We all know Greenwich for the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), but this riverside part of London is more than that. Greenwich boast of world heritage sites, world-class museums, royal residences in a peaceful spectacular setting. If you are planning to stay in central London, you can quickly get there by train, bus, tube, boat or coach hire in Greenwich. Discover the top things to do in Greenwich.
Climb Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark is a 19th-century tea clipper ship. It is now an award-winning and must-visit tourist attraction. Cutty Sark was used to bringing tea back from China to England at a record-breaking speed. It is a mesmerizing experience for the whole family. There are Various family activities on deck, and there are shows and events in the studio theatre. Through these events, you can learn about life on the ship.
Children can meet the crew, steer the ship and listen to interesting facts of this legendary tea clipper. If you have some time in hand, enjoy a luxury Afternoon Tea beneath Cutty Sark’s cafe. The cafe requires pre-booking. Royal Museum Greenwich houses this historic clipper. Grab this chance to see only surviving tea clipper of the world.
Emirates Air Line cable car ride
Emirates Air Line cable car passes above Thames river, connecting Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. You can book a one-way trip or a round trip. It takes about 10 minutes for one way journey. Enjoy the magnificent view of London city skyline. To see the best views of the picturesque sky, take the night flight after 7 pm. You can spot The O2, Greenwich Peninsula, and the Royal Docks from up there.
Opt for a champagne-filled flight for a special occasion, and Emirates Air Line Discovery Experience for an informative experience. The only cable car in London rides 90 metres above the skyline.
Shop at Greenwich market
Visiting Local market is the best way to get in touch with the culture of the city. It is touristy but at the same time gives a glimpse of local life. Get ready for a day of shopping and good food at this historic London market. There will be hundreds of shops selling handmade clothing, accessories, jewellery, homeware and arts and crafts by British designers and vintage goods.
It is a perfect place to pick a souvenir for friends and family. Explore street stalls selling global cuisine. The market is open Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm. It takes only eight minutes to get to Greenwich. You can take a riverboat or train from London Bridge.
A day out at Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is the oldest royal park. It is part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site. This 183 acres of luscious green space houses a wilderness deer park, attractive rose garden, flower garden, and a boating pond. The rose garden is at its best during June and July. Highlights of the park are General James Wolfe Statue, Queen’s Orchard, and Bandstand.
During summer, the park hosts concerts, children’s playground and various events around the year. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Thames river and London city from the hilltop. It is an excellent place for a picnic. There are three cafes, The Tea Pavilion, St Mary’s Gate Café and The Honest Sausage.
Visit Royal observatory
Royal Observatory is the only London Planetarium. It houses the Prime Meridian Line, the UK’s largest refracting telescope and a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid. Meridian line is at 0-degree longitude. Stand on the famous Meridian Line with one foot in the west and one foot in the west.
Learn about the history of the development of time zones and how ships determined longitude at John Harrison’s timepieces in the Time and Longitude gallery. Other highlights include The red Time Ball on Flamsteed House and The Shepherd Gate Clock, the first clock to show GMT to the general public.