Greenwich Visitor Centre

The Old Royal Naval College Visitor Centre in Greenwich in south east London provides an introduction to the history and attractions in the Greenwich World Heritage Site. It is located in the Pepys Buildings near to the Cutty Sark within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College (formerly Greenwich Hospital). Admission is free.

The Centre explains the history of Greenwich as a royal residence and a maritime centre. Exhibits include:
* The history of the Palace of Placentia.
* Models of Christopher Wren's original designs for Greenwich Hospital.
* Six of the carved heads originally intended to decorate the exterior of the College's Painted Hall.
* Exhibition displays about Maritime Greenwich and its connections with the sea and exploration.
* "By Wisdom as much as War" – an exhibition about the history of the Royal Naval College during the years it occupied Greenwich Hospital (1873–1998). The following attractions are located in the World Heritage Site:
* Cutty Sark
* Fan Museum
* Greenwich Hospital, this is the centrepiece of Greenwich and one of the grandest buildings in England; it was occupied by the Royal Naval College at one time.
* Greenwich Park
* National Maritime Museum
* Queen's House
* Ranger's House
* Royal Greenwich Observatory

The Visitor Centre contains a cafe and a gift shop and also the Greenwich Tourist Information Office, which offers practical advice on bookings, accommodation, travel and so on.

ee also

*Greenwich Heritage Centre - the London Borough of Greenwich's local history museum

External links

* [http://www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org.uk]
* [http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/LeisureCulture/VisitorInformation/GreenwichTouristInformationCentre.htm Greenwich Tourist Information Centre]
* [http://www.greenwichwhs.org.uk/ Greenwich World Heritage Site – official website]