Heading to the south shore of the Thames and looking for the best things to do in Greenwich? Look no further than this guide!
Heading to the south shore of the Thames and looking for the best things to do in Greenwich? Tourists often overlook this historical Royal borough in southeast London, but it’s bursting with fun things to do.
Greenwich features some of the best parks in London, and it’s beaming with an extensive naval history. So, without further ado, let’s explore the many Greenwich things to do.
One of the best and most scenic ways to get to Greenwich is via a river cruise. A hop-on-hop-off sightseeing cruise is a great option if you’re looking to explore beyond Greenwich.
It’s not the fastest way to get there, but you’ll get to spot many of London’s top attractions. Alternatively, you can take a faster trip with the DLR and get off at Cutty Sark Station.
Wondering what to see in Greenwich? When it comes to fun things to do, Greenwich won’t disappoint.
Built-in 1869, the 64.7 metre-long Cutty Sark at Greenwich Pier is the last remaining tea clipper in the world. It was also one of the fastest of its time, having made record-breaking journeys during its peak use. The ship, which has over 18 kilometres of rigging, was used to transport tea from China.
Meet a cast of characters that tell stories of life on the ship or join organised events like rigging climbs. You can also explore the deck and take the helm like a true captain.
End off the exploration with a pre-booked afternoon tea at the Cutty Sark Café for a truly English experience. Entry tickets cost around £20 for adults and £10 for children. The ship is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm.
Tip: Purchase a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass to visit more Royal Museums attractions at a discounted rate.
The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College has had many purposes since its completion in 1720. Sir Christopher Wren handled the intricate baroque architecture. The artist James Thornhill was commissioned to paint the 40,000 square feet of walls and ceiling.
The painting project took 19 years to complete. James Thornhill received today’s equivalent of £1.4 million and was knighted as a reward for his extensive efforts.
The paintings depict a mix of around 200 allegorical, historical, and mythological characters, including kings and queens. Lay down on the carved oak daybeds in the centre to really get a feel for London’s very own “Sistine Chapel.”
You can also take a guided tour of the hall and grounds to learn more about the spectacular history of this place. Book your entry ticket online for a discounted rate of £16.50, which will give you unlimited access for a year.
Tip: Be sure to explore the underground passages of the Old Royal Naval College. You’ll find gems like an old double-lane skittle alley built to entertain the Greenwich Pensioners.
This museum is dedicated to showcasing Great Britain’s maritime history and is the largest in the world. It has 14 different galleries to explore. See prehistoric and modern ship models, a vast collection of nautical and astronomical instruments, and countless maritime artworks.
You’ll also get to see the uniform in which Admiral Nelson was fatally injured in the Battle of Trafalgar. Other galleries showcase the stories of ordinary and famous seafarers, like Francis Drake and Christopher Columbus.
There are many reasons to visit the Grade-I listed Queen’s House—like the grotesque-style painted ceiling in the queen’s chamber. The original painted woodwork in the great hall and the art on display are other worthy sights. But the tulip staircase is one of its main draws.
The Queen’s House is one of the UK’s first truly classical buildings, designed by the architect Inigo Jones. Jones drew inspiration from his Italian education and the Italian architect Palladio. The result was Britain’s first geometric, self-supported spiral staircase, completed in 1635.
The beautiful blue wrought iron detailing stands in spectacular contrast against the white walls.
This staircase is also where Reverend R. W. Hardy took his famous ghost photograph in 1966. So keep an eye out for strange apparitions if ghost sightings appeal to you.
Providing some of the most iconic views of the London cityscape and the River Thames, Greenwich Park is a must-visit. The park dates back to the 15th century. Its landscape includes attractions like the various flower, herb, and rose gardens and the Pavillion Café.
Take a stroll along the many walking routes or settle down for a picnic while admiring the view. You may just spot a few deer if you’re lucky.
Explore the home of the prime meridian and British astronomy and walk along the longitudinal marker that separates the Eastern and Western hemispheres. This is the only place in the world where you can do so.
You’ll also get to explore the Flamsteed house, named after the first appointed Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed. The house was meant to serve as an observatory. But its octagonal observation room was insufficient, as none of the walls lined up with a meridian.
Sir Christopher Wren built the Royal Observatory in 1675, which houses a 28-inch refractor telescope. The telescope, designed by Sir Howard Grubb in 1893, is one of the largest telescopes in the world. To this day, it is the largest in the UK.
The Royal Observatory also houses the most impressive collection of timepieces. And, on its roof, you’ll spot a red time ball that is dropped every day at precisely 1 pm. It’s been operating since 1833, making it one of the world’s first public time signals.
Round off your visit with a show on astronomy at London’s only Planetarium.
Tip: This Greenwich attraction gets quite busy, so try to arrive early or book your entry ticket online to skip the queue.
On your way down from the Royal Observatory, make your way to the eastern side of Greenwich Park. Here you’ll find the Georgian-style Ranger’s House and its dreamy rose garden.
The villa once served as a Park Ranger residence but now houses the Wernher Collection—an opulent accumulation of fine art. It’s also now famed for being the home of the Bridgerton’s from the hit Netflix series. In case you think you recognise it, in the show the facade is covered in wisteria.
The semi-circle rose garden has been blooming since 1960. Plan your visit between June and July to see the roses in full bloom.
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, you’ll find the Greenwich Market, which has been operating since 1737. This bustling spot has over 45 food stalls, making it one of the best places in Greenwich to grab lunch.
With everything from Desi and Ethiopian street food to Brazilian churros and Italian cannoli on offer, you’re sure to find the perfect lunch.
Besides its international selection of food vendors, the market also features antiques, jewellery, clothing, and crafts stalls. It’s the perfect place to find a memento or a small gift for someone special.
One of the more unique places to visit in Greenwich, London, is the Fan Museum. This spot is dedicated entirely to the history, craft, and culture of the fan.
The extraordinary collection of fans is held in two Grade-II listed Georgian townhouses and was opened to the public in 1991. It’s the only one of its kind globally and showcases fans dating as far back as 1,000 years.
There are many ways to enjoy the views of the London skyline, but few compare to climbing up the O2 Arena. London’s O2 Arena hosts regular entertainment events and stands 52 metres high.
Get your adrenaline pumping by climbing the roof of the O2 in a 90-minute experience you’re sure to remember forever. You’ll be walking up a fabric walkway, connected to a safety harness with a rope to hold onto.
It’s a relatively easy and very safe activity. But it can get a bit windy, so remember to bring a jacket.
After a long day of exploring, you’re sure to have worked up a thirst and an appetite. Stop by the “Jewel of the Thames”, Trafalgar Tavern. This charming riverside spot has welcomed guests like Charles Dickens and other notables since 1837.
The walls of this Grade-II listed property feature tons of artworks and photos that tell the story of Britain’s naval history. Enjoy British classics like Sunday roast, sausage and mash, and fish and chips along with a refreshing drink.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist in London, there’s always something new to discover in Greenwich. With everything from Instagram-worthy London spots like the O2 Arena to fun places like the Fan Museum, Greenwich won’t disappoint.
Be sure to read up on London’s hidden gems for more inspiration for fun local activities.
PIN AND SAVE FOR LATER
Please note, this site contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support!
See my full disclosure here.
Consider these spots for a comfy stay in Greenwich.
Please note, this site contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support!
See my full disclosure here.
Cookies help us deliver our services and provide you with the content we do. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. To find out how to disable cookies in your browser please read the full policy. Learn more!
