Royal Observatory Greenwich

Greenwich is one of my favourite areas in London and the observatory is well worth a visit especially if you are around Greenwich. It is surrounded by the park and has the best view of East London.

I actually went in to the observatory when I was a little girl but remember having to observe the stars and the whole theory of astronomy and planets were explained. I still go around there now. Greenwich altogether is a very peaceful place to be.

To get to is might be a bit of a struggle as you have to walk up to the top where it is. But if you are going by car you enter from the top of the park in that case you are just few minutes walk away from it.

The closest station is Maritime Greenwich DLR (Dockland Light Railway) and it takes about 10 minutes to walk there. The Cutty Sark is on the left as you come out of the station but however due to the fire it has been closed.

After a good amount of walking from the Docklands light rail, via Canary Wharf, thru a couple small streets, thru a beautiful pak, then up a mid-sized steep hill, you reach the Maritime line. The views to London, especially the Canary Wharf office buildings are amazing. Specular fun to have your photo taken on "the line" by yourself or with your friends; and even a quaint gift shop, too. Although its a good hike to get there from London Central, plan a good hour at least, it's just plain fun! I will always remember it, that's for sure. Clearly a world renown tourist sight! Remember to wear comfortable shoes!

Gettting there was easy - take the Tube to the railway line and switch over (underground) at no extra cost using your Oyster card. This above ground rail line passes through attractive areas enroute.

Get off at the Royal Greenwich Observatory train stop. There's an excellent Tourist Information Office is across the street from the burned out Cutty Sarc ship. Lots of little places to eat in the town.

I also enjoyed visiting the small, but lovely, Fan Museum.

The Greenwich Observatory park is lovely, green and serene after the hubub of London itself. It's a World Heritage site. The Observatory and all the other buildings are superbly done. Free admission. Very well organized - lots for adults to see and learn and lots to interest children, too. The buildings are located at the top of the hill. A nice walk and a great view at the top. But, you might have to stop once, or twice, to get your breath :). You can stand on the 0 Meridian Line and learn how it all came about. A fascinating story. It is all beautifully done. There are wonderful old clocks and exqusite pieces of old equipment and telescopes etc. A good section on Space. The Maritime Museum (at the bottom of the hill) is excellent, too. Also free and the people at their Information Desk were very helpful.