Britannia Royal Naval College
Britannia Royal Naval College
Britannia Royal Naval College
5
About
BRNC should be a key ingredient to any visit to the West Country. Tours of this iconic building will offer an informative narrative allowing you to appreciate the rich history, role and relevance of this building and the naval training conducted here today, providing you with a quality, value for money, informative visit. Public Tours start from a convenient pick-up point in Dartmouth town. In a manageable group size, you will be taken to the College by coach for a walking tour, which lasts approximately 2 1/4 hours.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
82 within 3 miles
Attractions
74 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Mark CSydney, Australia117 contributionsA Must DoOne of the bucket list items we had for our trip around the UK was the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. To get here whilst not difficult, requires planning. The best way we found to get her was a bus from Paignton where we were, to Kingswear, then we got the passenger ferry across. There is also a car ferry. The main road takes you the long way to get there. The online booking is easy. But plan ahead. There are only tours on Monday and Wednesday. There are tours at 1000 and 1030. They pick you up and take you there from the town. There are only 18 spots in each group. It is a walking tour and very easy for all. Colin our guide was excellent and was an ex RAF staff member of the College. I highly recommend you do this if you visit.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 May 2023
- Voyager2Chippenham, United Kingdom413 contributionsLocation over guide storiesTerrific location dominating the Dartmouth skyline, this important building is well worth visiting and understand how important it is to the Navy. The visit is arranged well with pick up in the town and bus transfer to the college, and reverse. It’s a conducted tour. I was hoping to get more information about how the college worked and the programme for attendees, but our guide thought it was better to tell endless jokes and stories which frankly became rather tedious.Visited May 2023Written 25 May 2023
- TapyadOxford, United Kingdom12 contributionsDefinitely worth itA great way to spend a couple of hours in Dartmouth. Our guide Nichola was exceptional. Hugely knowledgeable and an alumni of the college, she managed to tell us the history of both the college and the building , the way cadets are trained today, and lots about the culture and language of the Royal Navy, interspersed with lovely anecdotes. Definitely worth the money and booking in advance. The story of the little window in the chapel and the death of Admiral Nelson is almost worth the trip on its own,Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2023
- cookie43710 contributionsAmazing Bespoke TourI bought a private tour for my father for his 80th Birthday. Everything about the set-up was first class, as they had special mobility requirements; Cathy and Liz in the Tours Office could not do enough for them. Peter the tour guide was especially erudite and knowledgable. Overall this was a spectacular success and in the finest traditions of the Senior Service it was made so by the people involved, who clearly love and cherish their job. A 'Must-See/Do' for anyone with an interest in the Royal Navy.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 July 2023
- casswifeDunfermline, United Kingdom1,573 contributionsFantastic dayIt was a planned visit because it was an open day. The weather was good which helped us to enjoy it even more. Lots of naval displays by the young entrants and many stalls to see as well as a look into some of the ground floor rooms. Beautiful old building - well worth a visit!Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 July 2023
- elizabeth a2 contributionsVery informative tourVisited the college partly as a nostalgic tour for my partner who was here whilst in the Navy 25 years ago. We were shown around by Nicola Aldridge. She was a brilliant speaker, who was clearly passionate about her role within the Britannia Organisation. Whilst it isn't an 'access all areas' tour, what you do see is enough to get a real feel for the building, its naval importance, history, and to see the Naval Officers going about their daily business. Nicola told many stories put into context by her own experiences in the Navy. The weather was awful, but she still managed to bring to life the details of the passing out parade without us needing to stand outside in the rain.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 August 2023
- Curiosity66148029 contributionsAmazing Informative TourNo wonder this tour gets over 90% excellent rating, from the moment you are picked up from The Bandstand in Dartmouth you are given a huge amount of interesting information. Our tour guide Peter, (who will sadly finish being a guide later on in the year ) was a gem, and put such an interesting slant on all the information he passed on. The tour lasts from 10.00 till 12.30, and your ticket money goes to the charity which helps to buy the cadets things that they used to get free but now have to pay for themselves. It's a unique building and it felt like a privilege to spend a few hours thereVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 September 2023
- Zoe WGloucester, United Kingdom36 contributionsExcellent tourHad a fantastic tour here today. The tour guide Peter was so informative and as he has spent most of his life there he knew his stuff. Very interesting, and i was glued to every word. Gorgeous building/architecture. Everyone was so friendly from pick up to drop off. Would definitely recommend it and would definitely go again.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 September 2023
