Top things to do in 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.

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 it brought tea from China and walk beneath the hull that made it one of the fastest ships of its time.

Explore Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic architecture at the Old Royal Naval College. The stunning buildings and large grounds tell five centuries of remarkable history, featuring an incredible cast of famous figures, from Elizabeth I to Admiral Lord Nelson.

 

Discover more than 3,700 sq m (40,000 sq ft) of magnificent painted walls and ceiling during a visit to "Britain’s Sistine Chapel", Sir James Thornhill’s Painted Hall. Pay a visit to the Painted Hall, an architectural masterpiece like no other in the UK, which has been seen in many hit films, including Pirate of the Caribbean, The Crown, Les Misérables, Bridgerton and many others. Plus, don't miss the glorious Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.

Visit two impressive London landmarks with the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass. Step aboard historic Cutty Sark and walk around the ship to find out what life was like on the open waves. The pass also grants admission to the Royal Observatory, where you can visit the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and stand on the historic Prime Meridian line of the world.

With premium outlet shopping at ICON Outlet, bars and restaurants, a multi-screen cinema, a trampoline park and bowling, The O2 is the ultimate entertainment destination in Greenwich. See a different side of the city by climbing the famous roof at Up at The O2 and experience incredible 360-degree views of London.

Enjoy 360-degree views of London on the IFS Cloud 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.

Take in the sights while travelling to Greenwich with Uber Boat by 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ranger's House is an elegant Georgian villa on the boundary of Greenwich Park and Blackheath, making it the perfect spot to explore after a leisurely stroll through the surrounding landscape and gardens. Home to The Wernher Collection, discover more than 700 artworks, from medieval sculptures and ornate jewellery to beautiful French tapestries. Don't miss the Madonna of the Pomegranate from renowned renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli.

Please note the Ranger's House is opened to visitors from April to October.

Up for a spot of shopping? 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.

Be transported to the 1930s at art deco gem Eltham Palace and Gardens. 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.