'''Greenwich''' is situated in South London and is the site of '''Maritime Greenwich''' on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Get in
Greenwich is located some 6 miles east of central London, on the south bank of the River Thames. Because of congestion, driving is not to be particularly recommended, but there are three good ways of getting to Greenwich from central London by public transport.
'''By boat'''. Several companies run river tour boats from central London piers at Westminster Bridge, the Millennium Wheel and the Tower of London, to Greenwich pier which is adjacent to Greenwich town centre and in walking distance of the all the attractions listed below. __6-8; 33% discount to Travelcard holders. [http://www.thamesclippers.com Thames Clippers] commuter services offer an infrequent service, but are quicker and better value (__4.55, 33% off for Travelcard holders).
'''By Docklands Light Railway (DLR)'''. This automated rail system runs from central London terminals at Tower Gateway (adjacent to the Tower of London) and Bank (with interchange to the London Underground). Catch a train bound for Lewisham and get off at Cutty Sark station in the town centre. Because there is no driver and most of the route is elevated, you get a great view from the front of the passing city. Travelcards valid.
'''By rail'''. Six trains an hour run on weekdays from London Bridge (usually platforms 1 or 4) to Greenwich station (travelcard zones 2/3), with four to Maze Hill (zone 3). Services begin at Charing Cross or Cannon Street stations. Travelcards valid.
The [http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/index.htm Transport for London Journey Planner] can plan your journey, as can [http://www.nationalrail.co.uk National Rail] website.
North Greenwich tube station is not recommended. It is a bus ride away from Greenwich town centre and was built for the Millennium Dome (now the O2 Arena). However, it is possible to walk from here along the Thames Path to Greenwich town centre - it's a bleak but peaceful industrial landscape, and it'll take you about 45 minutes.
Get around
All the locations mentioned in this article are within easy walking distance of each other and both the Cutty Sark DLR station and Greenwich Pier. Note that the Royal Observatory is up a short but steep hill.
See
Although far from central, Greenwich is the home of several of London's more interesting tourist attractions. These include:
'''[http://www.cuttysark.org.uk/ The Cutty Sark]''', King William Walk ('''adjacent to Greenwich pier'''), tel 020 8858 3445. A preserved tea and wool clipper built in 1869 which set the record for passage from Australia under sail. Open every day 10am-5pm; closed Dec 24-26. __3-5. Note: the Cutty Sark was [http://www.cuttysark.org.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentNews.newsDetails&newsID=19600&from=list set on fire] early on the morning of 21st May 2007. Much of the ship's infrastructure had been removed, since it was in the middle of a conservation project; but it's unlikely to be much of a tourist attraction in the near future.
'''[http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/parks/greenwich_park/ Greenwich Park]'''. Situated on a hill rising up from Greenwich town centre, with impressive views from the hilltop across the River Thames to Docklands and the City of London. The park provides a setting for several historic buildings, including the Old Royal Observatory, the old Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House. Open every day 6am-sunset. Free.
'''[http://www.nmm.ac.uk/ The National Maritime Museum]''', Romney Road, tel 020 8858 4422. Contains the UK's national collection of Martime artifacts (although don't expect much in the way of whole ships). One of the buildings housing the museum is the '''Queens House''', built by Inigo Jones and the first Palladian building in England. Open every day 10am-5pm; closed Dec 24-26. Free.
'''[http://www.nmm.ac.uk/places/royal-observatory The Royal Observatory]''', Flamsteed House ('''in middle of Greenwich Park'''), tel 020 8858 4422. The home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line, this is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium (at the stroke of midnight GMT as measured from the Prime Meridian). Now a detached part of the National Maritime Museum, it houses a museum and planetarium. Open every day 10am-5pm; closed Dec 24-26. Free admission; planetarium shows __2-__4.
'''[http://www.greenwichfoundation.org.uk/ The Royal Naval College]''', built by Christopher Wren in 1694 as the Greenwich Hospital for the relief and support of seamen and their dependants and for the improvement of navigation. It became the Royal Naval College in 1869, and recently the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music have moved in. Best known for its '''Painted Hall''', with elaborate ceiling and wall paintings executed by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726. Painted Hall and Chapel open every day 10am-5pm; closed Dec 24-26. Free.
The combination of Greenwich Park, the Old Royal Observatory, the Queens House and the Royal Naval College make up '''Maritime Greenwich''', which is a site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Do
'''The o2''' [http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/home] - The former Millennium Dome has been transformed into a major entertainment complex consisting of a large arena which plays host to a number of world class acts; a cinema which includes the largest screen in the UK and numerous bars and restaurants.
Buy
'''Greenwich market''' actually consists of several markets all quite close together:
*Greenwich Arts and Crafts Market, off College Approach [http://www.greenwichmarket.net] - An indoor market also selling good food, and containing many interesting little shops.
*The Flea Market, Thames Street - Selling what you'd expect, quite easy to miss as it's hidden away down a backstreet.
*Greenwich Antiques Market, Greenwich High Road - The name's a bit deceptive but it does have plenty of old books, music, clothes and jewellery.
*The Central Market, Stockwell Street - the largest part of the market that sells homeware, furniture and books.
Do visit Flying Duck at the bottom of Creek Road. Loads of kitsch goodie and retro furnishings to inject a bit of glamour into your life
Eat
Greenwich has restaurants of different types and costs and it isn't possible to list them all here. The following small selection are restaurants which have been visited and recommended by Wikitravellers:
'''The Kings Arms''', 16 King William Walk, (''on street leading from town centre to Greenwich Park''), tel 020 8858 4544. This pub is well situated for the tourist attractions in Greenwich and does good bar food. __5-8.
'''The Mogul Tandoori''', 10 Greenwich Church Street, (on the outer edge of the market), tel 020 8858 6790. This restaurant provides excellent Nepalese and Northern Indian cuisine in an unusual and interesting setting (as long as you get seated downstairs, below street level).
'''The Othello''', 113 Trafalgar Road London SE10 9TS. tel 020 8858 7050. A Greek restaurant a little way out from the town centre, great moussakas - and a mean steak too!!
Drink
Many of Greenwich's pubs have been bought and revamped by the American-owned [http://www.greenwichinc.com Greenwich Inc] group - a source of concern to some locals who miss the old venues, and they have built up a reputation for poor service. But commercially, they are very successful in attracting tourists.
The Plume of Feathers in Park Row - off Greenwich Park, is a quaint little watering-hole, nearly on the prime meridian, with a variety of guest ales tucked away from the run-of-the mill riff-raff in Greenwich town centre. Excellent food at reasonable prices - try the delicious mixed platter for 4 to get the taste buds going!!
The Cutty Sark is a great pub. Best time to go is on a warm summers evening when you can sit out by the river and watch the sunset in the west. Can get pretty busy though!
[http://www.trafalgartavern.co.uk/ The Trafalgar Tavern] (Greenwich Inc-owned) is beautiful, but overcrowded. The bar is over bright and sitting outside has become less pleasant since they lined loads of benches up along the river path. Service can also be brusque - it's best avoided.
The Greenwich Union on Royal Hill is owned by the [http://www.meantimebrewing.com/ Meantime Brewery], based in nearby Charlton, which stocks its own range of lagers. Recommended. Next door is the Richard I, owned by Young's, which sells its real ales.
Sleep
McMillan Student Village, Creek Road (in nearby Deptford) is a fantastic place for a good night's kip after a heavy night out.
Contact
Phone
The area code for all London numbers is 020 when dialed from within the UK or +4420 from outside the UK.
Internet