Old Royal Naval College & The Painted Hall
With the new £12 million renovations complete, the Painted Hall has been brought back to its old glory. This 11,000 sq ft hall was used as a dining hall by the officers stationed here at the Old Royal Naval College in the 18th and 19th centuries. It also served as an examination room for would-be navy officers until 1904. On our last trip to London, we decided to take a day trip to Greenwich (not far from central London and not as crowded as many other top attractions).
We had previously heard that the Old Royal Naval College was great for photo shoots and I wanted to get some street photography photos while in Greenwich, South Greenwich Forum (southgreenwichforum.co.uk). The Painted Hall is the most important room at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. It was painted between 1708 and 1714 by 18th-century artist Sir James Thornhill. The paintings have been restored to their former glory after over a decade of work. The Painted Hall is a building within the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, England.
The building was built between 1704 and 1708 as a grand dining room to serve the officers of the adjacent Royal Naval Hospital. A former dining hall built in 1704, the Painted Hall (so-called because of the 19th century painting and frescos on its walls) is definitely a highlight of the Old Royal Naval College. The Painted Hall is the largest room within the Old Royal Naval College and probably one of the most beautiful dining halls I’ve ever seen.
Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark is a unique ship with a fascinating history. Originally built in 1869 by a Scottish shipyard, the ship was so fast it could outrace virtually any other ships on water at that time. She was later sold to an American company, made her way around the Cape of Good Hope and eventually ended up in Greenwich where she was used as a training vessel for young men aspiring to become seamen. Today a handsomely-restored version of the ship is moored alongside the magnificent Thames Barrier.
The Cutty Sark is indeed a must see Greenwich attraction for young and old alike. I visited the Cutty Sark exhibit when I was in London on vacation last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the stories about Captian Sir James (Jim) Emerson and his pursuit of you know what. It's just a little something I'm really into. As one of the finest preserved registered merchant sailing vessels in the world, The Cutty Sark offers a truly unique experience.
From fascinating model displays and interactive displays, to a 20-minute multimedia show, Cutty Sark is an unforgettable part of London’s history and well worth a visit for the whole family. As you climb aboard the ship’s mighty topsail, you really get a sense of life at sea for sailors who toiled up ladders and across wooden boards coated with tar. The Cutty Sark opened in Greenwich in 1954 after being rescued from lying broken-backed on a forgotten mudbank and put back together again.
Cutty Sark in Greenwich. It’s the world’s only authentic tea clipper (courtesy Wikipedia). I live in the heart of Greenwich and was staying with a good friend, a local. So I asked him what there was to do, and it was Cutty Sark that he recommended. Cutty Sark. A must see Greenwich attraction for young and old alike, the award-winning Cutty Sark exhibit gives you a taste of what life must have been life for mariners in the 19th century.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Now inside the building itself, and to help dispel a myth that many people believe: Greenwich time is not the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), as we shall see. The main reason I wanted to visit the Observatory was for the guided tour. This tour was excellent. The guide gave a detailed history of how Greenwich became established as a centre for time-keeping and astronomy, and then moved through the Tudor period prior to the establishment of Britain's naval dominance in the 17th century.
He also described in detail what instruments were used by astronomers at the time. There are many fascinating objects on display, including some of the original time-pieces from 1676 and timing devices used during World War II. The Royal Observatory has a very rich history reaching back to 1676, when King Charles II founded it in order to improve on the timekeeping of the existing, inaccurate systems, which meant for sailors and merchants alike that they could easily be way off course.
To solve this problem, observatories were set up. However, they had to rely on their own accuracy as well as on the weather which meant they didn't have an accurate method of telling one time from another. Greenwich is most famous for the fact that it is home to the Prime Meridian. This is the line of longitude around which the whole world is divided. Until 1884, this was also the reference point for all time zones.
Greenwich has been a magnet for astronomers for centuries. And it’s still a popular place to practice astronomy in the present day, as well as being a site of historical interest. The Royal Observatory of Greenwich is a historic site which was commissioned by King Charles II in 1675. Located only a short distance from the Prime Meridian and therefore halfway around the world, it is the home to 0° longitude. The importance of this location led to a series of academic observations and discoveries that directly contributed to changing history.
