Royal Naval Association

Facilities

The RNA central office is located in Portsmouth and is supported by a network of over 240 branches. The club operates three minibuses based in Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Manchester, which are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Additionally, there are various Sports & Comradeship Groups (SCGs) and interest groups, including football, yachting, choir, and cycling. The RNA also facilitates online events and national event staging, such as conferences and parades. More information about the facilities can be found on the RNA website.

Dining Options

The RNA does not operate a central restaurant. Instead, branches typically meet in local pubs and restaurants, where the Association negotiates member offers and discounts with partner venues. For example, members can receive a 10% discount on food and drink at local partner pubs and the Royal Maritime Hotel. Reciprocal dining access is also available through partner yacht clubs. Details about dining options can be accessed here.

Accommodation Services

While the RNA does not have its own hotel, it offers member discounts and reciprocal arrangements, such as a 10% discount on rooms and food at the Royal Maritime Hotel. Members also have access to facilities at the Royal Malta Yacht Club and can find signposted accommodation offers via partner organizations. More information can be found on the RNA website.

Event Spaces

The RNA stages both national and local events using various external venues. Notable examples include the Princess Royal Gallery at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for CONA events and the Royal Maritime Hotel for RNA functions such as the Uckers World Championships. Branch venues, including local halls, pubs, and clubrooms, are also utilized for meetings and events. Additional details regarding event spaces can be found here.

Upcoming Events

The RNA maintains an events calendar that lists national fixtures and activities of the SCGs. Examples of upcoming events include RNA Football Club fixtures and international tournament entries. For the latest dates and public booking details, please refer to the RNA events calendar.

Past Events

Recent events recorded on the RNA site include the Southsea Memorial re-dedication and support for D-Day 80 veteran attendance in Portsmouth. Other notable past events include national events such as the Army v Navy partnership and activities related to RNA75. More information can be found here.

Member Benefits

Membership with the RNA is free and includes an official membership card. Members gain access to over 240 branches worldwide, welfare signposting, and wellbeing support. Additional benefits include discounts for travel, retail, food, and drink, as well as free or discounted tickets to various sports and cultural events. Members can also participate in exclusive online events and borrow RNA minibuses, subject to driver criteria. More details on member benefits can be found here.

Membership Options

The RNA offers several membership types: full membership is available for serving and former naval personnel, associate membership for family, friends, and supporters, and corporate membership for businesses and organizations. Membership is described as free to join and provides access to branch and national services. Further information on membership options can be found here.

Reciprocal Clubs

The RNA maintains reciprocal and partner arrangements with various external clubs and organizations. Members have access to the Royal Malta Yacht Club and can enjoy benefits and discounts at places such as the Royal Maritime Hotel. More details about reciprocal clubs are available here.

Access Policy

Membership with the RNA is open to serving and former Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RNR, and RFA personnel, along with their families and supporters. The policy is rank-blind and inclusive, allowing members to visit branches worldwide. Minibuses are available free to members who meet driver and insurance criteria, and these minibuses are equipped with wheelchair lifts for accessibility. More information about the access policy can be found here.

Member Support Services

The RNA provides welfare and wellbeing support, including downloadable welfare guides and role descriptions. Services offered include a Funeral Support Guide, Veteran Mentors, and the Thriving Together wellbeing programme. The RNA also collaborates with partner services for free will-writing and fundraising-based support for specific welfare activities. Additional information can be found here.

Charity Involvement

The RNA is actively involved in charity work, running fundraising initiatives such as the RNA weekly lottery and participating in events like the Great South Run. The organization collaborates with other naval charities and funders for specific projects and was selected as Charity of the Day for events like the Army v Navy to raise funds and awareness. More details about the RNA's charity involvement can be found here.