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Borough in London, United Kingdom
Photo: Photograher and original uploader was Sebjarod at fr.wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Greenwich is a famous maritime district of south east London - 5.5 miles (8.9 km) from central London. An area of great historical importance, the town centre contains Maritime Greenwich - one of London's four UNESCO World Heritage sites - known for its naval history, connections with the Royal Family and as the location from which the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is derived.
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A preserved tea and wool clipper built in 1869 which set the record for passage from Australia under sail. The ship was damaged by fire on 21 May 2007, but much of the ship's structure and rigging had already been removed as a conservation and renovation project had been underway since 2006. The site reopened in 2012 with changes to the display of the ship including raising the entire vessel so that now visitors can walk underneath.
The world's largest fan museum, for those who are big fans of fans. Closed in winter.
Situated on a hill rising up from Greenwich town centre, the park offers impressive views from the hilltop across the River Thames to Docklands and the City of London. The park also provides a setting for several historic buildings, including the Royal Observatory, the old Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House.
with 2 herds (Red and Fallow)
The home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line, this is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium (at the stroke of midnight GMT as measured from the Prime Meridian). Now a detached part of the National Maritime Museum, it houses an impressive display and a planetarium built in 2007. There are several different star shows per day that are well worth the money, especially as it's now the only celestial performance of its kind around, after the London Planetarium completely converted to Madame Tussauds.
Museum devoted to the maritime role in Britain's history. Contains the UK's national collection of Maritime artefacts (although do not expect much in the way of whole ships). One of the buildings housing the museum is the Queens House, built by Inigo Jones as the first Palladian building in England.
Built by Christopher Wren in 1694 as the Greenwich Hospital for the relief and support of seamen and their dependents and for the improvement of navigation. It became the Royal Naval College in 1869. In 1999 the University of Greenwich moved in, and was joined by Trinity College of Music in 2001. Best known for its Painted Hall, with elaborate ceiling and wall paintings executed by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726.
A masterpiece of early classical architecture designed by Inigo Jones in the early 17th century. Often described as the first fully classical building in England, it now houses the National Maritime Museum’s fine art collection, including maritime paintings and portraiture.
At Blackheath, the Ranger's House maintains a large ceramic collection.
A hidden-away green space and wildlife haven in the middle of urban Greenwich. Comes alive in the summer with brightly coloured insects and birds.
One of the most notable art deco buildings in London which was built and owned by the Courtaulds family of textile fame. Administered by English Heritage.
Completed in 1612, the finest and best preserved Jacobean mansion in London.
An 18th-century folly built as a memorial to Sir William James by his widow. Today you can climb the 86 steps to the top of the castle for amazing views over London and seven different counties.
Operated by the Greenwich Tour Guides Association, the original guiding organisation that has operated in Greenwich for 25 years. Walking tours take place twice a day (every day, excluding 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan and London Marathon Day). No need to book in advance, buy tickets on the day from the meeting point at the Discover Greenwich Tourist Information Centre. Runs two tours: The Meridian Tour (noon) which includes a scenic walk to the top of the hill in Greenwich Park - more energetic of the two walks but doesn't go into any attractions. The Greenwich Highlights Tour (2:15PM) which doesn't go up the hill but enters the chapel of the Royal Naval College.
Runs a range of more in-depth tours including Greenwich Day Tour, Greenwich Highlights Half Day Tour, Greenwich Food Tour and National Maritime Museum Tour. Tickets must be booked in advance and tours leave from outside the Greenwich Visitors Centre. Pub lunches are generally included, as is admission to attractions.
A range of different bus tours, including to some destinations outside of Greenwich town centre which are harder to reach.
Since being founded in Greenwich in 2000, beers from the award-winning Meantime Brewery have spread across the country. Still produced in Greenwich, tours of the site are available and include a tasting session. A bar and shop on site mean that you can continue sampling beers after the tour has finished.
The former Millennium Dome has been transformed into a major entertainment complex consisting of a large arena which plays host to a number of world class performers, a cinema which includes the largest screen in the UK, and numerous bars and restaurants. Tickets can be purchased in advance to join tours walking over the top of the dome, providing unique views.
An internationally renowned school for music and dance training based in the Old Royal Naval College and a contemporary site by Deptford Creek. Put on musical and dance performances across Greenwich throughout the year - many of them free.
A beautiful Baroque church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor (and is rumoured to have links with Occultists, Freemasons and such-like). Hosts classical music concerts and organ recitals. Its Christmas choir is enjoyable also.
Tends to show art-house films.
The large Odeon multiplex has 18-screens, but is a bit out-of-the way, at Bugsby Way, on the way to the O2 Arena.
Comedy club. Hosts hilarious stand-up as well as music nights.
Concert Hall
Every Guy Fawkes night (5th of November) Lewisham council put on a spectacular free fireworks display. In the past few years crowds of over 100,000 have amassed, so arrive early to secure a good spot. The heath also hosts funfairs and circus at various times of the year.