Peter Harrison Planetarium
The Greenwich Royal Observatory is one of the world’s greatest scientific centers and home to the Prime Meridian Line. The Observatory’s facility includes two elements, apart from its state-of-the-art planetarium. One is the original observatory building, dating back to 1675, which houses a treasure trove of historic scientific instruments. The second goes back to 2008 and includes an interactive exhibit area that tells the story of astronomy through the eyes of Greenwich – from discovery to space exploration.
Then there’s the Peter Harrison Planetarium, a jewel in the crown of Greenwich’s Observatory. Welcome to the Peter Harrison Planetarium site. This fabulous planetarium is London’s only planetarium, situated at the historic Royal Observatory Greenwich. It is named after Peter Harrison OBE, former Senior Curator for Astronomy at the museum. The planetarium was opened in October 2005 and since opening has undergone a series of improvements including a big upgrade to its software package, and installation of Loyd-Lutter mirrors in summer 2010.
The planetarium hosts FREE public shows in addition to their exclusive, year-round, live astronomy events and shows for both schools and corporations. Welcome to my website! I am the Peter Harrison Planetarium Artist-in-Residence at the Greenwich Royal Observatory. I create live shows for the planetarium using stunning laser graphics, music and storytelling, providing a spectacular introduction to astronomy for all ages. Click the play button on the bottom right to watch a video of one of my latest shows: Journey Into Space.
The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Greenwich Royal Observatory is now Londons only planetarium. Seating 120 people, it offers a variety of enthralling laser shows that will transport you from London and off to distant galaxies. In 1675, Charles II had commissioned a large observatory in Greenwich, moving it from Richmond Palace where it was deemed too influenced by the moon and weather. By May of 1676, the observatory was ready and it became the principal source where time-keeping was initially calculated.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one of the most famous parks in the UK and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It has an area of 115 hectares, making it one of the largest Royal Parks in London. Greenwich Park is open to visitors during daylight hours, and is a beautiful spot for an afternoon picnic or a brisk walk, especially in the colder months. There are many interesting buildings and structures within Greenwich Park, including a statue of Admiral Nelson, which was moved here after being at Trafalgar Square for many years.
Greenwich Park is located right by the Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian, which was established by Queen Victoria in 1851. The Observatory offers hour long guided tours for visitors to learn more about its history and discover its many inspirational features. Not only that, but Greenwich Park is also home to the National Maritime Museum in the Painted Hall that details an important slice of naval history. Greenwich Park is one of the largest parks in London.
It was opened in 1637 and covers an area of over 500 acres, making it one of the largest Royal Parks in the country. As well as being a beautiful place to wander and admire its elegant gardens, Greenwich Park also offers a rich history through the many features that are scattered around. This includes. One of the most beautiful parts of London is getting close to nature. If you love nature, then Greenwich Park is definitely a place that you need to visit! The park was established in 1087 and used by Henry VIII as a hunting ground.
National Maritime Museum
I love Greenwich, I really do, but it must be said that the National Maritime Museum is not the first place to spring to mind when you think of visiting Greenwich. This is a real shame not only because of the fact that this is a great museum, rivaled by very few (if any others), but also because its free. If you're visiting Greenwich with kids (and adults) then definitely make time for the museum and spend as long as you can here.
I didn’t really know what to expect when we first visited the National Maritime Museum, but it is a place that I really enjoyed! It was great fun exploring and learning about the history of the Royal Navy through fascinating artefacts. You can really get a sense of how things used to be and how far we have come. To me, its a real treasure trove of interesting things – you could spend hours here exploring.
We spent a morning at the National Maritime Museum, and I really enjoyed it. The kids really weren't that fussed about going, but loved it when they got inside. If you visit Greenwich with children, you need to visit the museum! It will keep them happy while you browse the antiques at the other shops in Greenwich. The National Maritime Museum is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich. The museum is all about the story of Britain and shipping, and it does this with many fascinating exhibits that you wont find anywhere else.
The museum contains items relating to shipping through history, from real boats to photographs and maps. The National Maritime Museum is located just by the Cutty Sark. ( Directions ) It is really well organized which makes it really easy to find things, and is packed full of interesting photos, models, and interactive displays. Its definitely one of the best museums for kids Ive been to. The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich boasts some amazing sights.
