Another Guinness World Record was broken! On 27th September 2025, hundreds of participants converged on Old Royal Naval College for a Guinness World Record attempt of ‘largest gathering of people dressed as film and TV characters’  They did it! A total of 874 fans joined together to break the record. The attempt was to Celebrate Film 100. The iconic UNESCO Heritage site is a popular filming location and made a scenic backdrop for the day’s events. Miss V and I attended to capture moments on the day and to visit the Painted Hall. Although my family and I visited Greenwich a couple of times over the summer, we didn’t see all the sights. The hall was on my list because I haven’t seen it since moving south of the river 19 years ago. Include the Painted Hall in your Greenwich sightseeing trip.

Brief History of the Painted Hall

The Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and The Painted Hall is part of the building complex. The hall was designed by Sir James Thornhill. The design and painting were done between 1707 and 1726, 19 years. It features more than 3,700 square metres of Baroque walls and ceilings. The entire hall is covered with spectacular imagery depicting 200 figures, including kings, queens and mythological creatures in Italian Baroque style. Linger long enough to grasp the story, and you will notice a story of political change, the advancement of the nation.

Although the Painted Hall was intended as an eating space for the Greenwich Pensioners who lived at the Royal Hospital (also known as ORNC), when it became a tourist attraction, the hall was only used for dining on special occasions.

In Sept 2016, the conservation work began on the Painted Hall to clean and conserve the artwork. It reopened in March 2019 to much fanfare  and even won an award later that year.

Filming Location At The ORNC

The ORNC site has become a popular filming location, and the Painted Hall features in my favourite Netflix shows! Entering after all those years was awe-inspiring. The high ceiling and intricate workmanship are magnificent. It’s hard not to think of all the actors who graced the steps and looked up at the ‘Sistern Chapel-like painted ceilings.

Miss V and I lay back on the seating to better appreciate the works.

Not one to miss out on a chance to dress up, I got into the spirit of the day, donned a cloak and crown for Insta. I also took photos of participants from the GWR attempt in the hall and in the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul nearby. The chapel and areas around the ORNC was seen in Bridgeton.

FYI: Other sights to see at the ORNC include Visitor Centre, Queen Anne Court, Skittle Alley, King William Court. 

Adult tickets cost £17.50, but you can convert your ticket to an annual pass for the year. Children 16 years and under go free.

If you are a content creator, there’s Social Media Mondays.

More exciting events are coming up, so to stay in the loop, follow the ORNC on Instagram.

 While you are here, check out my blog on exploring Box Hill, Surrey and and family staycation inspiration. You can also find me on Instagram @MsXpat 

Do you have a special place in Greenwich? Comment below. I would love to hear from you.