Greenwich on foot

1 to 2 hours

Situated in Southeast London on the banks of the River Thames a visit to Greenwich almost feels like you’ve left busy, bustling London altogether but no... That’s the thing about London, each of its 32 boroughs have very different distinctive styles and characteristics.

There’s so much to do in Greenwich that you could be forgiven for losing track of time. Never fear as you’ll find some of the most famous clocks in the world to see inside the Royal Observatory. Greenwich is where time begins, Greenwich Meantime that is, the location of Longitude 0’ where you can step on either side of the Western and Eastern hemisphere at the same time.

This area forms the part of Greenwich known as Greenwich Maritime which has strong royal and maritime or naval connections and is one of London’s five UNESCO world heritage sites. It is home to one of London’s largest Royal Parks and situated around the park you can find – what many agree – are the most stunning collection of classical style buildings in the country. Rows of tall white Portland stone columns and fine triangular shaped pediments, which make up the Old Naval College, home of the Painted Hall, originally used by retired sailors as their private dining room and the Queen’s House, where you’ll find a magnificent display of 16th and 17th century royal portraiture.

Today most filming that takes place in London, takes place in this area.

Les Mis, Cruella, The Crown, Thor: The Dark World, Skyfall and Kingsman, all such films were partly filmed amongst and or within these grand buildings.

Once home to Greenwich Palace (destroyed in the late 17th century), the birthplace to many of the Tudor royal family, who ruled the country throughout the late 15th and early 17th centuries.

Next to the Queen’s House is the National Maritime Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to naval history. There are over 100 different types of boat vessels to see and many fascinating items including the blood-stained jacket of our most famous admiral; Lord Horatio Nelson, who won the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, off the south coast of Spain.

Want a taste of what life was like at sea in the late 19th century? Step aboard – or walk beneath – the Cutty Sark, a real 19th century tea clipper (wooden sail ship).

Fun for kids and adults alike. Just 20 minutes from Tower Pier (Tower of London) on the Thames Clipper (riverboat).

Another way to reach Greenwich would be by Docklands Light Railway, a driverless monorail built in the 1980s, spread across much of East and Southeast London.

Race you to the front of the train where we can pretend to be the driver!

Please note paid for admission tickets are required in order to visit the Royal Observatory as well as the Cutty Sark.