Located bang next to the Thames, its a short walk over the Millennium Footbridge from the London Eye and Big Ben. It stretches from Blackheath in the east, to the Thames Barrier at the River Thames in the west. There are so many amazing places to go in the Greenwich area. You can't even begin to mention them all. Once you've had a chance to explore the community and have fallen for it just like us, then you'll be ready to discover these great spots.
Queens House & Tulip Staircase
The Queens House was built around 1616 for the wife of King James I, Anne of Denmark. When it was first built, the house had excellent views across the River Thames because at that time it was surrounded by fields. The house is named 'Queens'because it was here that Queen Anne lived with her entourage. If you continue along the path from this beautiful Queens House, you will discover a little stream, the River Strea.
Scheduled to be a national museum in 1894, in the end it was never built and instead became a glorified warehouse for documents less than 20 years later. During the 18th century, Leicester House was created from Queen Mary’s gateway to Greenwich Park, which overlooked a curtain wall and watergate. Queens House was further modified in the early 17th century, when it became the ‘king’s house of easement’ for Charles I. The epitome of the grand Palladian style, the Queens House overlooks the River Thames and is a place to discover the life, art collections and fashion of Queen Mary II.
Greenwich Market
Located just 3 minutes walk from both the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College in the heart of Greenwich, Greenwich Market is Londons only historic market located in a World Heritage Site. In its 300 year history it has seen all different types of traders. From fish mongers to tea sellers, butchers to bakers and jewllery makers to gin distillers. The historic market has everything you could ever need including fruit and vegetables, fishmongers, butchers, delis, fresh bread, hand crafted jewellery, clothing and accessories – as well as homemade pies for breakfast! For me the best part of the Greenwich Market is that you can get a real feel for what life would have been like for people in Greenwich.
My first visit to the Greenwich market was in November 2012. The picture above was taken at this time. I had read about the market and decided to make my first visit on a cold and rainy day. With only a very limited knowledge of Greenwich, and unaware of what to expect, I walked there from the Cutty Sark. After finding the location and some local road signs, I followed a stony path between two housing blocks onto Old Royal Naval College Way.
Simply take an audio tour or download the app, or visit one of their regularly free talks and have a good look around each area of the market for yourself. There are more than 200 stalls open every weekend, selling produce that may not normally make it onto your dinner table. This is where you will find the cheesemakers, game butchers, florists and I even found a stall that sells British dog breed treats. It's worth mentioning there are other Greenwich Markets around London, these include Borough Market, Portobello Market (Portobello Road) and Brixton Village.
Lastly, there is also a Woolwich Market. These markets serve food and are known for their wide choice of fruit and vegetables. Once you arrive at the Greenwich market there are hundreds of stalls and shops all along the river. From fishmongers, meat sellers, butchers to even a chocolate shop. There's plenty of great British food and goods to purchase. Get a glimpse of 18th century life in the Queens House. The house, which is currently being repaired and restored, strives to show how the royal court lived.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a nifty little tunnel in south east London, running 50 feet below the surface of the Thames River. It gets its name from the nearby town of Greenwich which it connects to on the north bank, and was constructed between 1897 and 1902 by Peter W. Barlow who was also responsible for many other local tunnels. During World War I, it was used by firefighters operating on both sides of the river, and later in World War II it become part of a military anti-aircraft defense system.
Thankfully that only lasted around two weeks before Hitler had to think of other things elsewhere. Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a unique experience and is one of the highlights of a visit to Greenwich. A short walk away from all the main points of interest in Greenwich, its a quick and cheap way to cross under the river without having to board a boat. There's few things more quintessentially English than strolling along the south bank of the Thames while enjoying a stroll through one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Despite its name, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is actually a pedestrian tunnel which runs under the River Thames providing a walkway of over 1000 feet. This unique tunnel is one of the London’s most famous foot tunnel and has been open to pedestrians since 1902. Unless you are planning to visit London in the Winter, you will be amused at how cool it feels inside. Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Built in 1902, this feat of Victorian engineering runs 50ft below the surface of the Thames and provides a unique (and free!) way to cross the river.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel is one of the lesser known Greenwich attractions, but its definitely worth a visit. After all, its not every day that you get to walk underneath the Thames. Built in 1902, this feat of Victorian engineering runs 50ft below the surface of the Thames and provides a unique (and free!) way to cross the river. Greenwich Foot Tunnel is one of the lesser known Greenwich attractions, but its definitely worth a visit.
Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern is an interesting spot, blending its history with a modern vibe. The pub part was originally built in the 1600s as a single-story building which then had a second floor added in the 1800s. It was given its name in honor of Admiral Nelson’s great victory at The Battle of Trafalgar. Then there’s the 20th century addition. This includes the glass façade and a barrel ceiling which makes the pub look even more stunning than it already is from the outside.
As you walk into this traditional pub from Greenwich, you’ll find all kinds of joy: A wide selection of beers, friendly service, comfy sofas and chairs, and a large outdoor. The Trafalgar Tavern is a great place to get a pint and soak in the history of Greenwich. The pub’s interior is filled with tons of fascinating facts and history about Greenwich, London, and seafaring in general. Located on the south bank of the River Thames, next to the Old Royal Naval College, this Greenwich pub has been serving the locals since 1856.
Its Grade II listed, which means its a place of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it. Whether or not you agree with this hypothesis, the Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is a special place that warrants every effort to preserve it, too; it’s a Grade II listed building, but its historic heritage is much older than that. It stands on the site of one of Henry VIII’s lost palaces and date back to 1490.
The picturesque view of the Thames here blends well with the historic Trafalgar Tavern building and the river cruise boats that moor here. A busy and bustling pub that used to be a coaching inn in the 1600s, the Trafalgar Tavern has history written all over it! Visitors can enjoy their meal and drinks while sitting in the Great Hall, which is grade II listed. The Great Hall was built after the Royal Naval College was established on this site.
This was done to include space not only for dining but also for banquets and ceremonies that were subsequently hosted here. The Trafalgar Tavern, or ‘Traf’ as it is known locally, is a fine old Greenwich pub with riverside beer garden. It serves traditional pub grub (muesli and fruit baguettes, beef burgers, fish and chips etc. ) plus food sourced from the owners’ farm in Sussex. The Trafalgar Tavern is one of the last remaining Georgian pubs in South EastLondon, with its ornate plasterwork ceilings, lovely original tile floors and ales on tap.
Rangers House
Rangers House once housed the Royal Rangers Rifle Corps — a military group for young boys during the 18th century. Although the Corps were disbanded as part of the reforms made by the Duke of York in the mid-18th century, Queen Victoria bought Rangers House under instruction from Prince Albert in 1857 so that it could become an institution to help train and educate Princes of Wales. Eventually it became a training barracks for the Brigade of Guards.
Rangers House was built in 1722 for William Bowyer, a well-known printer, bookseller and publisher. It is located on a boundary line between Greenwich Park and Blackheath and is frequently used for filming period dramas, one of the most famous being Atonement starring James McAvoy. I'm sure we've all read the blog post on how to take a perfect photograph and you know, we always like to enquire about the place where the photographs were shot well today I am going to write about a place that should make it into your list Rangers House first.
The Fan Museum
When you walk into the Fan Museum, at first you will think that its a shop. But before you start wondering how many people actually purchase fans these days, a friendly member of staff will show you to another part of the building, where a wealth of fans are on display. They are either on wooden stands (in various states and conditions) or at the end of long rails along the wall. Unfortunately photography isnt allowed in this section but fortunately there are plenty of informative displays and tailors dummies showing the kind of clothes that would have been worn when the fan was created.
To get a little bit closer to the past, there is also a much smaller room which contains some early American fans. The Fan Museum is one of the best reasons to visit this part of London. The museum itself is housed within a building that was home to the former Royal Naval College. This gives it an interesting, historical feel which makes it feel like you’re somewhere a bit special. Located in the centre of Greenwich, its easy to reach by public transport and is in walking distance from the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park – ideal if you have children with you.
If youre the sort of person who loves history, art, and fashion then youll likely enjoy a trip to Greenwich and the Fan Museum. Does the name Fan Museum feel slightly uninspiring to you? Thats just what I thought at first too, but I found it to be a really interesting museum which is well worth visiting. When I was 21 years old I’d never heard of the Fan Museum. I wanted to visit some places I’d never been before and a friend suggested Greenwich.
The visit was a little bit out of my comfort zone, but it was really good fun. You don't have to be a football fan to enjoy the Fan Museum, which is situated in the centre of Greenwich. Admission is free and you can browse through all kinds of hand fans from all over the world. The Fan Museum is located on Park Row, a short walk from the Cutty Sark. Youre not allowed photos inside, so the one you see here is the closest I could get to show you inside.