- PriscillataplowukTaplow, United Kingdom132 contributionsA must to visit when in DartmouthWe had booked to go on this tour as we had arrived the day before and our holiday was going to be challenged by the weather. We met at the Dartmouth Band Stand and met with Peter who was going to our guide. He gave us a brief overview of how the two and half hours would pans out. The Dartmouth Naval College stands about the harbour of Dartmouth. Impressive and uniformed with a beautiful church and dining room. Peter was brilliant in his role of guide and he knew so much about the college and building along with all the naval traditions bought it all to life for his audience. It was so informative and the time past so quickly. I would recommend this tour to everyone who visits Dartmouth but it is only available on Monday and Wednesday. Peter deserves a medal for his role as a guide but also his passion for the subject he was talking about. Highly recommended.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 September 2023
- Robert NNewton Abbot, United Kingdom1 contributionA fascinating tour of a truly stunning building.We had a guided tour of BRNC at Dartmouth, led by Peter White, assisted by his wife Cathy and, in charge of getting us from A to B and back again, Kevin Jones. What a fantastic tour! I wished it could have been slightly longer, perhaps to include the class demonstration and navigation rooms if they are still being used. When you are listening to someone who has a total grasp of his subject it becomes a fascinating experience. The information imparted was just right, not too detailed or technical but having just the right amount of facts and figures tempered with a wry sense of humour to keep everyone interested in what Peter was saying. It is always a little extra treat when you hear the derivation of some common sayings fully explained. Who would have ever thought that "a son of a gun" originated in the Royal Navy. A truly excellent tour, delivered by a natural raconteur. We would like to wish Peter a very happy final retirement.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
314 reviews
Excellent
288
Very good
22
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Miranda H
Bristol, UK84 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We had a fascinating guided tour of the College today. Our guide, Colin, brought the place to life and explained the history, and what it is used for today. I'd definitely recommend a visit - it's not just for history or naval buffs.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelvin C
Poolewe, UK62 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A comprehensive tour led by a guide who was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A beautiful, working building with history oozing out of every brick.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
Essex, UK62 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A very interesting tour of the college by ex service personnel. You are picked up by minibus in the town and driven to the college. You are given a historical tour of the the college, dining hall, chapel, and quarter deck (grand hall). You are told about the training of officers today and can ask lots of questions. A good tour.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert N
Newton Abbot, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a guided tour of BRNC at Dartmouth, led by Peter White, assisted by his wife Cathy and, in charge of getting us from A to B and back again, Kevin Jones. What a fantastic tour! I wished it could have been slightly longer, perhaps to include the class demonstration and navigation rooms if they are still being used. When you are listening to someone who has a total grasp of his subject it becomes a fascinating experience. The information imparted was just right, not too detailed or technical but having just the right amount of facts and figures tempered with a wry sense of humour to keep everyone interested in what Peter was saying. It is always a little extra treat when you hear the derivation of some common sayings fully explained. Who would have ever thought that "a son of a gun" originated in the Royal Navy. A truly excellent tour, delivered by a natural raconteur. We would like to wish Peter a very happy final retirement.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Priscillataplowuk
Taplow, UK132 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We had booked to go on this tour as we had arrived the day before and our holiday was going to be challenged by the weather. We met at the Dartmouth Band Stand and met with Peter who was going to our guide. He gave us a brief overview of how the two and half hours would pans out. The Dartmouth Naval College stands about the harbour of Dartmouth. Impressive and uniformed with a beautiful church and dining room. Peter was brilliant in his role of guide and he knew so much about the college and building along with all the naval traditions bought it all to life for his audience. It was so informative and the time past so quickly. I would recommend this tour to everyone who visits Dartmouth but it is only available on Monday and Wednesday. Peter deserves a medal for his role as a guide but also his passion for the subject he was talking about. Highly recommended.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoe W
Gloucester, UK36 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Had a fantastic tour here today. The tour guide Peter was so informative and as he has spent most of his life there he knew his stuff. Very interesting, and i was glued to every word. Gorgeous building/architecture. Everyone was so friendly from pick up to drop off. Would definitely recommend it and would definitely go again.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curiosity661480
29 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
No wonder this tour gets over 90% excellent rating, from the moment you are picked up from The Bandstand in Dartmouth you are given a huge amount of interesting information. Our tour guide Peter, (who will sadly finish being a guide later on in the year ) was a gem, and put such an interesting slant on all the information he passed on.
