Greenwich is one of my favourite areas in London. This charming leafy neighbourhood is full of attractions, rich history and breathtaking views. Here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do, places to see and where to eat in Greenwich, London.
Most of the tourists visiting London for the very first time don’t venture out of Zone 1. After all, Zone 1 is brimming with the must-see places, tourists attractions, museums and parks. Those with a little more time on hand may go out of London for day trips to the cute villages and the countryside. But there are lovely neighbourhoods right in London where you can easily spend an entire day. Greenwich in south-east London is one such area. A visit to Greenwich is like the perfect retreat from the city without ever leaving the city.
Old Royal Naval College and Canary Wharf
Getting there
By train: Take the DLR via Canary Wharf and alight at the Cutty Sark station. There are also direct train services from London Bridge operated by Southern and Thameslink.
By river: Take a Thames Clippers ferry and alight at the Greenwich Pier. They accept Oyster cards and it’s a fun way to see London from the river. Click here for details.
Things to do
Greenwich Park
One of the Royal Parks, Greenwich Park is a sprawling park spread over 180 acres. The large green space has avenues lined with ancient chestnut trees. In spring, the Cherry Blossom trees flower beautifully, in summer, the stunning Rose Garden blooms and in autumn, there is a riot of warm colours in the hues of yellow, orange and red. You can also see breathtaking views of the Thames river and London’ skyline from the Greenwich Park.
Beautiful views of London and Thames river from Greenwich Park
Autumn colours in Greenwich Park
Royal Observatory
The Royal Observatory is an observatory located on a hill in Greenwich Park and is famous for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Prime Meridian Line and a planetarium. Visit the Flamsteed House which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and was the home to Britain’s Astronomer Royal. It also houses the Time & Longitude Galleries and Time & Greenwich Galleries. Click here for more details.
Flamsteed House, Royal Observatory
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Tickets: Adult £13.50, Child £ 5.85 if buying online.
Stand on the Prime Meridian Line
The Prime Meridian line is located in the form of a stainless steel strip in the courtyard of the Royal Observatory. It’s a north-south line that represents the 0° longitude of the world and divides the world into the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. You will find many tourists standing on the line and clicking photos. Feel free to join them 😉
National Maritime Museum
National Maritime Museum is the world’s largest maritime museum and is located at the foot of the Greenwich Park. It showcases the history of Britain at sea and is a must-visit for all marine enthusiasts and kids too due to interactive play areas.
National Maritime Museum
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Tickets: Free entry.
Queen’s House
Queen’s House, a Grade I listed building, is a former Royal residence and a part of the National Maritime Museum. It’s also my favourite of all the buildings that are collectively called the Royal Museums Greenwich. The ornate stately rooms are now used as art galleries to display marine paintings and portraits. It also has the iconic blue Tulip Stairs, Britain’s first centrally unsupported spiral stairs.
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Tickets: Free entry.
Old Royal Naval College
The most unmissable site and an iconic landmark in Greenwich is the Old Royal Naval College. The magnificent classical buildings located by the river are designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It’s an absolute delight exploring the beautiful building grounds and visiting the Neoclassical Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.
Old Royal Naval College
Chapel of St Peter and St Paul
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is not only one of the oldest covered markets in London but also one of its best. There are various stalls for art, craft, homeware, fashion, antiques and jewellery from local traders. With stalls for food, cakes, fresh juices, coffee, etc. it’s also a foodie paradise. Browse through the stalls, buy a souvenir and get your lunch fix from the food market specially if you are visiting on a Saturday. Click here for more details.
Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark was built in the 19th century to carry tea from China to Britain. One of the fastest clippers of its time, today it’s been restored as a museum and interactive experience. You can climb aboard the ship, learn about its historic voyages and also how to steer the wheel of this magnificent ship. Click here for more details.
Cutty Sark
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Tickets: Adult £12.15, Child £ 6.30 if buying online.
Fan Museum and the Orangery
Afternoon tea enthusiasts and those looking for unique experiences should definitely head to the Fan Museum. It’s the only museum in Britain dedicated to the history of fans and their making and displays a collection of fans from all over the world. They also have a beautiful garden room with walls covered in soft murals and it overlooks a tranquil Japanese style garden. The perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea! Click here for more details.
Greenwich Peninsula – O2 and Emirates Cable Car
Greenwich Peninsula is in the north of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and is surrounded by the Thames on three sides. It is not exactly at a walking distance from the Greenwich attractions mentioned above but I would still highly recommend it because it has the only cable car in London.
After you have finished the day in the historic Greenwich village, take the Thames Clippers boat from Greenwich Pier to North Greenwich O2 Pier. The golden hour just before sunset is the ideal time to ride the Emirates Cable Car that soars over the Thames and takes you to the other side to the Royal Docks. On the way, you can see splendid views of the Thames looping around the O2 (an entertainment venue), Canary Wharf, Thames Barrier, the Olympic Park, Shard and other high-rises of Central London.
I hope you enjoyed my guide on a day out in Greenwich, London. Do you have any favourite things to do in Greenwich? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know!
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Cheers,
Ameeta xx
