A Perfect Day Out in Greenwich
Rich in maritime history, head to this beautiful corner of southeast London for a perfect day out in Greenwich.
One of my favourite parks in south London is Greenwich Park. In our 10+ years of living in London, we always take visitors here for a perfect day out in Greenwich. Rich in maritime history, there is plenty to do and see for families in this corner of southeast London.
Take the Thames Clipper to Greenwich
For a perfect day out in Greenwich, take the river boat service, Thames Clipper, from Battersea to Greenwich. In fact, my Zurich-bound and oldest friend in London chose Greenwich as her last day out with her family. On the 60 minute journey along the River Thames she reminisced on life in London for the past 10 years. With her two London-born children and husband, they enjoyed all of London’s iconic landmarks from the Thames Clipper. From Ben Big, London Eye, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower of London and Tower Bridge before alighting at Cutty Sark to meet us for a perfect day out in Greenwich.
Eating around Greenwich
Greenwich has no shortage of pubs and restaurants for a leisurely lunch. Along the riverside, two of our favourite places are the Sail Loft and the Trafalgar Tavern. There are plenty of options on Nelson Road from Buenos Aires Cafe, Honest Burger, and Sticks and Sushi. For a more local feel and further away from the touristy area, there are some nice eateries on Royal Hill. Everyone’s favourite pub seems to be Greenwich Tavern located just across the street from St. Mary’s Gate, one of the entrances into the lovely Greenwich Park.
Exploring Greenwich: Maritime History
Cutty Sark: This famous boat sailed to nearly every major port to transport coveted commodities, including tea from China to Britain. Built in 1869, Cutty Sark is designed for speed with a wooden hull on an iron frame. Cutty Sark is great for families with several floors documenting Britain’s rich maritime history from the tea trade to life as a sailor on-board one of the world’s fastest clippers. Cutty Sark offers “Toddler Time” on Wednesdays for songs and stories.
Old Royal Naval College: This late 17th century architectural gem designed by Sir Christopher Wren was originally constructed as the Greenwich Hospital. It was later converted to the Royal Naval College in 1873 after the hospital closed in 1869. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Royal Naval College sits on the River Thames with 500 years of rich naval history.
National Maritime Museum: A wonderful museum dedicated to Britain’s naval history from everything from the Battle of Trafalgar to the Spanish Armada and the East India Company. The AHOY! Children’s Galley is a great place for little ones under 7 for sea exploration and sailor expeditions. The Great Map Altas is a wonderful way to teach kids on the grand expedition of five famous ships whilst the parents can take a tea break at the cafe.
Greenwich Park and Beyond
Greenwich Park & Playground: Over 183 acres of open green space to enjoy, Greenwich Park is a great place for runners and walkers. The recently revamp children’s playground in the northeast corner of Greenwich Park is absolutely delightful. It’s one of the best children’s playground in southeast London. The playground has a plethora of equipment to keep kids busy, including a dedicated sandpit and a treehouse area.
Royal Observatory Greenwich: Home of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), you can stand astride with one foot on each side of the Prime Meridian Line. Other attractions at the Royal Observatory include: The Planetarium, Harrison Clocks, Flamsteed House, Octagon Room, and the Great Equatorial Telescope. The view over London is simply amazing from the observatory located in the centre of Greenwich Park.
And that’s a wrap for your perfect day out in Greenwich.
