Greenwich is one of my favorite areas of London.
Part of the city yet with its own unique identity, The Royal Borough of Greenwich is a fascinating place to spend the day or even a weekend.
It is the area we return to time after time regardless of the season, and I always recommend visitors to London explore Greenwich when they are in London.
Greenwich – London
A brief history of Greenwich
Greenwich has been a significant site in British history since the 15th century. The Palace of Placentia that once stood there was the birthplace of Tudor King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Over the centuries the site was developed by a succession of royal patrons into the impressive World Heritage Site we find there today.
Greenwich is home to many grand buildings overlooking the Thames – primarily the work of celebrated architects Inigo Jones and Sir Christopher Wren.
These buildings are now home to some of the best museums in London and are set in lush green parkland with spectacular views of the city.
Perhaps best known for its role in British maritime history, Greenwich is the home of the Prime Meridian – Longitude 0° – which provides the definition for global time zones. There are several other attractions in Greenwich highlighting the area’s strong connection with the sea.
Things to do in Greenwich
The Cutty Sark
An unmissable sight on your visit to Greenwich is the restored clipper Cutty Sark. The 19th-century ship towers above the concourse next to the Thames and houses a wonderful museum dedicated to its history.
One of the last clippers built before steam-powered ships became the norm, during its sailing history the Cutty Sark was used to transport tea from China and wool from Australia.
At the museum you can learn all about the conditions on board and enjoy the views from the deck. I also love the collection of figureheads including a likeness of Florence Nightingale in the basement underneath the ship’s hull.
Tickets: Adults: £18.00, Children over 5, £9.00 – discounts wheelchair users and students/those under 24 with ID.
Opening times: Monday–Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Closed 24-26 December
Learn more about the Cutty Sark on their website
Maritime Museum
With over 10 galleries of exhibits, the Maritime Museum is the largest of its kind in the world. My favorite sections of the permanent collection include the Armada portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and the Horatio Nelson Exhibition.
Here you will see the coat Admiral Nelson was wearing, complete with bloodstains and shrapnel damage when he was fatally wounded on board the HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Tickets: Free entry. Opening times: 10.00–17.00 daily.
Learn more on the Maritime Museum website
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Your walk up the steep hill to the Royal Observatory is rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of London and the Thames. Visit the museum to experience having one foot on either side of the meridian line and explore the history of maritime timekeeping. Find out more on visiting the Royal Observatory.
Note: the museum does get very crowded so may not be suitable for those with very young children
Next door at the Planetarium watch one of several shows exploring our galaxy and universe. This attraction is popular so refer to the website for current shows and arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Closed 24–26 December.
Tickets: There is a complicated ticketing system in place at the Royal Observatory and Planetarium – be sure to check their website for further information.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one of my favorite parks in London and is the perfect place for a stroll or picnic when the weather is fine. The views from the hill are incredible too.
The park covers over 74 hectares and within the grounds, there is a deer sanctuary, an impressive Edwardian flower garden and even the remains of an Ancient Roman site.
O2 Greenwich
In North Greenwich, you will find the O2, London’s largest music venue. The O2 hosts internationally acclaimed artists such as U2, Adele and Amy Schumer. Information about upcoming events and ticket prices are available on the O2 website.
If you have an adventurous spirit and are not afraid of heights you can climb the roof of the O2 for views of up to 30km on a clear day. Tickets from £35. Ages 10+. More info at the O2 website.
More attractions in Greenwich
- Old Royal Naval College – the architectural centerpiece of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich
- Queen’s House – housing an internationally renowned art collection
- Fan Museum – a museum devoted entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan
Things to do with kids in Greenwich
The museums in Greenwich offer outstanding services for visitors with children and it is for this reason we visit regularly.
In particular, the Maritime Museum caters for children of all ages with a variety of permanent and seasonal activities. We love the AHOY! interactive gallery for children up to age 7.
It is a nautical-themed soft play activity zone with interesting ways for children to learn and explore. Older children will enjoy The All Hands children’s gallery – for ages 6-12.
On the top floor of the museum is a huge map of the world where kids can run around to their heart’s content. Parents can watch on from the cafe on the side and the coffee isn’t bad at all.
The museum is well serviced with a big area for prams and strollers. They also schedule lots of interesting activities each week and even during school holidays. The children’s galleries at the Maritime Museum open 10am to 5pm daily.
We also enjoy visiting the Old Royal Naval College visitor center for interactive displays suitable for children including dress-ups and building blocks for budding architects.
Favorite pubs in Greenwich
There is nothing more English than a creaky old pub and you find several beauties in Greenwich. My favorites are on the far side of Greenwich Park overlooking the Thames.
The Cutty Sark – Wonderful views of the river Thames with a distinctly ship like interior
The Trafalgar Tavern – this Regency era pub often hosted Charles Dickens who preferred their famous whitebait supper.
Greenwich Market
The 18th-century market is a must-do for all visitors to Greenwich. Recently extended and refurbished, Greenwich Market is home to a variety of traders selling everything from antiques, art, crafts and design goods and gourmet food.
When the sun is out we like to buy our lunch supplies here and head across to the parks and gardens for a picnic.
On cooler days it is fun to explore the shops, stalls and galleries. Our favorites are Teabird‘s wonderful candles in fine china and the quirky bunting and accessories by Baish Designs.
Greenwich Market is open 7 days a week from 10.30am to 5.30pm with a different focus depending on the day – find out more on the Greenwich Market website.
How to get to Greenwich
Greenwich is well connected to the City of London via the DLR from Bank to Cutty Sark.
The overground train takes around 15 minutes from London Bridge to Greenwich Station. My preferred method of transport to Greenwich is the 35 minute Thames Clipper voyage down the Thames from the London Eye.
You arrive by river, much like the Kings and Queens of England before you.
More information on traveling to Greenwich at Transport for London
Where to stay in Greenwich
If you have visited London many times and are looking to discover new neighborhoods and areas of the city, Greenwich is the perfect base.
At your doorstep there are all the attractions of the World Heritage Site, great local shops and historic pubs all within easy access of London’s main attractions.
Best hotels in Greenwich
There isn’t a great range of hotels in Greenwich unfortunately. However, IBIS Greenwich is modern and in an enviable position close to the park.
A little further away the Doubletree by Hilton Greenwich is only 15 minutes walk from the Cutty Sark
Short term rentals in Greenwich
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Greenwich in 2023
There are several exciting exhibitions and events happening in Greenwich in the next year:
- The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea – new exhibition on the founders of English marine painting, 350 years after their arrival in England
- Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (August 2023) – one of London’s largest free outdoor arts festivals, with open-air theatre, dance, art installations and music for all ages
Further reading for your trip to London
If you want to hit all the classic sights in just a few days, you might like to check out our 3 day London itinerary. Over three days you can see London’s historic sites, pubs, parks, shopping and more.
More useful posts for your trip to London:
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy