Greenwich London Things To Do: A Comprehensive Guide

Greenwich, located in south-east London, is a historic and vibrant area. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, due to its rich history, stunning architecture and attractions. The area has long been associated with maritime exploration and the Royal Navy, with many of its structures and buildings dating back to the 17th century. It is also home to the Prime Meridian Line, the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark, all of which are must-see attractions.

If you are planning a trip to Greenwich London, there is no shortage of things to see and do. From its vibrant markets and cultural attractions, to its parks and gardens, the area offers something for everyone. In this post, we will provide an overview of all the best things to do in Greenwich London, as well as provide information about two popular tours that are available for visitors.

History of Greenwich London

Greenwich has been inhabited since the Iron Age. It has been an important and strategic site since the Roman period and was used by the Romans as a defensive settlement to protect the Thames. During the medieval period, Greenwich became a royal borough and was home to many royal palaces. In 1675, the Royal Observatory was established in Greenwich, which is also home to the Prime Meridian Line of longitude.

During the 18th century, Greenwich became a popular destination for wealthy Londoners, who built grand mansions in the area. It was also home to many artists and writers, including William Hogarth and William Blake.

In the 19th century, it became a bustling industrial port and shipbuilding centre. Around this time, it also became home to the Old Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark. Today, Greenwich has become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Greenwich Markets

One of the best things to do in Greenwich is to explore its vibrant markets. There are several markets located in Greenwich, including the world-famous Greenwich market, one of the oldest markets in London. Here you will find a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce, antiques and collectibles, to handmade crafts and jewellery. The market is open every day from 10am-5pm.

The nearby Blackheath market is another great place to visit on Saturdays. This market offers a wide range of stalls selling food and drink, clothing, crafts and more. The market is open every Saturday from 9am-4pm.

Cultural Attractions

Greenwich is home to many cultural attractions, from its historic buildings and monuments to its world-class museums and galleries. One of the most popular attractions is the Cutty Sark, one of the last surviving tea clippers from the 19th century. Here you can explore the ship’s interior, watch films about its history and learn more about its voyage around the world. The Cutty Sark is open daily from 10am-5pm.

The nearby National Maritime Museum is another must-visit attraction in Greenwich. This museum celebrates Britain’s long seafaring history and offers plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy. The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.

Parks and Gardens

Greenwich is home to many beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for enjoying a peaceful stroll or picnicking with friends or family. One of the most popular parks in Greenwich is Greenwich Park, which covers 74 hectares (183 acres) of land. Here you can find lush lawns, colourful flower beds and plenty of activities for children. The park is open daily from 7am-dusk.

The nearby Horniman Gardens is another great spot for a relaxing walk or picnic. This 16-acre garden features stunning gardens, ponds and meadows full of wildflowers and wildlife. The gardens are open daily from 10am-4pm in winter and 10am-6pm in summer.

Greenwich Tour

Explore all that Greenwich has to offer with a guided tour that takes you around some of its most iconic sites. This tour will take you through 500 years of history, highlighting some of its most famous landmarks such as the Old Royal Naval College, the Prime Meridian Line and the Cutty Sark. You will also get to explore inside some of these historic buildings, learning about their fascinating stories along the way. You can book this tour here.

Royal Observatory Tour

This tour will take you through the history of astronomy at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich London. You’ll learn about how astronomical observations have been made over centuries at this site, as well as explore some of its most famous instruments such as the Great Equatorial Telescope and Harrison’s Marine Timekeeper No 1. You will also get to visit the Prime Meridian Line, where time begins for the world’s time zones. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Greenwich London is a vibrant area full of things to see and do. From its markets and cultural attractions to its parks and gardens, there is something for everyone in this historic part of London. Whether you are looking to explore some of its iconic sites or take part in one of its many tours, you will be sure to find something that suits your needs in Greenwich London.