St. Alfege Church
St. Alfege Church, which is named for the first bishop of London St. Alfege, is also referred to as Greenwich Church or St. Alfege's Church. It was founded in 1020 with a generous endowment from King Canute, and has been on this site since then, making it one of the oldest buildings in Greenwich. Aside from serving as the parish church, it also served as a Royal Chapel for Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror, Henry III and Edward III.
The current church looks much like it did in 1709 when Sir Christopher Wren redesigned it after a fire had destroyed part of the building. St. Alfege Church in Greenwich looks very similar to the Old St. Paul’s (around the corner from St. Paul’s Cathedral in London) which is why it is often known as the Little St. Paul’s. The church dates back to 1310 and was initially named Alstede (which means “along the street”).
The tower was added in 1450, though it took three centuries for it to be completed, at which point it was fitted with a clock and renamed Alfege after Archbishop Alfege who was martyred in 1078. St. Alfege Church is a medieval church built in 1307, and is the only surviving building from what used to be the small town of Alfege or Elge on the Greenwich peninsula. The church was part of Benedictine priory during the Middle Ages.
Today, the church is popular with local residents as it is almost never locked (that is true — I did a post about it last spring {seen here}). The interior is spacious, with no division between the nave and chancel wings. St. Alfege's Anglican Church, apart from being one of the most historic churches in Greenwich, also has its own unique charm and atmosphere. The church itself boasts a history dating back to 10th century, but the current structure dates back to 1250.
There are many interesting things about St. Alfege's Church to make it a must-go. St. Alfege Church, in the center of Greenwich, is not an absolute must-do, but one of the more interesting things to see in Greenwich if you have more time. It is a small church and a chapel on the Church of England parish in Greenwich located at the corner of Maze Hill and Park Row. In Greenwich, St. Alfege Church is worth a visit to get some context about Nelson’s early life and career.
The O2 Arena And Up At The O2
The O2 Arena is situated next to The O2, a single tier brick building which is not actually in the north of Greenwich. Imagined as a large public park, its roof has been designed like the blades of grass on an astroturf pitch very cool! The O2 Arena may be part of North Greenwich but it's actually situated closer to Surrey Quays than Canary Wharf. Still in London and still easily accessible by tube or boat though.
The O2 Arena is housed in the former Millennium Dome, constructed between 1998 and 2000. At the time it was the biggest single visitor attraction in Britain, hosting over 300 exhibitions and 20 million visitors during its lifespan. The Airline Terminal opened in 1999 and sealed the venue’s place at the top of London venues. With a capacity of 20,000 people, it was seen as one of the best places to see a concert. The O2 Arena is in the heart of the Greenwich Peninsula, bordering on the Royal Borough of Greenwich to the east and the London Boroughs of Southwark and Lewisham to the south and the river Thames to the north.
The peninsula itself is within close proximity of Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London, Westminster and is surrounded by East London. Originally opened by the Spice Girls in 1997, the O2 was created for events like wrestling, comedy, musical acts and more. These days, it hosts everything from tour stops of huge artists like Madonna to events for extreme sports like the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. These are some of the things you can see or do at some point during your visit.
Built under the old Millenium Dome, the O2 Arena is one of the main landmarks of North Greenwich. Its one of the biggest indoor venues in the UK and hosts a variety of events, from concerts to competitive sports. Still referred to as The Dome by some, the arena is named after the O2 telecommunications company that sponsors it. Rangers House is so much more than an art gallery for Londoners. It’s a classy but informal setting where visitors can feel free to browse without being under the direct surveillance of a docent or guard.
Emirates Air Line
After being in London for over a week, I finally decided to see what the fuss was about with the Emirates Air Line. When I first read about it a few years ago, I could have sworn it said the cable cars went over the Thames river, but apparently they didn’t and just held up as some sort of massive advertisement for Emirates Airlines. With that said, it certainly was an interesting experience and there is no doubt that it is something you shouldn’t miss during your time in London.
The Emirates Air Line cable car runs between the Royal Docks in North Woolwich and the Royal Docks near Canary Wharf, letting you enjoy stunning views of the city as it transports you from east to west. It's certainly worth checking out, even if it's just for the novelty factor. This trip can be easily combined with a visit to the O2 Centre where you can check out shows and events at one of Europe's most famous arena's or simply marvel at the building itself.
