Queen's House

The Basics

According to legend, the Queen’s House was given to Queen Anne of Denmark by her husband, James I, as an apology for swearing in her presence. Though the house was completed in 1638, years after her death, it was later used by other members of the royal family. Located adjacent to Greenwich’s other highlights, including the Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House underwent an extensive renovation in 2015–16. Today, it is renowned as a Grade I–listed landmark, an extraordinary architectural highlight, and as a home for many works by Old Masters.

The Queen’s House can be seen during various Greenwich itineraries and can even be viewed from the water during Thames river cruises.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Queen’s House is free for all to visit.

• The palace is outfitted with an elevator, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and other features that make it accessible to those with limited mobility.

• Wheelchairs can be rented, and guide dogs are permitted on-site.

• Highlights of its art collection include the famedArmada Portrait of Elizabeth I and paintings by artists ranging from Canaletto and Hogarth to Kehinde Wiley.

How to Get There

There are numerous ways to access the Queen’s House. Take the DLR to Cutty Sark station, take mainline trains to Greenwich rail station, or take various boat services to Greenwich pier. It is also served by bus lines 129, 177, 180, 188, and 286 and can be reached by car or by bike.

When to Get There

The Queen’s House is open 10am–5pm daily, except December 24–26. The landmark also hosts thrice-daily paid tours, which can be booked in advance, as well as talks, musical performances, and other events.

Architectural Highlights

One of the most prized features at the Queen’s House is the Tulip Staircase, which was the first self-supporting spiral staircase built in the UK. The grand Great Hall, famously a perfect cube in shape, was recently renovated by Turner Prize–winning artist Richard Wright, who added gold embellishments to its walls and ceiling panels.

Ways to explore

The Queen’s House is free to enter, but booking in advance is recommended to secure a timed admission. You can easily pair your visit with other nearby Greenwich landmarks, such as the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and the National Maritime Museum. Some guided walking tours of Maritime Greenwich include stops at the Queen’s House, offering insight into its classical architecture and historic significance. Others combine river cruises or hop-on hop-off sightseeing routes that pass through Greenwich. Whether you explore on your own or as part of a guided experience, plan to spend at least an hour admiring the interior galleries and renowned Tulip Staircase.

Accessibility

The Queen’s House has step‑free access with lifts to all floors, accessible toilets, and induction loops. Wheelchairs are available for loan and can be booked in advance via email, which is recommended as there is a limited number. A British Sign Language (BSL) version of the audio guide is available. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Only small bags are permitted—larger items must be left in the on-site lockers.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, as the flooring includes marble surfaces and varying levels. Dress for the season, as many of Greenwich’s sights and attractions are outside, including the adjacent Greenwich Park.

Not allowed

Backpacks, large bags, selfie sticks, outside food or drink, scooters

Amenities

Restrooms with baby‑changing facilities, lockers, free audio guides, gift shop and café at the neighboring National Maritime Museum

Address

The Queen’s House is located within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage area, just north of Greenwich Park and south of the River Thames. It’s easy to reach by public transport from any area of London.

Driving

Drive from central London via the A2 or A20 toward Greenwich, then follow signs to Greenwich town center. Paid parking is available at nearby NCP lots and on-street bays; spaces can fill quickly during peak hours. There is also a car park for Queen’s House, which is available on weekends and during school holidays—places can be booked online alongside your Queen’s House tickets.

Public transportation

Take a Southeastern or DLR train to Greenwich station, which is a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, ride the DLR to Cutty Sark, but note that the station is closed for renovation until spring 2026. You can also board a Thames Clipper riverboat from most central London piers and disembark at Greenwich Pier.

Best times to visit

Arrive from mid-afternoon on weekdays to enjoy the galleries once school groups have cleared. However, the natural light during midday hours enhances the viewing of artworks, especially in the Great Hall.

Best days to visit

Weekdays—especially Tuesday through Thursday—tend to be quieter than weekends. Avoid visiting during UK school breaks if you prefer a more peaceful experience.

Best months to visit

Come between April and September to enjoy the most pleasant weather for exploring Greenwich’s outdoor sights and attractions, including Greenwich Park, which is beside the Queen’s House. The park is particularly beautiful in April and May, when a path of cherry blossom trees bursts into bloom. December sees festive decorations across Maritime Greenwich.

Special events

The Queen’s House often participates in Open House London every September, offering architecture-focused programming. The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, typically held in summer, brings open-air performances nearby.