Summary
Getting There
You can get to Greenwich easily by train or bus, or by taking a boat down the Thames. For the best experience, go by river, weather permitting, and return by rail. Not only will you enjoy the boat ride, but you’ll also get to see iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Tower of London. Traveling the Thames is a historic journey, as royalty has traversed this waterway to Greenwich for centuries. Furthermore, arriving by river positions you perfectly to begin your exploration of Greenwich.
By water, the trip is about 30-60 minutes each way. Sightseeing cruises are available near the London Eye at Waterloo, Westminster, and Tower piers.
London River Services (LRS) provides safe and reliable river transportation for both commuter and leisure journeys. Check the Transport for London website for river maps and the latest timetable.
For City Cruises, boats typically depart every 40 minutes, depending on the location. Tickets are available online.
If you arrive by DLR (use Cutty Sark station), then turn left on Greenwich High Road, proceed to the Cutty Sark, and you will find the tour details as described in the following sections.
If you would prefer a guided tour to maximize your time in Greenwich, consider contacting Greenwich Royal Tours in advance. They offer regular half-day and full-day tours, with new options frequently added.
If climbing the hill in Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory isn’t enough for you, consider the exhilarating climb over The O2 at Up at The O2. Additionally, if you visit The O2, why not experience the London cable car/Emirates Air Line as well?
Cutty Sark
Upon disembarking the boat at Greenwich, you will find the impressive Cutty Sark immediately in front of you. This famous tea clipper was built to expedite tea transportation from China.
The ship’s name originates from a short story by Robert Burns about a farmer named Tam O’Shanter who encounters a beautiful witch dancing in a short petticoat, referred to as a ‘cutty sark’ in ancient Scottish. Overcome, he shouted “Weel done ‘cutty sark’!” before being chased by the furious witch, who could not cross running water.
The Cutty Sark reopened on 26 April 2012 after a £50 million restoration project spanning six years. Visitors can explore the space beneath the ship in a new glass-roofed visitor center and enjoy a special Twinings-inspired tea in the café. Additionally, you can learn about other cargoes carried by the ship, discover how sailors lived and worked, and even go aboard the main deck for memorable photo opportunities.
From the Cutty Sark, you can see the entrance to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. However, it’s advisable to visit the Discover Greenwich centre, which includes the Tourist Information Centre and features an exhibition about Greenwich, all part of the Old Royal Navy College.
Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College was established by Royal Charter in 1694 as a Royal Naval Hospital for the relief and support of seamen and their families. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, this site features many architectural marvels completed in the early 1700s.
After the hospital closed in 1869, the Royal Naval College relocated here, training ship captains who commanded British fleets worldwide. The Greenwich Foundation conserves the site now, which is accessible to the public. While the University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban utilize some buildings, the entire Old Royal Naval College is a publicly accessible heritage attraction.
Among the highlights of a visit are the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre, the chapel, and the Painted Hall, regarded as one of Europe’s finest painted interiors. Interestingly, Henry VIII is believed to have had his favorite palace on this site.
For more information about the Old Royal Naval College and the rest of Greenwich, the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point.
Cross over Romney Road to reach the Queen’s House, the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory.
Queen’s House Greenwich
The Queen’s House, designed by architect Inigo Jones for Anne of Denmark, began construction in 1616. Now an art gallery within the National Maritime Museum, it houses works by Canaletto and Van der Veldes.
The wings of the Queen’s House feature a collection of nautical artifacts, displays, and historical exhibitions, including:
- Astronomical and Navigational Devices ranging from astrolabes to sundials.
- Maps and charts from the medieval period to the present day.
- Maritime-related coins and medals from various parts of the world.
- Carved figureheads and seafaring objects from the late 17th century to the early 20th century.
Admission is free, and the National Maritime Museum is conveniently located next to the Queen’s House.
National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is the world’s largest maritime museum, free to visit and covering 500 years of Britain’s maritime history. This museum connects Britain’s nautical past with the present.
Visitors can view the uniform worn by Nelson during his fatal shot at the Battle of Trafalgar, participate in cannon-firing simulations, and steer a ship into port. The children’s All Hands gallery offers an interactive way to learn through play.
Greenwich Park is located just behind the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum.
Greenwich Park
Initially used as hunting grounds by nobility since the 1400s, the current layout of Greenwich Park reflects Charles II’s ambition for French-style formal gardens designed to complement a new palace that was never built. In the early 1660s, he commissioned Le Notre, gardener to Louis XIV, to design the park’s layout. Although not completed as intended, the rows of trees outlining many paths remain today.
The Boating Pond is available in the summer and offers pedal and rowing boats, alongside a 9ft sundial next to the pond for children to explore. The Children’s Playground originated around 1900 as a large sandpit, evolving into a modern area featuring climbing frames, slides, a Wendy house, and more.
If you’re visiting in September or October, watch for conkers for a traditional children’s game. The Royal Observatory, situated atop the hill, can be a steep climb, particularly with a stroller. However, there are accessible paths winding around the hill for a gentler ascent.
If the park’s climb doesn’t thrill you, consider the exciting experience of climbing over The O2 at Up at The O2.
Greenwich Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian
The Greenwich Royal Observatory was established by King Charles II in 1675, with the initial building, Flamsteed House, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
In 1884, delegates at an international conference agreed to designate Greenwich as the Prime Meridian of the world, Longitude Zero (0° 0′ 0″). This line is indicated by a metal strip running through the courtyard, allowing you to stand in both the eastern and western hemispheres simultaneously.
All locations on Earth are measured based on their angle east or west from this line (longitude), similar to how the Equator divides northern and southern hemispheres (latitude). Latitude and Longitude are crucial for ship navigation.
Latitude was determined by measuring the sun’s height above the horizon, while longitude relied on clock synchronization between local and standard time (now known as GMT). An error of a few minutes could lead to shipwreck, thus the creation of precise shipboard clocks was a significant research focus for years.
The Greenwich Observatory is often regarded as the center of global time and space, famously observing the new millennium. The site was also where the UK’s Millennium Exhibition took place, featuring the now-iconic Millennium Dome, which has since transformed into The O2 entertainment venue.
GMT is defined as mean solar time, with midday marked by the sun crossing the Greenwich Meridian (0 degrees longitude).
Watch the Ball Drop
The red ball atop Flamsteed House drops at 1 p.m. GMT each day, coinciding with noon when the sun crosses the Prime Meridian. Consequently, countdowns to the drop are particularly enjoyable for children.
Other Buildings at the Royal Observatory
The Altazimuth Pavilion and the South Building, constructed between 1772 and 1897, now showcase historical astronomical instruments and feature a planetarium. The Peter Harrison Planetarium, which opened in May 2007, boasts Europe’s first digital planetarium projector.
Before leaving the observatory grounds, glance eastward to spot Vanbrugh Castle. This castle, reminiscent of a fairy-tale with its towers and turrets, was designed by architect and playwright Sir John Vanbrugh in 1719 as his home.
If the trek to the Royal Observatory is not exhilarating enough for you, consider climbing over The O2 at Up at The O2.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich has a long-standing royal connection, dating back to the Royal Palace of Placentia, which served as the monarch’s main residence from approximately 1450 until the late 17th century. Notably, this is the birthplace of important historical figures such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I.
Additionally, the area boasts a strong shopping heritage, with a Royal Charter Market originally designated to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital in 1700 for a duration of 1,000 years.
In the main shopping area along the high road, you will find numerous dining options, many of which cater well to families, as well as charming little shops, most of which are less child-friendly.
