Can I say that Greenwich is one of my favourite places in London. Why you ask? Once home to Henry VIII, and birthplace of Elizabeth I, Greenwich is home to more history than you can imagine, and a World Unesco Heritage site.
What makes up Greenwich
It is home to the Royal Observatory, Old Naval College, Cutty Sark, the Queen’s House, and of course the National Maritime Museum. With such a variety of buildings to explore at your fingertips, you won’t be short on things to do.
At the moment the newly restored Painted Hall in is the reason to get over there in the Old Naval College.
How to get to Greenwich
Start your journey on the water by getting a Thames Clipper. It’s 35 minutes from Embankment or the London Eye. They serve coffee on board, so sit back and enjoy. It’s an adventure adults and children love. The crews are always fun and you arrive on the doorstep on the Naval College.
One tip before you disembark is to decide what boat you want to catch home, and allow time to get to the pier on time. There is nothing worse than just missing that boat – trust me, if it happens it kills a good day.
Where to start in Greenwich
First up I’d head to the Royal Observatory which is a walk across the park, you’ll never get little ones up there if they are tired – it’s about a 20/30 minute walk, and not for the faint hearted.
Once you get to the top, the view is AMAZING and worth it. Discover the Meridian Line, learn about GMT, how it started, why it is still so relevant, how it changed the world.
Blossom watch in Greenwich
At the right time of year, if you carry on a little further past the observatory on the right hand side, you will come to the most incredibly blossom avenue. It is probably the blossom most Instagrammer’s are waiting to bloom in April. If you have come by boat, it is easily a 35/40 mins walk up the hill.
Culture in Greenwich
If you have started at the top, then decide where you want to go once you are down. There is a lot to do, and you wont do it all in one day.
The National Maritime Museum; I’d suggest young explorers head to the Great Map. Let little ones discover trails of great explorers, or understand the geography of the world’s oceans and seas. Ignite their imagination without them realising.
The Cutty Sark is one not to miss either. Celebrating its 150 year in 2019 there are lots of events going on. Wandering around the inside of this legendary ship is just incredible as an adult, just imagine how big it is for a child! Don’t forget to look up at the incredible ceilings.
The Queen’s House is simply beautiful. Exquisite architecture, spiral staircases, and the fabulous paintings of Naval history, including one of my favourite paintings, the Armada portrait of Elizabeth I.
A Day Out in Greenwich is a gorgeous place to wander. There are lots of little independent shops, beautiful buildings to admire, and views to die for, so don’t rush your day here, and as the days get longer, enjoy a sundowner on the river and watch the sunset over the London skyline.
Our recommended Greenwich Eats.
Since Covid, if you want to book somewhere, call and check they are open. there are a lot of places to eat in the market that looked very nice the last time I went.
The Green Café – organic café
Franca Manca – delicious good value pizza
Heaps Sausages– Best sausage bap I’ve had. Well worth the stop.
Nando’s on the river for the best outdoor view.
The café & brasserie at The National Maritime Museum
Byron on the river
Cutty Sark Tavern
The Old Brewery at The Old Naval College. Old fashioned pub
Peter de Wits Café. In one of Henry VIII oldest standing buildings
