The rest of the planet is playing catch up with the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Opposite the Isle of Dogs, this wonderful part of London is home to the Royal Observatory, where you can walk the Meridian Line marking longitude zero and the point from which the rest of the world measures their time. Along with Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Naval College, it’s one of the many incredible attractions that make up the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. At its heart is London’s favourite, Greenwich Market, where you can hunt down a bargain, and enjoy some of the best eating around. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also pay a visit to The O2, the world’s busiest arena, which heads up Greenwich’s long list of entertainment options. There’s so much to fill your day, and some truly excellent nightlife options, before you make your way back to our London Greenwich hotel.
Things to do in Greenwich
Activities
Despite being the ‘home of time’, you’ll struggle to find enough hours in the day to see all the excellent activities and attractions Greenwich has to offer. We kick off our tour with the Royal Observatory and the Meridian Line before blasting through the brilliant attractions that form the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
Entertainment
As you can only expect, The O2 heads up your entertainment options. It is the busiest arena in the world, so there’s a fair chance there’ll be something on during your stay. You also have several other options ranging from tiny theatres and jazz bars to independent gig venues and a flurry of football options.
Shopping
We can’t talk about shopping without mentioning Greenwich Market. It’s London’s favourite covered market. You’ll find it right at the heart of the borough, part of the World Heritage Site. It’s open seven days a week, with up to 120 stalls selling everything from upcycled furniture to antique bric-a-brac, handmade clothing, local art and sublime street food. Bargain hunters can also head to the nearby Greenwich Vintage Market on Church Street, which is open everyday bar Monday and Wednesday.
Likewise, the Clocktower Market stretches over 50 stalls and has been around for more than 30 years. It’s the local favourite for vintage, retro and antique bits and bobs. You’ll find it on Greenwich High Road, next to the Greenwich Picturehouse, open on Saturdays and Sundays. Last of all, if you’re looking for High Street names and familiar fashion brands, make your way to the Greenwich Shopping Park on the peninsula. It’s home to more than a dozen large outlets, including JD Sports, Home Sense, and New Look.
Getting Around
There’s all manner of transport options for anyone visiting Greenwich. The borough has two National Rail stations, Greenwich and Maze Hill with southeastern services running from Cannon Street Station in central London. If you’re planning a trip to The O2, or you want to explore the peninsula, the North Greenwich Underground Station will take you right to the heart of the action. You can also catch the Docklands Light Railway or as its better known, the DLR, to all of London’s major stations, as well as London City Airport.
If you’re looking for less conventional means of transport, you can catch a riverboat from Greenwich Pier to the Tower of London in just 20 minutes. Last of all there’s the Emirates Air Line. The famous cable car spans the River Thames, connecting the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks. It’s the only urban cable car in the UK, with the journey taking less than ten minutes, and offering fantastic views of the city. It’s ridiculed for the fact that literally nobody uses it for their daily commute. However, it’s a unique attraction to tick off any tourist trip to the capital city.
Shopping in Greenwich