What could be better than ferries, cable cars or other forms of public transport? Well what about all three combined? That's exactly what inspired the idea of the Emirates Air Line. Opened in 2012 by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Emirates Air Line is a combination of a cable car and a passenger ferry. It's one way to see two sides of London for one price – and it doesn't even require you to travel right across the city.
The Emirates Air Line cable car takes visitors across the River Thames in the east of the city and is a great way to cross the river between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. The north terminal is only a short walk from North Greenwich tube station which is on the Jubilee line. An experience not to be missed, the Emirates Air Line provides a bird's-eye view of East London, the Thames river and some excellent scenery of the city.
The views are particularly good during the summer, when you can watch the sun setting over the River Thames and Canary Wharf. The Emirates Air Line is a cable car that can take you from North Greenwich all the way to The Royal Docks. Since it opened on the 28th July 2012 a lot of people have started using it but are you one of them?. Take a look at the photos to see for yourself.
Emirates Aviation Experience
The Emirates Aviation Experience is one of those things you wish you could have seen but just missed out on. I remember back in 2013, I was making plans with a friend to travel to Dubai. He kept going on and on about this flight simulator experience he had with Emirates airlines which involved flying to over 50 destinations across the globe. He said it was such a unique experience and I should definitely check it out myself if I ever make it to Emirates Aviation Experience Dubai UAE.
The Emirates Aviation Experience is educational and interactive. Visitors learn about the history of aviation, its engineering and the latest aeronautical trends. They can watch a simulated flying experience from the co-pilot's seat and even try out a virtual reality headset for an out of this world experience. While youre there you can also take in spectacular views across London from the viewing gallery on a clear day. The Emirates Aviation Experience is one of the most unique visitor attractions in London.
This interactive exhibit showcases the story of Emirates and explores the age of aviation. The museum features over 140 hands-on exhibits and activities that let you experience what it was like to fly on a Concorde, fly an Airbus A380, land at a busy airport, and much more. If you're looking for a great way to spend an afternoon with the family or a fun date night activity, don't miss the Emirates Aviation Experience. Just over an hour from Central London, this attraction is filled with aviation-related experiences and exhibits for all ages.
Its one of the most interactive experiences I've ever seen. The Emirates Aviation Experience is a must visit and should be climbed into your diary when youre visiting London. This tour is interactive, entertaining plus its a great way to debunk some surprising myths about flying. Make sure you use the contact form on this page and let me know what you thought of it. The Emirates Aviation Experience is pretty cool. It showcases the Emirates brand and story around its 40-year history of flying to the UK, Middle East and beyond.
Quantum Cloud
Some buildings never seem to lose their novelty factor. Antony Gormley’s Quantum Cloud is right up there. Perched on the roof of a tower next to the O2 Arena, it has two forms — viewed from one angle it looks like a series of steps; from another, it seems like free-floating tubular shapes. They’re made from stainless steel rods and the tubes have been left open at the apex. Quantum Cloud is a sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley.
It consists of five horizontal steel frames of different lengths, reaching between five and eleven metres above the surrounding park grass. It is a response to the fact that the Emirates Air Line cable car passes within a few metres of the sculpture, giving rise to a strong sense of presence. Facing the Emirates Cable Car, and next to London's O2 Arena, is Quantum Cloud. This strange sculpture made out of steel bits looks like a curious jumble at first.
But take some time to explore this piece by Antony Gormley and you will find that it is more than meets the eye. Quantum Cloud is an example of Antony Gormley’s work. It’s made from 6 curved beams that criss-cross, and is around 10 m high. It was unveiled in 2007 as part of the series ‘The Vertical Imprint of the Sculptors Project’ and has been installed at Greenwich Peninsula since. This sculpture, entitled Quantum Cloud, was designed by acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley.
It must have been a challenge to work with all the wires in the steel structure. This site in the sky is part of a range of unusual and interesting places to visit in Dubai. A jumble of steel is hardly the most obvious thing to look at when you're visiting this part of Greenwich. But if you step forward and look closely, you'll see that this curious structure is actually a giant sculpture by Antony Gormley.
Meantime Brewing Company
Opening its doors in 1991, Meantime Brewing Company is a pioneer of modern brewing and has been bringing you some of the best ales for the past two decades. It was acquired by Heineken in 2010 so you know it’s legit. The Meantime Brewery is still open for tours and their tasting rooms offer a range of tipples. The Meantime Brewing Company is a super cool craft beer brewery in Greenwich. It offers tours, masterclasses, and tasting rooms.
