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Top 10 things to do in Greenwich

Discover these top 10 highlights on a trip to historic Greenwich.
The Old Royal Naval College buildings in Greenwich sit behind shining water.
Discover beautiful buildings filled with culture. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.

Famed for giving its name to Greenwich Mean Time, Greenwich is where hemispheres meet and is home to a World Heritage Site, The O2 entertainment venue, London’s only cable car and London’s oldest Royal Park. Find Greenwich restaurants, royal heritage, world-class attractions and breathtaking views, all in a beautiful riverside setting. 

It’s quick and easy to get there from central London by Tube, train, DLR and bus, or you can honour the area’s maritime history and travel by boat to Greenwich.

1. Royal Observatory Greenwich

Explore the skies at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Stand with a foot in each hemisphere and explore how scientists first mapped the seas and the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This Greenwich observatory is home to the Prime Meridian Line, the UK’s largest refracting telescope, a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid and the only London planetarium. Read More
Prices from £14.40 Book now

2. Cutty Sark

Climb aboard the world-famous Cutty Sark. Image courtesy of Cutty Sark.
Climb aboard Cutty Sark in Greenwich, the world's last surviving tea clipper, which was built at the end of the golden age of sail. Discover what life was like aboard the 19th-century ship, find out how she brought tea from China and walk beneath the hull that made her one of the fastest ships of her time. Read More
Prices from £13.50 Book now

3. National Maritime Museum Free

Learn about maritime explorers at the National Maritime Museum. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Learn about Britain's encounters with the world at sea and the Royal Navy at the National Maritime Museum. This Greenwich museum also charts the life of great British hero Admiral Horatio Nelson, and you can even see the uniform he wore when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar. Read More

4. Queen's House

Admire art at the Queen's House. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
For a regal day out, head to the Queen's House in Greenwich for more than 400 years of stunning art, architecture and royal history. Part of Royal Museums Greenwich, this royal villa was designed by Inigo Jones in 1616 as a "house of delight" for James I's wife, Anne of Denmark. Read More

5. Greenwich Park

See spectacular views at Greenwich Park. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Stop off in London’s oldest Royal Park, Greenwich Park, for breathtaking views over the river Thames and the City of London. The former hunting park is still home to a small herd of deer, as well as the Prime Meridian Line, Royal Observatory and several cafes. Read More

6. Greenwich Market

Browse stalls at Greenwich Market. Photo by Ed Simmons. Image courtesy of Greenwich Market.
Find some quirky and unique gifts in Greenwich Market. Open seven days a week, this hidden gem is great for browsing crafts, design, antiques and collectables. Don’t forget to explore the Pavilion food court with street food from around the world and keep an eye out for seasonal events. Read More

7. Old Royal Naval College Free

Wander around the grounds at the Old Royal Naval College. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Explore the Old Royal Naval College, an architectural masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Study the lavish altar and elegant plaster works in the neoclassical chapel and make sure to walk the impressive grounds, which have featured in many recent movies. Read More

8. Thames Clippers

Float past landmarks with Thames Clippers. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Take in the sights while travelling to Greenwich with Thames Clippers’ high-speed catamarans. Jump on board in central London for great views of landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge, before disembarking at Greenwich pier or North Greenwich. Services run every 20 minutes throughout the day; touch in and out with your Oyster card. Read More
Prices from £4.50 Book now

9. Emirates Air Line cable car

Soar through the sky with Emirates Air Line. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Enjoy 360-degree views of London on the Emirates Air Line cable car. Soar across the Thames from Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Docks and see St Paul’s Cathedral, historic Greenwich, The Shard, The O2, the Thames Barrier, Royal Docks and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from heights of 90m (295ft). Board this Greenwich cable car after 7pm for longer journey times, music and video. Read More
Prices from £3.50 Book now

10. English Heritage: Eltham Palace

Walk in the grounds at Eltham Palace. Image courtesy of Visit Greenwich.
Be transported to the 1930s at art deco gem Eltham Palace. Tour the mansion’s lavish rooms, which are full of quirky touches from former owners Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. Be amazed by the circular entrance hall, explore the walk-in-wardrobe and marvel at the golden bathroom. There are also 19 acres (8 hectares) of grounds surrounding this former medieval palace, which Henry VIII used to visit. Read More
Prices from £13.00

Plan your visit to Greenwich by visiting the Tourist Information Centre or take a look at our Greenwich London map and two-day guide. If visiting with little ones, take a look at these fun activities for an exciting family day out. 

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