Family Day Out in Greenwich

Historic, beautiful and fun – take your family on a day trip to Greenwich!

Greenwich is home to historical landmarks, a busy market, London's oldest Royal Park, and the Prime Meridian Line. Perfect for a fun-packed family day out.

Morning: Explore the Museums of Greenwich

Greenwich has a rich maritime history, so why not travel there by boat? City Cruises runs a daily service between Westminster, Waterloo, Tower and Greenwich piers, so you can catch all the sights along the Thames.

On arrival you'll see the Cutty Sark, the world's most famous tea clipper, which has re-opened following a £50 million renovation. Enjoy stunning views over Greenwich from the ship's deck and see the Cutty Sark's hull underneath the new glass canopy.

You can't miss the stunning buildings that Greenwich is famous for. Straight ahead you'll see the Queen's House and the National Maritime Museum, which feature interactive children's galleries. Entry to each of these fantastic attractions is free.

On top of the hill in the middle of Greenwich Park sits the Royal Observatory and London's only public Planetarium. Stand astride the Prime Meridian Line (admission charge applies) with a foot in both the East and West hemispheres, and set your watch as the bright red Time Ball drops at 1pm sharp.

Lunch: Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is the ideal spot for a picnic, or you can sample homemade sandwiches and hot lunches at hexagonal Pavilion Tea House. The park is also home to deer, a children's playground and a boating pond, so there is plenty to see and do after you've eaten.

Alternatively, head back to the heart of Greenwich for a delicious, affordable lunch in Royal Teas. The menu includes soup of the day, daily specials and a tempting selection of homemade cakes.

Afternoon: Greenwich Market and the Fan Museum

Explore the undercover stalls and shops in Greenwich Market to find a huge variety of unique and quirky arts and crafts. Temptation calls at Mr Humbug, a traditional sweet shop crammed with colourful jars filled with all your favourite treats!

If they haven't spent all their pennies on sweets, kids will love browsing around Compendia, a magical toyshop that stocks unusual games alongside family favourites.

When you're all shopped out, escape the hustle and bustle of the market in the Fan Museum, a unique attraction housing the world's finest collection of fans. The museum is set in a pair of 1721 Grade II listed houses, which have both been beautifully restored, with a stunning Japanese-style garden.

On the first Saturday afternoon of each month, the Fan Museum holds special fan making workshops that are open to adults and children aged 12 and over. Advance booking is necessary as class numbers are limited.

Evening: Family Dinner in Greenwich

Children are welcome at PizzaExpress, where highchairs, baby changing facilities and a children's menu make it easy to dine out with the whole family. Kids will love rounding off their meal with a Bambinoccino, a special drink with the froth and none of the coffee.

Expect a lively and fun atmosphere at Desperados, which serves up a tasty mix of Spanish and Tex-Mex dishes. The menu includes sizzling fajitas, burgers and tapas, and the huge portions will ensure that everyone is satisfied!

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