Not only do you get to see the brewing process but you also get to try beers from all over the world. There are cafes in London but we opted to have our lunch on-site. If you’re a fan of beer, then you should head for the Meantime Brewing Company in Greenwich. The company offers tours where tourists can learn how beer is made, masterclasses which let visitors sample different beers, and a tasting room where drinks are sold at retail prices.
Now Gallery
The NOW Gallery offers a real mix of art and design. Its very much what youd expect from a Greenwich institution. You can see up and coming artists with work that is in the early stages of being noticed by the public and experienced artists working on up and coming projects that are very soon to be released (or already have). I love contemporary art, so I think its fair to say I actually prefer some of the work on display at the NOW Gallery to modern masters like Miro or Van Gough.
The gallery was set up by local art lovers in an old railway building and is now part of a cultural hub called Lovebox, that also includes the music festival and a few restaurants. NOW Gallery only has short term installation but their collection is always exciting. If you're not familiar with contemporary art, this is a great place to start. The NOW Gallery, now in its eighth year, is a space for contemporary art and design; established by artists for artists.
It hosts a series of exhibitions each year and has an extensive range of visitors. The support from the Greenwich community means that the gallery has become one of the most exciting places to visit in East London. Meantime Brewing Company is a must visit if you're in the Greenwich area of London. Founded in 2000, it offers tours, masterclasses and tasting rooms where you can sample its range of beers. I was there on a sunny Spring mid-morning with an hour to spare so I thought Id check it out.
Up The Creek Comedy Club
Nightlife can be a difficult thing to find in Greenwich. This is particularly true for people looking for something a little more alternative than wine bars and gastropubs. Up The Creek Comedy Club, though new to the scene, comes as an answer to both the town’s nightlife woes and its comedy needs. Up The Creek has become a beloved community institution in only a few short months of operation, giving aspiring comedians a place to hone their craft and more importantly, giving audiences across the area the opportunity to spend a fun evening laughing at some great local talent.
We pride ourselves on being one of the best places to see comedy in Greenwich (and also one of the cheapest!) Up The Creek is a small, smart Comedy Club & Bar with a 200-seater studio and bar featuring London’s best stand-up and improv comedians, every night of the week. Our comedy club is located just off the Greenwich High Road minutes from Greenwich DLR/Overground and 10 minutes walk from Greenwich Tube. The Up The Creek Comedy Club is a great way to end your day in one of the most beautiful areas of London, Greenwich, and as it's only a short walk from Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, and just under an hours journey from the eye-catching Shard.
Down by the river, tucked away in quiet CreekSide is a little comedy gem called Up The Creek Comedy Club. I live 5 minutes walk from Up The Creek so take great pleasure in dropping in every weekend that I can. Up the Creek was voted one of the best comedy clubs in London by Time Out magazine, as well as being awarded Best Comedian Location by the Observer Food Monthly and Best Comedy Club by TNT Magazine.
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is located in the Greenwich Peninsula. The park is around four acres and contains many ponds including various wetland habitats. It also has a man-made pond, which is the largest of the lakes. Here you will find ducks, cormorants, swans and various other waterfowl along with different bird species from around Europe that have been released into care by the RSPB. One of the amazing things about this park is that it’s ever-changing depending on the time of year.
Birds migrate to different parts of the world in line with their diet. In spring you will see many butterflies which then die off later on in the year as it becomes too cold for them to live. A recent visit to the Ecology Park was a treat because I managed to get some great shots of some birds as well as enjoy the 8 acres of woodland, river, and marshland. I wasn't expecting to find anything in particular other than woodland and wildlife.
Let me assure you though that there is plenty of activity and fun for all ages here. The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is well-maintained and very clean, too. The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is like a green oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of London. This waterfront park is the only one of its kind in England. The Ecology Park consists of four acres of freshwater habitat, managed by wardens. The park is open to the public and provides a variety of recreational activities and educational opportunities.
The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is like a green oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of London. Opened in 2002, the Park is made up of four acres of freshwater habitat, managed by wardens. Its home to a variety of wildlife. I’ve always liked ecology parks and love the idea of an eco park in central London, that green oasis. I’ve visited quite a few and I like the idea of having one near my house.
