Skip to main content

Old Royal Naval College Visitor Centre and Tourist Information

Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9LW

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • The Old Royal Naval College is a large complex of buildings in extensive grounds in the centre of Greenwich.
      .
    • Some, such as the Chapel and Painted Hall are open to the public.
      .
    • Other buildings are home to the University of Greenwich and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
      .
    • The grounds are open to the public to enjoy and there are many events such as music festivals throughout the year.
      .
    • Please see the ORNC website for the event programme.

Location

  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Greenwich.
  • The nearest underground station is North Greenwich.
  • The nearest DLR station is Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich.
  • Comments View
    • Visitors with a visual impairment or disability who require support or an escort from Cutty Sark DLR station should contact the access team.
    • The venue is also very close to Greenwich Pier for riverboat services.
  • Comments View
    • Visitors with a visual impairment or disability who require support or an escort from Cutty Sark DLR station should contact the access team.
    • The venue is also very close to Greenwich Pier for riverboat services.

Opening Times (Grounds)

  • The venue is open from dawn til dusk.

Opening Times (Visitor Centre and Tourist Information Centre)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Cutty Sark Gardens Public Car Park.
    • The car park is located off Welland Street.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • Standard marked parking bays are located in strips along Welland Street.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • On-street standard parking along Welland Street is restricted to permit holders only, Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 17:00, and on Sunday 09:00 - 18:00.

Grounds

  • There is no vehicle access for the public into the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.
  • There are several pedestrian entrances to the site, all with level access or easy slopes.
  • The site covers a large area - over 350m from east to west.
  • The main routes are wide and level with a surface of stone slabs or resin-bound gravel.
  • There is a map to download from the accessibility page of the ORNC website to show the step-free routes around the site.

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Visitor Centre and Tourist Information)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 entrances here - the most accessible is the one on the left.
    • The other two entrances have manual doors. One has a revolving door (centre) and the other (right) opens towards you (pull).

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/12/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in some parts of the museum.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Some parts of the exhibition play music or spoken word recordings.
    • There is direct level access from the visitor centre to the Old Brewery Pub and Dining Room during visitor centre opening hours.
    • For further details about the Old Brewery, please follow the link in the Introduction to the separate guide.
    • The hearing loop is portable and kept at Reception; however it can be moved around the venue if needed.

Reception (Tourist Information)

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/12/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • The Tourist Information counter has maps and leaflets and also sells Oyster cards.
    • There is a very slight ramp to access this desk from the main entrance.
    • The portable hearing loop is kept at the Old Royal Naval College ticket desk and can be bought over if needed.

Reception (Old Royal Naval College - Ticket Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/12/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • Tickets for the Discover Greenwich Museum (in the visitor centre) and the rest of the Old Royal Naval College (including the Painted Hall) can be purchased at this desk.

Museum (Discover Greenwich)

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are available.
  • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/12/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at the tourist information desk.
  • Comments View
    • There are many exhibits within the visitor centre which can be touched, such as stone carvings and also costumes which can be tried on.
    • Where there are audio visual displays, there are subtitles or a hearing loop (audio guides). These are also available in different languages.
    • Large print guides and magnifiers are available from the visitor centre reception.
    • The portable hearing loop can be bought over from the Old Royal Naval College ticket desk if needed.

Other Floors (Clore Learning Centre)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The Clore Learning Centre is a mezzanine level above the rear of the visitor centre.
    • It is used for temporary exhibitions and events.
    • These stairs can be bypassed by the lift.

Lift (Clore Learning Centre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the museum.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • Level 1 from this lift is a staff-only area.
    • Level 2 is for the Clore Learning Centre.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the right as you enter from the main entrance.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 40cm (1ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Counter (Café)

  • The counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 97cm (3ft 2in).
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/12/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The portable hearing loop is kept at the Old Royal Naval College ticket desk and can be bought over if needed.

Counter (Gift Shop)

  • The counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 97cm (3ft 2in).
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/12/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The portable hearing loop is kept at the Old Royal Naval College ticket desk and can be bought over if needed.

Accessible Toilet (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear right of the visitor centre, to the right of the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 186cm x 180cm (6ft 1in x 5ft 11in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear right of the visitor centre.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • Additional standard toilets are located in the Old Brewery and off the outside terrace.
    • There are no ambulant cubicles within the standard toilets; however there is one cubicle in each of the male and female toilets with a door that opens outwards.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located on the grassed areas within the grounds.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.