Museum and Tours

Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) overlooks the River Dart and the sea, and is set in 126 acres of landscaped grounds in Dartmouth, Devon.

The stunning Edwardian architecture, internal and external, designed by Sir Aston Webb, contain numerous beautiful features linking it to both Royalty and Admiralty. The Quarterdeck with its high vaulted ceiling, is surrounded by the-finest wrought ironwork of the Poop Deck gallery, this leads to the Commodore's Flat containing the unique and complete collection of Second World War naval portraits by Sir Oswald Birley. The Main Corridor, the second longest in Europe, takes you from the beautiful Chapel and its memorial side chapels at one end to the splendour of the Senior Gunroom (SGR) at the other. The hand-painted and gold leaf bosses of the SGR ceiling took seven months to complete and compliment the finest portraits of Admirals that line its oak-paneled walls. From the Lobby, the great doors open with views across the Bridge, Parade Ground, past the Flagstaff and to the mouth of the river Dart with its protective castles, and beyond.

2000 saw the opening of a new Museum by Prince Philip whilst celebrating the 60th anniversary of his time at Dartmouth; a time when he met, the then, Princess Elizabeth for the first occasion in the gardens of the Commodore's residence. This small yet fine Museum has collected together many pictures and artefacts showing the history of BRNC from its beginnings in 1863 as two vessels moored in the River Dart, through to the opening in 1905 of today's College. It gives an insight into the ever-evolving way of life and training of naval officers to meet the defence requirements of the day.

Museum Curator: Richard Porter BSc, PhD, C.Geol, FGS

Deputy Curator & Archivist: Jane Harrold BA MA.PhD

Museum email address: britanniamuseum@hotmail.co.uk
Museum website: Devon Museums

Organised Private Groups Tours are welcomed throughout the year on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  Please contact Jayne Winterburn for more information (contact details below).
For those visiting Dartmouth, General Public Tours are arranged from the town from Easter to the end of October, but may be extended,  on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.  Please contact Dartmouth Tourist Information Office (contact details below) for more information.

For Private Museum visits and BRNC tours
Call: Mrs Jayne Winterburn on 01803 – 677787 Email: jayne.winterburn@vtplc.com
Fax: 01803 677015

For information and bookings on General Public Tours
contact the Dartmouth Tourist Office: telephone 01803 - 834224/fax 01803 - 835631
Email: holidays@discoverdartmouth.com
Website: Discover Dartmouth website