9 Places to Explore in Greenwich, London
Greenwich, London – the home of time possesses a myriad of historic royal ties and panoramic views of London. What more could you ask for in a borough? I narrowed my favourite spots down to just 9 places to explore in Greenwich.
It feels like it’s out of the city proper, and has a very different feel to central central London – BUT it’s still super easy to get to!
I’ve loved visiting Greenwich many times over the years – whenever I have friends and family visiting London, it’s somewhere we always end up exploring.
1/ Visit the original Prime Meridien
The line in Greenwich represents the historic Prime Meridian of the World – Longitude 0º. Every place on Earth was measured in terms of its distance east or west from this line. The line itself divided the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth – just as the Equator divides the northern and southern hemispheres. (Nerd fact of the day: in 1984 the Prime Meridian was voted as having moved 102.5m to the east of the historic Medirian.)
2/ Taking in the Old Royal Naval College with ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel
The Painted Hall boasts one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe. The incredible ceiling and wall decorations were conceived and executed by British artist Sir James Thornhill. The epic painting scheme, known as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’ took nineteen years from the start of the commission to its completion in 1726. By turns extravagant, playful, thoughtful, naïve and politically shrewd, Thornhill’s scheme earned him a knighthood and payment of £6,685. (A few years ago, a unique experience they offered was for the general public to get up close and personal with the Baroque murals being cleaned via guided tours – it was incredible!)
The accompanying gallery is really interesting too, but let’s be honest, look at that curve.
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4/ Visit the National Maritime Museum
Historic celebrities, pirate (chasing) ships, enormous maps of the world and half-naked ladies. What more could you want on a list of 9 Places to Explore in Greenwich London ?
Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship. Built on the River Clyde in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line, she was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest, coming at the end of a long period of design development, which halted as sailing ships gave way to steam propulsion. Now, it’s a popular trap for Children and their parents – but well worth a visit.
6/ Greenwich Observatory
Take a post-prandial walk up to the Greenwich Observatory for stunning views, for a really interesting astronomical exhibition and stick around for out of this world stargazing events. (Their words, not mine.)
7/ Gently, coquettishly explore the Fan Museum
Open to the public since 1991, The Fan Museum is the only organisation of its kind devoted entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan. This award-winning Museum is small-scale, Independent, and accredited by Arts Council England. Situated within the World Heritage Site of Greenwich, London, it is situated in a pair of beautifully restored Grade II* Listed early Georgian period townhouses.
Take a turn through the grounds of the Greenwich Naval College before giving into the temptation of a picnic. No need to plan – you could pick something up from the Greenwich Market… And, when the sun hits the yardarm, a refreshing beverage is available from a variety of establishments to celebrate…
You could jump back onto the DLR, or you could hop onto the ferry service with some of the most iconie views in the world – Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben… Up to you… I’d especially recommend this at sunset.
Yep, just call me a perma-tourist.Have you been? What have I missed from this list of 9 Places to Explore in Greenwich London?
