If you love maritime and royal family history, Greenwich is the perfect place to visit in London. This post outlines 7 unique things to do in Greenwich.
Greenwich is a borough located in the southeast of London, which sits along the banks of the River Thames. It is steeped in maritime history and has a rich connection to the royals, particularly the Tudor and Stuart dynasties. Greenwich is also famous for being home to the world’s Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Maritime Greenwich became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its architectural, artistic, and scientific contributions. It includes the town centre, St. Alfege church, the Royal Observatory, the park, its buildings, the Old Royal Naval College, and Cutty Sark.
The seven locations included in this list are within the town centre of Greenwich. They are all within walking distance and can easily be visited all in one day.
Marvel at the UK’s Own Sistine Chapel in Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall
What is the old royal naval college
The Old Royal Naval College is a collection of buildings in the heart of Maritime Greenwich. It was designed in the Baroque style by esteemed architect Sir Christopher Wren, who also designed St. Paul’s Cathedral.
This riverside estate was once the site of Greenwich Palace, the birthplace of Tudor monarchs King Henry VIII and his daughters Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1696, Wren was commissioned to build the Royal Hospital for Seamen. It was turned into the Royal Naval College in 1873 after the hospital buildings were acquired by the Naval College in Portsmouth. They provided modern and innovative training to officers and became one of the best naval schools in Europe. However, the Navy vacated the site in 1997 after the Government consolidated the training of their armed forces.
Today, the Old Royal Naval College shares the site with the University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Aside from being a significant tourist attraction for its architecture and history, it has become a popular choice for filming locations.
What to do in the old royal naval college
The Old Royal Naval College buildings are stunning examples of Baroque-style architecture. The site is a popular event venue for parties, weddings, and graduations. This comes as no surprise since everywhere you look is so picturesque. In addition, you can wander along the buildings’ promenades and visit the beautifully restored Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.
You can start your visit at the Visitor Centre, which houses a replica of King Henry VIII’s bedroom in Greenwich Palace from 500 years ago. There are countless artifacts and displays to discover within the museum.
Definitely, the highlight of visiting the Old Royal Naval College is the breathtaking Painted Hall, also known as UK’s very own Sistine Chapel. It was designed by Sir James Thornhill in the late 18th century. The ceiling and walls of this grand room are covered in beautiful paintings. Paid tickets are required for entry, but it is well worth it.
Adjacent to the Painted Hall, and included in the ticket price, is the small Nelson Room. It plays an essential role in the site’s history, and you can learn all bout Lord Nelson’s life, career, and death by watching a short film.
Step Aboard a 19th century Clipper Ship in Cutty Sark
What is Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark is the world’s sole surviving tea clipper, which is a ship designed for speed with a long narrow hull, a sharp bow for cutting through waves, and three masts. It was one of the fastest ships of its day.
The ship was launched in 1869 from Scotland and had its maiden voyage from London to Shanghai in February 1870. It was built to carry tea from China but was later used for other cargo such as coal and wool from Australia.
The name Cutty Sark is archaic Scottish for a short nightdress. The term was derived from the poem Tam O’Shanter by Robert Burns, in which the protagonist was chased by a witch named Nannie, dressed in a cutty sark.
Cutty Sark had multiple owners over the past 150 years. It was even renamed Ferreira and Maria do Amporo by its Portuguese owners. The ship was brought back to Britain, and its name was restored in 1922.
It is now a major attraction in Greenwich, London. Paid ticket entry is required.
What to do in cutty sark
There are many things to do aboard the Cutty Sark. Aside from walking the main deck and admiring the views of London, you can also climb the ship’s masts for an extra adventure.
Cutty Sark is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Merchant Navy ship figureheads. In addition, you can find figurehead versions of famous historical, political, and literary characters such as Cleopatra and Abraham Lincoln.
The ship has many interactive displays, perfect for families and kids. Visitors can take the helm, visit the Captain’s cabin, and explore the ship’s hull.
Walk Across a Gigantic Atlas in the National Maritime Museum
What is the National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is one of the four museums of the Royal Museums Greenwich. It is home to the largest collection of maritime artwork in the world.
It was established in 1934 on the former site of the Royal Hospital School.
Like most museums in London, it is free to visit, although some special exhibits may require a paid ticket for entry.
What to do in the National Maritime Museum
There is much to do and experience at the National Maritime Museum, including activities and exhibits for families and children.
You can view and take a photo of the HMS Victory replica in a bottle, supposedly the most photographed artwork in London. There are also various galleries and exhibitions, including those of ship figureheads and The Battle of Trafalgar painting by JMW Turner.
Children can explore the Ahoy! Children’s Gallery and immerse themselves in the Sea Things Gallery.
Finally, you can explore the Great Map and walk across the gigantic world atlas in the centre of the National Maritime Museum.
Descend the Tulip Stairs in the Queen’s House
What is the Queen’s House
The Queen’s House is a unique and important building. Designed by architect Inigo Jones, it is England’s first truly classical building. King James I’s wife, Anne of Denmark, commissioned the building in 1616, but she died before its completion. The house was eventually completed in 1636 after their son, Charles I, gave Greenwich to his wife, Henrietta Maria.
The house was used by various royal family members over the centuries. It also became a royal residence for servants and guests. Eventually, it became a residential school for orphaned children of British seamen. In 1934, the Queen’s House was taken over by the National Maritime Museum.
