Visitors are in for a treat this April at the Old Royal Naval College, with cracking Easter events for the whole family. Activities will delight children and their families, including the Skittle Bunny Challenge, Morris Dancing and special Easter storytelling, and those after an indulgent Easter Sunday can enjoy Afternoon Tea in the historic Admiral’s House.
The Great Easter Trail, 1st – 16th April, will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the beautiful riverside grounds of the Old Royal Naval College with a special Easter trail booklet. Visiting children and their families who find all the hidden objects and places in the booklet will win a sweet treat.
From 1st – 16th April, children can enjoy the Skittle Bunny Challenge. Head down to the Victorian Skittle Alley underneath the Painted Hall to have a go playing an authentic game of Skittles, just like the Greenwich Pensioners used to. Knock the Skittles down to win a sweet Easter treat!
On the first Sunday of every month, visitors can benefit from the Old Royal Naval College’s First Sunday scheme, when Painted Hall tickets are only £5. On 2nd April, children can enjoy a fun First Sunday Storytelling session, inspired by the Painted Hall and the site’s rich naval and Tudor history. The special Easter storytelling session, Easter Discoveries, follows a sailor’s journey to different countries as they discover interesting Easter traditions from all over the world. This is a sensory story with sounds and smells.
Children can have a go at Easter Basket Weaving on 9th April, part of the Old Royal Naval College’s Make History programme. These are creative making sessions on the second Sunday of each month, where children can learn stories all about the site and use a range of materials to make their own creation. On 9th April, children can make their own Easter Basket to put their Easter Eggs and other treasures in over the Easter holidays.
For an exclusive and indulgent Easter Sunday, visitors can enjoy the Old Royal Naval College’s special Easter Afternoon Tea. In the historic Admiral’s House, which is rarely open to the public, tea drinkers can enjoy views of the Thames, a regal yet intimate atmosphere and enjoy a sophisticated Afternoon Tea, with delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and sweet treats. A selection of teas are available from family-owned British tea specialist Hope & Glory, and visitors can elevate their experience with Prosecco or Champagne. There are delicious milkshakes available for children.
On the Bank Holiday Monday, visitors can enjoy traditional Morris Dancing on the lovely riverside lawns. The south east London-based Blackheath Morris Men will perform on the Monument Gardens by the Visitor Centre, celebrating the season with Morris dancing and Easter Chair Lifting.
For those who want to learn more about the incredible history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenwich over the Easter holidays, there are special Wren Tours on site. The Old Royal Naval College was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, Britain’s most illustrious architect, in the late 17th century. 2023 marks the tercentenary of the death of Sir Christopher Wren, and the Old Royal Naval College is commemorating Wren’s incredible architectural achievements with a programme of events throughout the year: Wren 300. The Wren Tours will see knowledgeable guides take visitors around the site every Thursday, learning more about this remarkable polymath, architect and astronomer, his buildings on site and his ongoing legacy.
With all this packed into the Easter period, there is plenty of sweet treat-filled fun for everyone to have a cracking Easter at the Old Royal Naval College.
