Greenwich best things to do and see: a complete visitor’s guide to Greenwich
Although it’s situated just outside Central London, Greenwich holds a special place amongst London’s top attractions. Its prominent position in British history, riverside location, stunning views across London’s skyline, range of top sights and green surroundings make Greenwich a must-see London attraction that’s well worth a visit.
Greenwich is the perfect mix of old and new, with something to suit every age and taste. From historic buildings such as The Old Naval College to national museums like Queen’s House, a resplendent royal park, the Royal Observatory, the O2 Arena, Greenwich Market and so much more, there’s plenty to do and see in Greenwich.
The Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park and the National Maritime Museum are just some of the major London attractions located in what was once the back garden of one of King Henry VIII’s favourite royal palaces and hunting grounds.
To ensure you don’t miss a thing, here’s our complete guide to all the best things to do and see in Greenwich.
Greenwich best things to do and see: a complete guide
Why visit?
Home to famous royal palaces, one of London’s best parks, tons of world-class entertainment options and a vibrant community passionate about the Arts, Greenwich is a place where London has chosen to gather and celebrate throughout history.
In recent times, Greenwich played a major role in the UK’s millennium celebrations in 2000 and later the 2012 London Olympic games. In the past, Greenwich was a favourite home of British monarchs for many centuries with numerous Tudors, including Henry VIII, born in the Palace of Greenwich.
Its royal favour meant Greenwich soon became a national centre for landmark developments in maritime advancements as well as science and education.
The Royal Observatory was created by Charles II in 1675 to aid the success of the Royal Navy, primarily through improved navigation. Experimentation soon led to the establishment of the Meridian Line and Greenwich Mean Time, the marker by which the world still tells the time.
Today, Greenwich remains an exciting hub of activity, popular with locals, students from around the world and tourists – all in search of fun times in the fresh air. You’ll find top London attractions, restaurants, pubs and bars busy with families out for the afternoon, couples relaxing and tourists exploring the area.
For the most contemporary side of Greenwich, head over to the O2 arena where you’ll encounter the Up at the O2 rooftop walkway, the London Emirates Cable Car, performances by major world acts, bowling, gaming, free jumping, virtual reality, the Thames Barrier, restaurants, shops, cinemas and lots more.
Centred in and around Greenwich Park is Historic Greenwich – a World Heritage Site. Here you’ll discover the Cutty Sark, Royal Greenwich Park, the National Maritime Museum, and the Old Naval College, the Royal Observatory, Queen’s House, the Meridian Line and more.
Just outside Greenwich Park is the centre of Greenwich, full of restaurants, bars, pubs, shops, Greenwich Market and Greenwich Cinema.
Greenwich is just a short distance from Central London by car. With everything within walking distance and most attractions free, it’s easy to spend a whole day here and still have more to see.
What to see and do in Greenwich:
Greenwich Park:
Established as a royal park in the 1450s, Greenwich Park is the oldest royal park in London and a World Heritage Site. Inside you’ll enjoy an enormous space, filled with all sorts of things to do and see.At the top of Greenwich Park are beautiful floral gardens and native deer who are the direct descendants of Henry VIII’s prized herd. In the middle is the Royal Observatory, the cafe, the Meridian Lane, the famous path from which the London Marathon begins plus plenty more.
At the bottom, is the boating lake, a huge children’s playground, the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House.
In between, you’ll find a huge expanse of tranquil space littered with picnicking families, wildlife, groups and couples enjoying the park.
The O2 Arena:
The O2 arena and surrounding area is the perfect place to discover modern Greenwich. Just down the road from Greenwich Park, the O2’s famous dome is an architectural feat, originally erected to celebrate the new millennium.Climb across the domed roof of the O2, to enjoy 360°views over London day or night via Up at the O2. Or take the 9m high, London Emirates Cable Car across the Thames for magnificent aerial viewsover London’s skyline.
Inside and around the O2 you’ll uncover world-class shopping, superb performance spaces where artists from around the world play as well as all sorts of entertainment including: virtual reality experiences, gaming, bowling, restaurants, free jumping, bars and lots more.
Queen’s House:
Queen’s House is the last of the original buildings which once comprised the Greenwich Palace. Home to British monarchs since the 1400s, the Palace of Greenwich was expanded to its full glory by Henry VII and later, Henry VIII.Today, only Queen’s House remains from the original palace and you can tour the elegant structure to see all sorts of glorious architecture, artworks and artefacts from the past. Queen’s House is also available for use as a breath taking wedding venue.
The Cutty Sark:
Once one of the world’s fastest ships, the Cutty Sark has been dry docked at Greenwich since 1954. The Cutty Sark’s picturesque location by the River Thames, next to The Old Naval College, is fitting of its record-breaking voyages as a trading ship, largely transporting Britain’s favorite tipple -tea.Hop aboard the Cutty Sark to explore this Victorian vessel which dates back to 1869. With the entire ship to uncover and re-enactments to transport you back in time, it’s easy to imagine of what it was like to sail the seas on board this beautiful ship.
The Royal Observatory:
You don’t have to be a stargazer ora fan of space to enjoy this bastion of world astronomy. The Royal Observatory is a hands-on, exciting museum and working research centre.Learn all about space and how to study the stars through interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. See the UK’s largest telescope which began aiding our understanding of space over 100 years ago.
Before you enter, take a picture on the Meridian Line and enjoy one of the best vantage points in London with stunning views across the Capital’s iconic skyline.
The Maritime Museum:
Next, head down the hill to the Maritime Museum to see how the British Royal Navy were able to use information obtained by the Royal Observatory to become one of the world’s greatest maritime nations for centuries.Entry to the Royal Observatory, Queen’s House and the Maritime Museum is free.
The Old Naval College:
Tour the Georgian buildings erected on the site of the old Tudor – Stuart Greenwich Palace, to see stunning Baroque architecture and decor. The crowning glory of this award-winning London attraction is the Painted Hall where opulent painted walls and ceilings hailed it the British Sistine Chapel.There are two painted halls to see at The Old Naval College as well as the grounds, Chapel, Under croft and more.
For your journey to Greenwich, book your chauffeur driven transportation to and from Greenwich today. We travel to all of London’s top attractions as well as all London airports and more. Call us today on: +44 203 417 2724/ 0203 4172724, send us an email at: bookings@airport24.co.uk or book your car online now.