What to do in the Queen’s House
The Queen’s House is now home to an impressive art collection. This includes renowned pieces from the Woburn Abbey’s private collection. Additionally, each room is filled with paintings and sculptures related to Greenwich’s maritime and royal ties.
The Queen’s Presence Chamber used to be Henrietta’s bedroom. Here, you can admire another beautiful painted ceiling. This is also the home of the famous Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, which is probably the most recognizable painting of the Queen. It was commissioned to commemorate the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada.
In the heart of the Queen’s House is the perfectly cubed design of the Great Hall. You can gaze up at the ceiling and marvel at the intricate gold leaf pattern. This was designed by Turner Prize-winning artist Richard Wright in 2016.
The Tulip Stairs are definitely the gem of the Queen’s House with their ornate wrought iron design. They are the first self-supporting spiral staircase in Britain. You can descend the stairs and take some unique Instagram-worthy photos.
Lastly, you can gaze out and admire the unobstructed views of the River Thames. During the hospital’s construction, the Queen requested the view be preserved. As a result, the design of the Old Royal Naval College includes a central gap the width of the Queen’s House between the two main buildings.
Visiting the Queen’s House is free, but you must reserve a ticket online for guaranteed entry.
Explore the only market in London set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Greenwich Market
greenwich market information
Greenwich Market is the only market in London set in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was established in 1737 and was initially located on the West Gate of the Old Royal Naval College. However, in the 1800s, it spread to the surrounding roads and alleys, making it difficult to control.
The market was moved to its current location in the town centre to clean up the riverfront area. Market traders included those selling meat, fish, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. On the outskirts, there were peddlers selling goods such as china and earthenware.
Today, the market is bustling with shops and market stalls selling arts and crafts, antiques, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle goods. There are also many food options such as bakeries, cafes, ice cream, churros, macarons, and international dishes.
The market vendors may vary depending on the day, so it’s best to check their website, especially if there’s a particular vendor you wish to visit.
Walk Beneath the River Thames through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel
greenwich foot tunnel information
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a tunnel that crosses beneath the River Thames linking Greenwich with the Isle of Dogs. The north entrance is located in the Island Gardens, while the south entrance is located right by the Cutty Sark.
The tunnel opened in 1902 and was designed by engineer Sir Alexander Binnie. It intended to provide reliable all-weather access for workers south of the Thames. This allowed them to reach their workplaces in the London docks and shipyards of the Isle of Dogs.
The entrances on either end are covered by glazed domes. Each has a spiral staircase and a lift for pedestrian access. The tunnel gently slopes down to a low point midway beneath the river from either side.
During the second world war, the north entrance was damaged by bombs. It was repaired by reinforcing the lining with thick steel and concrete, causing a short section of the northern side to have a smaller diameter.
The tunnel is lined with white glazed tiles and stretches for about 370 meters. It’s nothing fancy but is free to walk through and is used by thousands of people daily. Cyclists are expected to dismount and walk their bikes through the tunnel.
It is open 24/7, but the lifts may occasionally be out of service due to their age. It’s best to check the Royal Borough of Greenwich website for any lift closure or update.
Straddle Two Hemispheres at the Same Time in the Royal Observatory Greenwich
What is the royal observatory greenwich
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the Prime Meridian, and London’s planetarium.
The observatory was founded in 1675 and was built on the site of the ruined Greenwich Castle. This was suggested by no other than Sir Christopher Wren. He was a former astronomer professor at Oxford and a member of the Royal Committee that recommended the observatory be established. Since it sat on high ground in the royal park and already had solid foundations from the castle, it was the perfect location for the observatory.
It served as a functioning observatory for nearly 300 years. In addition, it was home to the Astronomer Royal, a title bestowed by the Royal Household to a distinguished astronomer.
This is where the Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian were established through astronomical and scientific observations and collaborations.
What to do in the royal observatory greenwich
It’s a bit of a hike to reach the Royal Observatory from Greenwich Park but worth it. Due to its high-ground location, you are greeted with a view of the London skyline at the top. So you can sit and relax while enjoying the fantastic views.
Inside the observatory, you can discover the Airy Transit Circle Telescope, which helped establish the Prime Meridian. You can also step inside the Great Equatorial Telescope, the UK’s largest refracting telescope of its kind. This is the giant dome on top of the observatory visible from the outside. There are also countless other instruments and clocks to discover.
The observatory is also home to the planetarium. Here you can watch very popular shows that are unfortunately not included in the ticket price.
The Royal Observatory is probably best known for being home to the world’s Prime Meridian. There is a solid line on the ground so you can place a foot on each side, straddling the prime meridian. Then you can claim that you are simultaneously in both the eastern and western hemispheres.
This is located within the gated grounds and can only be accessed with a paid ticket entry. However, there is a secret spot outside where visitors can visit free of charge! As you reach the top of the hill and head towards the building entrance, you will see an unlocked gate to your right. Just a few feet away is a continuation of the prime meridian. Unfortunately, the line and marking aren’t as evident and pretty. Still, it does the trick and is good enough for those who want the experience or a quick photo opportunity.
This list included seven unique things that you can only find and experience in Greenwich, London.
Are you visiting London and need more ideas about where to go? Check out this post if you’d like ideas on where to eat in London, including these seven must-try restaurants, three surprising hole-in-the-walls, and three must-try pastries.
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