Queen's House

Today it is a free art gallery, cared for by Royal Museums Greenwich. Inside you’ll find royal portraits, seascapes and cutting-edge sculpture, including the iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, one of the treasures of the collection. New displays are installed each year to celebrate the ever-evolving collection, with new acquisitions and commissions, and special exhibitions are included in your entry ticket. Don’t miss the elegant Tulip Stairs, a graceful spiral staircase that has become one of the most photographed spots in Greenwich.

Entry is free. Booking online in advance guarantees entry, though you can normally turn up on the day. Friendly guides run regular tours and talks, a free audio tour is available on your phone through the Smartify app, and there’s a lively programme of family activities, talks and after-hours events, from character actors on Sundays to dark history tours, Santa’s Grotto and, in winter, the Queen’s House Ice Rink. Private out-of-hours tours can also be arranged. The nearest café is the Parkside Café at the National Maritime Museum, two minutes’ walk away.