The Old Royal Naval College, situated in the heart of maritime Greenwich has announced a new coach tourism initiative which will see coach operators and groups able to pre-book entry and drive onto the historic site for the first time. Up to two coaches per day will be allowed onto the Old Royal Naval College campus with guests able to disembark on the site’s main avenue.
This is the latest of a series of developments that have seen the Old Royal Naval College become one of the most coach and group friendly attractions in the area, as well as being awarded VisitEngland’s Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2020. Along with appealing group rates and flexible policies, there are plenty of experiences for groups to discover including the magnificent Painted Hall the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, and the on-site Visitor Centre. Groups can also enjoy the many guided tours, workshops, and a variety of catering choices including a traditional afternoon tea, on-site pub and an ever-changing exhibition and events programme.
It is hoped that by by offering additional coach facilities the Old Royal Naval College can play its part in keeping Greenwich as coach friendly as possible at a time when London is reducing coach parking facilities and increasing emission charges and restrictions. Coach drivers can enjoy free entry and tea, coffee and cake whilst they wait for their groups.
There are two new coach parking options for groups and operators to consider:
All day in Greenwich: Groups and coach operators spending a day in Greenwich will be able to book a slot and drive their coaches onto the site for 30 minutes at the start and end of the day to allow their groups to arrive and depart Greenwich safely. Once off the coach, the group will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Greenwich including the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, The Queen’s House, The Old Brewery and the Fan Museum before getting back onto the coach to head home. During the time the group is discovering Greenwich, the coach will need to take up a coach parking spot nearby.
On the way: Tour series or day trip operators, whose groups visit the Old Royal Naval College as part of an itinerary will be able to book a time in advance and have their coaches enter the site and park for up to 90 minutes. This will give their groups the chance to explore the site’s many treasures on their own or as part of a guided tour before heading off to their next stop.
CEO Matthew Mees said, “Our goal at the Old Royal Naval College has always been to make the site as interesting and as accessible as possible, for all. Over the past few years, the whole team has worked incredibly hard to develop our groups and travel trade product offer and, although I may be biased, I believe we have something that will appeal to everyone, whether they be a history buff or film lover. There’s so much to do and see here that it’s easy for a group to spend a whole day exploring. We are looking forward to welcoming more coach operators to our site and I hope this new opportunity for coaches helps to cement our commitment to the industry as we work together to recover following the effects of the pandemic.”
For more information visit ornc.org or email [email protected].
