Spending an afternoon in Greenwich? From fascinating museums to brilliant shopping spots, there are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant area of London. Combining outstanding attractions with a picturesque riverside setting, Greenwich is a must-visit location in the capital city.
Some of the top things to do in Greenwich include:
Read on as we help you plan the ideal trip to Greenwich.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 daily.
Enjoy a royal afternoon at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Built in the 17th century for Queen Anne, this beautiful house was the first in England to be designed in the Neoclassical style.
There are endless idyllic spots to visit, from the elegant Tulip Staircase to the gardens looking toward Greenwich Park. The rooms are filled with painted ceilings and wonderful portraits across the walls. It’s no wonder that the house has become a popular filming location for series such as Bridgerton and The Crown.
Book your free tickets here.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 daily.
The Royal Observatory is the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line. Originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren, it’s now part of the National Maritime Museum and features the Astronomy Centre and the Peter Harrison Planetarium, among other fascinating attractions.
Visit the Royal Observatory and admire the UK’s largest telescope, the Great Equatorial Telescope, which helped astronomers gain new insights into the universe more than 100 years ago. Or stand on either side of the Meridian Line with one foot in the western hemisphere and one foot in the eastern hemisphere. If you’re interested in time and space, the Royal Observatory should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Greenwich.
Book your tickets here.
Opening times: opening times vary from month to month. Find out more here.
The most historic of London’s eight Royal Parks, Greenwich Park is made up of 180 acres of lush greenery. Take a stroll through the park and admire views of the River Thames, Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, or simply enjoy a picnic and while away a few hours in the sunshine.
If you’re visiting in the spring or summer months, be sure to walk around the Flower Garden where you’ll see some lovely cherry blossom. You can also witness brilliant views of the park by climbing the hill outside the Royal Observatory.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 daily.
Cutty Sark is an iconic 19th-century ship used to transport tea back from China. The ship’s fantastic design meant it could cross seas at high speed, giving it a reputation as one of the fastest vessels in the world.
Hop aboard and learn more about Cutty Sark’s legendary history. Explore the main deck, visit the captain’s cabin and find out what day-to-day life was like for the ship’s crew. You can also book tickets to various special events, such as an evening of live comedy.
Book your tickets here.
Opening times: find out about up-to-date opening hours here.
Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the capital city from the Emirates Air Line cable car. Situated near the Greenwich 02 Arena, the Emirates Air Line connects North Greenwich and the Royal Docks.
Step inside a gondola and glide 90 metres above London’s cityscape, taking in famous sights such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Olympic Park.
You can book tickets online or at one of the cable car stations. For something extra special, choose an Emirates Air Line Celebration Experience, where you’ll receive your own private gondola and a glass of champagne per person.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:30 daily.
Situated only a stone’s throw from Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market is a great place to find unique gifts for yourself or someone special. The market’s history dates back to the 18th century, when it was made up of around 60 stallholders, mainly butchers.
The market is made up of two parts. There’s the shopping section where you can browse a range of homeware items, accessories, and arts and crafts. There’s also the food section where you can indulge in delicious cuisine from around the world.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 daily.
Steeped in over 500 years of history, the Old Royal Naval College is located on the site of Greenwich Palace. The site was transformed into a Royal Hospital for Seaman by Christopher Wren, and today it is considered a British landmark.
Today, you can visit the pretty buildings which make up the Old Royal Naval College and explore the surrounding grounds. Highlights include the Nelson Room and the Painted Hall. Tours around the site take place daily.
Book your tickets here.
Opening times: 10:00 to 17:00 Tuesday to Saturday, and 11:00 to 16:00 on Sundays.
If you’re a fan of art, make sure you stop by the NOW gallery during your tour of Greenwich. Located on Peninsula Square, this free public exhibition space showcases brilliant art, fashion and photography pieces by talented creatives. Current exhibitions include ‘Maiden Voyage’ and ‘Feeling Good’.
Here at Leonardo Hotels, our Leonardo London Royal Hotels offer the perfect home away from home in the capital city. Whether you’re looking around Greenwich or checking out other areas of London, unwind at the end of a busy day in one of our three hotels.
Our Tower Bridge Hotel, London City Hotel and St Paul’s Hotel all boast outstanding rooms, wonderful restaurants and high-quality health and leisure facilities. And with their central locations, you’ll never be too far from all the sights and attractions.