The tour lasts from 10.00 till 12.30, and your ticket money goes to the charity which helps to buy the cadets things that they used to get free but now have to pay for themselves.
It's a unique building and it felt like a privilege to spend a few hours there
The tour lasts from 10.00 till 12.30, and your ticket money goes to the charity which helps to buy the cadets things that they used to get free but now have to pay for themselves.
It's a unique building and it felt like a privilege to spend a few hours there
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elizabeth a
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Visited the college partly as a nostalgic tour for my partner who was here whilst in the Navy 25 years ago. We were shown around by Nicola Aldridge. She was a brilliant speaker, who was clearly passionate about her role within the Britannia Organisation. Whilst it isn't an 'access all areas' tour, what you do see is enough to get a real feel for the building, its naval importance, history, and to see the Naval Officers going about their daily business. Nicola told many stories put into context by her own experiences in the Navy. The weather was awful, but she still managed to bring to life the details of the passing out parade without us needing to stand outside in the rain.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
casswife
Dunfermline, UK1,573 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It was a planned visit because it was an open day. The weather was good which helped us to enjoy it even more. Lots of naval displays by the young entrants and many stalls to see as well as a look into some of the ground floor rooms. Beautiful old building - well worth a visit!
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cookie437
10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
I bought a private tour for my father for his 80th Birthday. Everything about the set-up was first class, as they had special mobility requirements; Cathy and Liz in the Tours Office could not do enough for them. Peter the tour guide was especially erudite and knowledgable. Overall this was a spectacular success and in the finest traditions of the Senior Service it was made so by the people involved, who clearly love and cherish their job. A 'Must-See/Do' for anyone with an interest in the Royal Navy.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DorsetBrucieBaby
Poole, UK16 contributions
Hi Kerry,
My step daughter and son-in-low had their wedding at Britannia Royal Naval College a few years ago and I am trying to add it to my family tree, but cannot find it registered in Devon at all.
If you are allowed to can you please ask whoever got married, how I find where the marriage was registered - I do not need to know the couple's names, just a bit more information, so that I can carry on.
I also cannot remember the exact date and the wedding anniversary is very soon, so would like to wish her and my son-in-law well. Thank you so much for your help, if you feel you can.
399Dalys
London, UK4 contributions
Hi
We are visiting out of season, so the park and ride is not yet operating, so wondering if anyone has any experience or tips on where best to park..
TIA
BRNC Tour s
Dartmouth, UK
Good Morning TIA,
Thank you for your question. Please be assured that Dartmouth has a large car park in the centre which will assist you with parking out of season.
I trust this will help.
Kind regards,
BRNC - Tours
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingBRITANNIA ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Britannia Royal Naval College
- Hotels near Britannia Royal Naval College:
- (0.26 mi) Dart Marina Hotel
- (0.32 mi) The Ship in Dock Inn
- (0.30 mi) Mounthaven Guest House
- (0.45 mi) The Dartmouth Boutique B&B
- (0.41 mi) Compass Rose
- Restaurants near Britannia Royal Naval College:
- (0.27 mi) The Floating Bridge Inn
- (0.47 mi) Taylor's Restaurant
- (0.45 mi) Anzac Street Bistro
- (0.51 mi) Woodroast
- (0.51 mi) Smith Street Deli