Experience the Allure of Bridgerton: Immerse Yourself in Regal Elegance at the Old Royal Naval College, London
Hop aboard the silver screen's most iconic sets with a tour of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London! Draped in grand architecture and steeped in history, this UNESCO world heritage site serves as the backdrop for magnetic movie scenes and television episodes that masterfully weave their enchantment into the minds of viewers.
Join us as we time-travel through over 200 film and TV productions and uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of your favorite movie moments. Be it the roaring '20s of Downton Abbey or the scandalous dramas of Bridgerton - you'll find yourself immersed and spellbound.
Curious to know what sets the pulses racing of movie buffs and history enthusiasts alike? Here's a taste:
Films:
- Napoleon: A cinematic exploration of the life and exploits of the charismatic and controversial Napoleon Bonaparte, directed by the esteemed director Ridley Scott.
- Thor: The Dark World: The God of Thunder wields his hammer in the heart of this historic site.
- Skyfall: The British secret agent James Bond makes a mesmerizing appearance, securing his place among the college's most famous residents.
- The King's Speech: Discover the struggles of King George VI’s battle with a speech impediment and his relationship with Lionel Logue, his unconventional speech therapist.
- The Duchess: A breathtaking portrayal of the life of 18th-century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.
- Les Misérables: Tom Hooper’s award-winning adaptation of the classic novel comes to life on the very grounds you'll be treading.
- Cinderella: A modern retelling of the classic fairytale, exquisitely dressed in the architectural splendor of the Old Royal Naval College.
- The Golden Compass: Awe-inspiring landscapes and action scenes that will leave you spellbound.
- Sons of the Sea (1925): Among the earliest film productions to capture the timeless beauty of the college within its frames.
- Fountain of Youth (2023): The latest Guy Ritchie blockbuster takes viewers through the fascinating world of myth and legend, yet another page in the college's rich tapestry of cinema history.
TV Shows:
- Slow Horses: The thrilling tale of spies and political intrigue, slowly unraveling amidst these historic walls.
- The Great: The dramatic journey of Catherine the Great, ruler of one of the most powerful empires in the world, filmed just a stone's throw away from London.
- Gangs of London: A gripping tale of power and corruption taking place in the teeming streets of 21st-century London, juxtaposed against the tranquil facade of the historic college.
- The Crown: The fascinating history of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family unfolds right before your eyes.
- Poldark: The story of a soldier returning from the American Revolutionary War, set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, embellished by the Old Royal Naval College's enchanting beauty.
Don't let these phenomenal filming sites remain just distant memories on the screen. Step into the world of magic and wonder, and bring your favorite scenes to life. The Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces tour awaits on Fridays and Saturdays at 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Experience history, movies, and memories as one at the Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10. Join us for the Spies, Super Sleuths and Superheroes tour later in the year!
Lette Brundle is our platform's Digital Writer. Before joining in 2025, she polished headlines and ensured commas were in their right place for The Times and The Sunday Times as a sub-editor. An adoration of Paul Mescal saw her cut her teeth in journalism at The Fence. A reluctant resident of noisy south London, she longs for the tranquility of her Kentish roots.
Embark on a captivating journey that blends the worlds of entertainment and history, as you explore the Old Royal Naval College's stunning sets that breathed life into renowned movie productions like 'Thor: The Dark World', 'The King's Speech', and 'Cinderella'. Immerse yourself in the magical tapestry of TV shows like 'The Crown' and 'Slow Horses', which were carefully woven amidst these historical walls. Let your favorite movie moments become a reality on the 'Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces' tour or the upcoming 'Spies, Super Sleuths, and Superheroes' tour.