Sail Royal Greenwich
Annual festival held at the start of July. Tall sailing ships cruise down the Thames from Woolwich, with Greenwich town centre being a fantastic place to view them. Each evening of the festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display on the river. Packages can be bought for trips aboard the ships.
The London Marathon takes place annually, usually on the last Sunday of April. For both wheelchair racers and runners (elite, club and fun - many in fancy dress), it starts from the south side of Greenwich Park, on the common at Blackheath, then routes eastwards towards Charlton and Woolwich before turning west through Greenwich, past the Old Royal Naval College and Maritime Museum, and doing a loop around the Cutty Sark before heading off towards Deptford. Roads are closed. Many pubs and cafes open early, some with live music, serving spectators who line the route to cheer participants along.
They play soccer in the Championship, England's second tier. The women's team play in the Championship, their second tier, at Bexleyheath in Dartford.
Urban driving range against the spectacular backdrop of Canary Wharf. Restaurant and bar on site. 18 years + age policy after 6PM.
Let off some steam for a couple of hours with laser tag or paintball at an underground Cold War themed bunker in part of industrial Greenwich. Great for kids (or just your inner-kid!). Next to the Thames Barrier - which keeps the city safe from flooding - be sure to go and take a look at this giant structure in the river whilst you're here.
Greenwich is home to the last 4 miles (6.4 km) of the 184-mile-long Thames Path, organised by National Trails. From Cutty Sark, the path follows the river up and around the Greenwich Peninsula before ending at the Thames Barrier. The trail affords great views of Canary Wharf and passes sights including the Old Royal Naval College, the O2 Arena and the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park while passing some fantastic pubs for drinks or lunch along the way. End point The path's end point at the Thames Barrier has an information centre about the structure and a cafe (Th-Su 11AM-3:30PM; closed M Tu W). To get back to North Greenwich station, take bus route 472 or 161 - a ten-minute walk away. The 117 or 118 bus route will return you to Greenwich town centre. Alternative route The last 2 miles of the walk pass through more industrial areas, which are quite interesting in themselves, but some visitors might prefer to end the walk at the O2 Arena or by Emirates Air Line cable-car, both of which are close to North Greenwich tube station.
This pub is well situated for the tourist attractions in Greenwich and does good bar food.
This restaurant provides excellent Nepalese and Northern Indian cuisine in an unusual and interesting setting (as long as you get seated downstairs, below street level).
Offers budget Chinese cuisine, at a budget price if you're after a bargain rather than quality. They only take cash. Noodle Time and Saigon are located around the street, facing each other, and offer similar fare/price.
Part of the local Meantime Brewery's growing empire with a massive enclosed outdoor area - great in the summer months. Part of the same building as the tourist information centre, and perhaps more popular with tourists than locals although there is a mix of both. A cafe, and a pub/restaurant - the latter serves good if relatively expensive food (£13.50 for a burger) and a range of good Meantime beers, which are still brewed a couple of miles away. Service can be a little slow when it's busy.
Expanded in 2016, Greenwich Market's outdoor food court is now a dedicated section of the market. Dozens of street food stalls offer a range of cuisines from around the world. Seating is limited, so it is best to buy your food and eat it either in Greenwich Park or next to the river by Cutty Sark.
Casual Argentinian cafe with steaks, Spanish-themed food and brunch. Relaxing orangery and garden at the rear.
Modern British food with seasonal ingredients. Next door to the Greenwich Picture House.
Open since 1890, London's most famous pie and mash restaurant. Enjoy the capital's traditional meal - handmade fresh every day. Footballer David Beckham is known to be a fan and makes occasional visits.
Eritrean-Italian café and restaurant.
Japanese fusion restaurant. Food more impressive than the basic decor. You can bring your own alcohol.
Fish and chip shop. Traditional no-frills 'chippy' - takeaway or eat in.
A covered market from the 1930s has been transformed into an epic indoor space, with rainbow roof, pool tables and massive seating area. Home to eight of street-food traders, five bars and South-East London vibes.
A hut that has been serving tea to travellers on the A2 since 1924.
British classics - great for brunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Reserve in advance if you're planning to be in the area!
Great pub built in Georgian period. Best time to go is on a warm summer's evening when you can sit out by the river and watch the sunset in the west. Can get pretty busy though!
Greene King pub with riverside views from windows. Does food and can be quieter (and friendlier) than the Trafalgar.
Greenwich Inc-owned. Beautiful old pub but overcrowded. The bar is over bright and sitting outside has become less pleasant since they lined loads of benches up along the river path. Service can also be brusque.
Pub run by Fuller's on the riverside with decent but limited outdoor seating. In the summer, the doors are opened up so that the entire bar feels like you're drinking by the river.
Youngs pub on the riverside west of Greenwich town centre. Serves brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks and everything in between.
Young's pub with covered seated area in Greenwich Market - let the shoppers shop while you sup! Does food as well as the usual Young's ales, etc.
