café is a bright and airy space at the National Maritime Museum with expansive views of Greenwich Royal Park. There is plenty of seating, both indoor and outdoor. Grab a hot or cold drink, and a selection of sandwiches and cakes - perfect for a picnic in the park.
  • Toilets: All the toilet and baby-change facilities at the Queen's House are wheelchair accessible. A Changing Places facility is available in the National Maritime Museum nearby.

What to see

Family fun activities:

  • Queen's House characters: Meet historical characters connected to the Queen's House and take part in exciting performances.
  • Family trails at the Queen's House: Pick up your own family trail or kit to help you explore the Queen's House galleries, discover objects that are hundreds of years old, and learn how to protect them.
  • Top things to do with kids: From an ocean-themed playground to pirate adventures on board Cutty Sark, there's so much for families to discover at Royal Museums Greenwich.
  • Things to do with toddlers: Get to know Cutty Sark’s longest serving Captain, as well as all of the other important people from the ships past. Every day this cast of characters are waiting to tell you their stories from the Cutty Sark.
  • Easter activities at the Queen's House: Storytelling and craft workshops are just some of the springtime events taking place at the Queen's House

For more information please visit here.

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The Queen's House is open daily: 10am-5pm except 24, 25 and 26 December. 

Address: Romney Road, London SE10 9NF, UK

Post Code: SE10 9NF

Council: Greenwich

County: Greater London

  • By Bus: The Queen's House is a quick, easy journey from central London via train, DLR and bus.
  • By Car: There is a secure car park nearby which is open to visitors during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Spaces can be reserved in advance when booking tickets.
  • Parking: There is a secure car park nearby which is open to visitors during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Spaces can be reserved in advance when booking tickets.

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