Greenwich Park is one of London’s oldest royal parks and offers beautiful views over the River Thames, Canary Wharf, and the City of London. It’s also a great place for a leisurely walk, picnic, or to relax and enjoy the day. It covers quite a large area and takes 10–15 minutes to walk from one side to the other, especially considering the hilly terrain. But the view from the top is going to be worth it.
The Royal Observatory with the Prime Meridian Line is on the hill, where East meets West at Longitude 0°. This is the reference line for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Next to the Prime Meridian, the Greenwich Observatory offers insights into the history of astronomy and timekeeping. You can also explore the Peter Harrison Planetarium for captivating shows in the same location.
Below the observatory, closer to the Thames, you’ll find Maritime Greenwich, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area includes the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College, and the Queen’s House. These sites offer a deep dive into Britain’s maritime history. The National Maritime Museum is the world’s largest maritime museum and houses a vast collection of maps, artworks, and exhibits about Britain’s naval history. The Queen’s House is located on the same grounds. It is an architectural masterpiece by Inigo Jones, and it was the first building in England designed in the classical style. It also houses an impressive art collection. Right next to the Thames is the gorgeous Old Royal Naval College, architected by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the most stunning buildings in London.
Walking along the shoreline of the Thames, there is a lot to see with beautiful views. Close to Old Royal Naval College, you’ll find a local favourite, the Trafalgar Tavern, which sits on the side of the Thames with nice outdoor eating when the weather allows.
In the centre of Greenwich is Cutty Sark, the 19th-century tea clipper ship that once was the fastest of its kind and is now a museum where you can explore its rich history. Around the centre, you’ll find many restaurants, pubs and cafes. There is also the Greenwich Market, which was established in the 14th century. The market is bustling with antiques, crafts, gourmet food, and more. It’s a delightful place for shopping and eating.
There is also a Thames Clipper pier from where it’s easy to take a boat ride to Central London or back to Greenwich. Close to the pier is a pedestrian tunnel that goes beneath the River Thames to the Isle of Dogs, offering a unique experience and perspective.