Historic Grade I listed pub right next to the Cutty Sark. Big outdoor seating area but the pub is too often filled with tourists.
Gastropub.
Owned by the Meantime Brewery, based in nearby Charlton, which stocks its own range of beer in a variety of styles.
Friendly beach-themed bar set over two floors. One of the only bars in Greenwich that shows live sports, with multiple screens and a large projector screen. Video games consoles available to play on the ground floor. Reasonably priced pub food (burgers, wraps, etc.) and a large range of beer and other drinks.
A quaint little watering-hole, nearly on the prime meridian, with a variety of guest ales tucked away from the run-of-the mill riff-raff in Greenwich town centre. Excellent food at reasonable prices, try the delicious mixed platter for 4 to get the taste buds going!
Owned by Young's, which sells its real ales. Nice beer garden at the back and does a good Sunday Roast. Hosts a popular pub quiz on Tuesday evenings.
Rose and Crown
The Rose and Crown is a cozy bar, out of main routes in Greenwich Park. As a typical British pub - serves quality food and wide range of drinks (British ales, lagers, wines, spirits, coffee and tea). Friendly staff and nicely selected music.
Small local pub which hosts music nights and other events. Might be a good bet if you want to drink with locals, rather than tourists.
Greenwich's first micropub. Serves real ale, real cider, Belgian beers, wines and spirits. Also tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Tucked away from the main roads, with an outdoor area at the rear. Friendly local pub doing gastropub food and guest ales. Weekly quiz nights.
Slightly quirky local pub, offering real ales and occasional pizzas, plus board games and books, quizzes, and - in the winter - roaring fires.
Relaxed, wood-panelled wine bar offering over 100 varieties and a smart, British, seasonal menu. Large outdoor seating area.
Cozy and compact jazz bar with live music. Quirky decor and old furniture create a fun ambiance.
Dishes range from yellow lobster curry and chicken Manchurian to black cod with ginger and shiitake mushrooms, and a drinks menu that includes cocktails.
A locals pub
Popular gastro pub (suggest advance booking). Also serves selection of guest ales.
An Irish Pub
Was the changing room for the first rugby international (between England and Wales) in 1871 and the front bar dates from that time.
An industrial space where they brew and sell good beers. Also excellent pizzas and pasta.
Pub in central Blackheath village, serves food.
A locals pub which serves food, and hosts occasional live music and other events.
Friendly locals pub (recommend the lounge) which does Pie Minister pies, decent real ales. Regular live music.
A lively hostel - part of the popular chain - above the lively Belushi's bar (a student favourite). Right next to Greenwich station - providing quick links into central London. 6-12 bed mixed dorms, dedicated female dorm and private rooms available. Includes free WiFi, continental breakfast, a free walking tour of Greenwich and 25% off food and drink in the hostel bar.
previously Journeys West Hostel
Bright, modern and refurbished hostel above a lively pub - probably the cheapest price in the area. 3-12 bed mixed dorms, with dedicated female-only dorms available. Rate includes free WiFi and breakfast.
This Georgian-style hotel has 93 rooms all in a grand old converted building. Located right at the Maritime World Heritage site. Specialises in hosting corporate functions and seminars but the accommodation for casual visitors offers decent value.
A typical, rather identikit Ibis hotel. Not expensive by any means though.
This 200-year-old Fullers pub has five bedrooms upstairs at reasonable rates.
Popular mid-range chain - close to Greenwich station with easy access into central London.
Four-star chain hotel with stylish rooms. Next to Greenwich station, providing easy access into central London.
Boutique guest house with stylish and modern rooms in between Blackheath and Greenwich. Out of the way and not as close to public transport as other hotels, but located in a very relaxed area away from the tourist centre of Greenwich. Free WiFi and continental breakfast.
Three-star hotel in a lovely old converted Georgian building on Blackheath Green. Price includes a full breakfast and free WiFi.
This historic pub in the heart of Greenwich has 14 guest rooms upstairs. Free WiFi and continental buffet breakfast.
An indoor market also selling good food, and containing many interesting little shops.
Selling what you would expect.
Greenwich Antiques Market
The name is a bit deceptive but it does have plenty of old books, music, clothes and jewellery.
The largest part of the market that sells homeware, furniture and books.
By boat
Several companies run river tour boats from central London piers at Westminster Bridge, the Millennium Wheel and the Tower of London, to Greenwich Pier which is adjacent to Greenwich town centre and…
By Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
This automated rail system runs from central London terminals at Tower Gateway (a short walk from Tower Hill station) and Bank (with interchange to the London Underground).
By rail
Services can be less frequent at the weekend and can be amended or cancelled altogether due to planned engineering works.
By Tube
The London Underground's Jubilee line serves North Greenwich station (zones 2/3), which primarily caters for visitors to the O2 Arena on the Greenwich Peninsula.
Most visitors to Greenwich will remain within the town centre, where all attractions are within easy walking distance of each other and both the Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich DLR station and Greenwich Pier.
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