Essential Information
| Type | Events and festivals |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | From 11 to 23 May 2025 | See below for details |
| Prices | Varying prices | See below for details |
Celebrate the royal wedding anniversary of the season at the Queen's House.
In May 1625, Charles I and Henrietta Maria were married by proxy. Four years later, the king gave Greenwich to his wife. A leading patron of the arts, Henrietta Maria instructed architect Inigo Jones to restart work on the Queen's House, which was completed in around 1635.
To mark the royal couple's 400th wedding anniversary, we're holding a range of tours, talks and other activities, delving into the lives and times of the monarchs connected with the building. Discover the full programme of events taking place below.
All activities are subject to staff availability and operations capacity. Please ask at the Admissions Desk to see what we have to offer on the day.
Event programme
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The Queen's House Classic Treasures Tour
Explore the unique architecture of the Queen’s House and uncover its history on this guided tour.
Join our passionate team and learn about the history of this former royal residence. Gaze upon the Great Hall, wander down the Tulip Stairs and discover the stories within our collection.
At the end of the tour, you will gain exclusive access to the balcony with views of Greenwich Park.
- Timings: Tours run daily at 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
- Duration: 50-60 minutes.
- Meeting point: Undercroft, located through the door between the curved exterior staircases.
- Prices: £5 for adults; £3.50 for students; £2.50 for children; free for Members.
- How to book: Tickets can be bought online or at the Admissions Desk, located in the Undercroft. Online sales open on a week-by-week basis.
- Suitability: Suitable for adults.
- Audio headsets: You will be provided with headphones and an audio headset, which allow you to clearly hear the guide and adjust the volume if required. The headphones and headset will be collected at the end of the tour.
- Accessibility: The tour passes through several galleries located on different floors of the House. Step-free access is available via lift and access ramps.
- T&Cs: Please note that children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the balcony for health and safety reasons.
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Artist Masterclass – Portraits Drawing Workshop
Workshops planned for 11 and 16 May | 10.15am-11.45am
Learn about the iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I and take part in a guided workshop facilitated by artists Federico Baeza-Autillo and Sarah E Shaw. This event welcomes all abilities, and art materials will be provided.
This event is suitable for those aged 16+. Tickets cost £20 (plus £3 booking fee) and £15 for Members.
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The Queen's House Classic Treasures Tour with drinks on the balcony
Tours planned on 11 and 18 May | 3.30pm-4.45pm
Do you want to make the most of your experience and feel like a royal? Learn about the history of the Queen's House on this guided tour – complete with a special treat.
At the end of the tour, head on to the balcony for a glass of prosecco or a soft drink, and take in the views of Greenwich Park.
This experience costs £20 for adults (plus £3 booking fee) and £15 for adult Members.
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Gallery Favourite Talks
From kings and queens to the artists who created artworks for the ceilings of this former royal residency, dive deeper into stories about the Queen’s House and our collection during our free gallery talks.
- Timings: Talks run daily at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
- Duration: 25-30 minutes.
- Location: Talks take place in various rooms around the Queen’s House. Ask a member of our team for more information.
- Price: Free. Donations welcome.
- Suitability: Suitable for adults and children.
- Accessibility: Step-free access to the rooms where the talks take place is available via lift and access ramps.
Talks include:
- The ceilings of the Queen’s House: Learn about the artists who created artworks for the ceilings of the Queen’s House. The former royal residence was at the cutting edge of art and architecture when it was completed for Queen Henrietta Maria in the 1630s.
- The Escape of Charles II: Uncover the dramatic events which led to Charles II's escape from the country after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
- Five queens and the Queen's House: Learn about five queens and their direct and indirect connections with the Queen's House and test your knowledge in our interactive quiz.
- Inigo Jones, the ingenious architect behind the Queen’s House: Discover more about the world of Inigo Jones, the pioneer and ingenious architect behind the Queen’s House, whose artistic brilliance reshaped England’s architecture – and set the stage for modern design.
- Royal Courtship: Swoon over stories of three royal relationships played out in Greenwich’s romantic scenery.
- Royalists and Roundheads: Discover facts related to English Civil Wars of the mid-1600s and explore the history of the conflicts through some artworks.
- Queens Consort: Learn more about Queens Consort and their roles in the history of the Queen’s House.
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Display: A romantic match?
From 11 to 23 May | Throughout the day | Great Hall
Charles I and Henrietta Maria's marriage did not begin well; however as time went on their affections grew.
Find out facts about the Stuart monarchs and come to your own conclusions about whether or not they were a romantic match.
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Display: 50 romantic things to do in Greenwich
From 11 to 23 May | Throughout the day | Great Hall
Head to the Great Hall to discover 50 romantic things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, carefully chosen by the Queen’s House team.
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“Did you know…?” First date conversation starters
From 11 to 23 May | Throughout the day | Great Hall
If you're having your first date at the Queen’s House – and are stuck for questions to get the conversation going – we've got you sorted.
Discover our “Did you know…?” fact sheets and learn about some romantic (and not so romantic) stories involving the figures depicted in our artworks.
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Special occasions at the Queen's House
Planning on taking a step forward in your relationship or want to arrange a memorable date?
Contact our dedicated Events team to enquire about surprise marriage proposals, classic and intimate weddings and other types of personal celebrations in the unique spaces of the Queen’s House.
England's first Classical building is home to pioneering art and architecture, and boasts stunning views over Greenwich Park and Canary Wharf.