Crazy Putt
I first visited Crazy Putt London Adventure Golf back in 2010 and now get taken there every time I go to London. As you can probably tell from the name the game is pretty different to any golf game you will have played before. The Crazy Putt locations are also a little different, being located on the roof of the Greenwich Peninsula Shopping Centre in an indoor golf range. Although slightly larger than your normal mini golf course, it’s still just as crazy.
This is the closest London adventure golf course to central London. Don't worry if you aren't very good at golf because this is a crazy putt golf course which means you can use a crazy putt to help you get the ball into the hole, this puts fun into the game for everyone. Golf in London is booming at the moment and this course has gone from strength to strength over the last few years as more people discover it.
The Crazy Putt adventure golf course in London is sure to put a smile on your face, with all 18 holes full of obstacles and secret passages. The crazy and wacky holes are designed to challenge your putting skills. The indoor course also features waterfalls, ramps and monsters lurking amongst concrete rocks and rotten eggs. Crazy Putt London Adventure Golf is great fun for the whole family. It’s £10. 50 per person if you book online in advance (costing just £4 extra for a party of 4).
You can also pay at the door, but because it gets busy at peak times, I would recommend you booking in advance. We’ve been hosting Crazy Putt in London for nearly 20 years. London is a city you just can’t get enough of, and we’re dedicated to keeping the fun times rolling all year long with our crazy golf at Greenwich, which is ideally located minutes from the City and Canary Wharf. Crazy Putt London Adventure Golf in the Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range is an 18-hole crazy golf course based on the classic video game, featuring giant mushrooms, mazes and many other unique holes.
How To Use This Guide To Best Things To Do In Greenwich
I wrote this guide to share my local knowledge of the best things to do in Greenwich. I left my job as a hairdresser and began working for myself in 2009. I started out selling vintage clothes that I had collected over the years (I love vintage fashion). Then, I moved onto vintage accessories, and then later specialised in handbags. During this time I also worked as a PR executive and wrote for luxury magazine, Princess, owned by Hello! founder Piers Morgan.
The best thing to do in Greenwich is seemingly subjective. Whether you want to visit a museum, enjoy a picnic in a park or take some bracing walks in the countryside along the river Thames – arguably one of the most beautiful rivers in the world; there is a lot to do in Greenwich for everyone and whatever their mood. What are your top activities to do in Greenwich when touring this historical town? This guide covers all of your greatest options to see and do while visiting Greenwich.
So without further delay, here are the best things to do in Greenwich, listed according to their popularity. There are actually over 200 attractions and activities to see and do in Greenwich. However, I have narrowed it down to my main picks and recommendations for the best things to do in Greenwich at any time of the year. This is the ultimate guide for Greenwich and the surrounding area. I've packed this guide with my current favorite things to see and do around town.
Map Of The Best Things To Do In Greenwich
Before we begin, I’d like to thank the guy who got me into this whole writing thing, David Lindahl. If not for him I probably wouldn’t be writing and sharing cool content that entertain people. There are so many articles about Greenwich online where I wanted to be part of something different – hence my decision to create a guide about things to do in Greenwich. Greenwich is a beautiful borough in London, England. It is located in the south-east part of Greater London on the north bank of the Thames River and is home to numerous stunning historic buildings.
It's also very nice to walk around Greenwich because the locals like visitors and they are very welcoming and there are lots of great cafés and restaurants. I certainly hope this article helped you better understand what there is to do in Greenwich. Now, I would suggest that you explore as many of the places above as possible (better yet — all of them). And if you ever have a question or need any help, just drop me a line via the contact form or add me on Twitter.
". Nowadays, Greenwich is not only a popular destination for Londoners, but also for people who live in other parts of the UK and abroad. And if you are traveling to Greenwich from another part of the country, it can be really hard to know which sights to visit while in town, and which spots you should visit. As you might have guessed, Greenwich is an exceedingly beautiful place. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK.
Everyone comes to enjoy the numerous landmarks and attractions that are present in this picturesque place. Great for taking our dog for a walk. The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is located on the south bank of the River Thames, and has an abundance of wildlife too see. Every Wednesday and Thursday evening, Up The Creek Comedy Club is alive with the easy laughter of friends enjoying a great comedy night. After all, its not every day that you get to walk underneath the Thames.