Places to Visit

National Maritime Museum  

Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF 

https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum

The National Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the history of maritime exploration and navigation. It is also a great place to see some of the world’s most important maritime artefacts.

From paintings and artefacts of great sea battles, historic maritime captains and admirals to the history of shipbuilding and development and Britain’s history as a seafaring nation.

The National Maritime Museum is a must-see for any visitor to Greenwich. It is a world-class museum that offers something for everyone, from history buffs to families with children.


Cutty Sark 

King William Walk, London SE10 9HT 

https://www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark

The Cutty Sark is a British clipper ship built in 1869 on the River Clyde in Dumbarton, Scotland. and preserved in a dry dock at Greenwich, London. She was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest sailing ships of her time.

The Cutty Sark is known for her sleek design and her speed. She was designed to transport tea from China to London as quickly as possible, and she made a number of record-breaking voyages.

Today, the Cutty Sark is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb aboard the ship and learn about her history and her role in the tea trade. They can also see her impressive interior, which includes a captain’s cabin, a crew’s quarters, and a cargo hold.

The Cutty Sark is a unique and important part of maritime history. She is a reminder of the golden age of sailing and the important role that sailing ships played in global trade.


Rangers House 

Chesterfield Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rangers-house-the-wernher-collection/

The Ranger’s is a beautiful early 18th-century villa that was once home to the Rangers of Greenwich Park. It is located on the edge of the park, overlooking the River Thames.

The house was built in the 1720s by Francis Hosier, a naval officer who had made his fortune selling ship’s cargoes. Hosier sold the house to the 4th Earl of Chesterfield in 1742. Chesterfield was a famous statesman and writer.

Chesterfield used the Ranger’s House as a summer retreat. He made a number of improvements to the house, including adding a new library and a ballroom. He also commissioned a number of paintings and sculptures for the house.

The Ranger’s House remained in the Chesterfield family until the early 20th century. It was then sold to the Crown and was used as a military hospital during the First World War. After the war, the house was used as a museum.

Today, the Ranger’s House is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the house and see its beautiful interiors, which include a number of important paintings and sculptures. The house also has a beautiful garden, which is open to the public.

The Ranger’s House is a unique and important part of Greenwich’s history. It is a beautiful example of early 18th-century architecture, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a wealthy aristocrat in the Georgian period.


Queens House  

Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF 

https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house

The Queen’s House in Greenwich, London is a former royal residence and one of the most important buildings in British architectural history. It was designed by Inigo Jones and built between 1616 and 1635 and is considered to be the first Palladian building in England.

The Queen’s House is a white, symmetrical building with a central portico and two wings. It is built on a raised platform, and its elegant facade is decorated with pilasters and columns. The house’s interior is just as impressive, with its grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and fine works of art.

One of the most notable features of the Queen’s House is its double-cube room, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful rooms in England. The room is perfectly square, with a double-height ceiling and a large window that offers stunning views of the River Thames.

The Queen’s House was intended to be a summer retreat for Queen Anne of Denmark, the wife of King James I. However, it was never fully completed, and Anne died before she could move in. King Charles I and his wife, Queen Henrietta Maria, later used the house. Today, the Queen’s House is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open to the public and houses a collection of world-class art, including works by Canaletto, Rembrandt, and Gainsborough


Old Royal Naval College 

King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN

https://ornc.org

The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor.

The college was built in the 17th and 18th centuries to train and educate officers for the Royal Navy. It was closed in 1869 but was reopened in 1933 as a public visitor attraction.

The college is made up of a series of buildings arranged around a central courtyard. The most famous building is the Painted Hall, which is decorated with stunning murals by Sir James Thornhill. The hall is often used for banquets and other special events.

Other notable buildings at the college include the Chapel, the Queen’s House, and the King William Court. The chapel is known for its exquisite stained glass windows, while the Queen’s House is a fine example of Palladian architecture.

The college grounds are also worth a visit. They offer stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline. There is also a museum on site, which tells the story of the college and its history.

The Old Royal Naval College is a must-see for any visitor to London. It is a beautiful and historic building that offers something for everyone, from history buffs to art lovers to those simply looking for a scenic place to relax and enjoy the views.

Today most of the Old Royal Naval College is part of Greenwich University, and you can hear music being rehearsed by the Trinity Laban music conservatoire throughout the day, as you wander through the grounds.


Painted Hall (In the Old Naval College)

https://ornc.org/our-story/today/painted-hall-tours/

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, London is one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe. It was designed and painted by Sir James Thornhill, and took nineteen years to complete, from 1708 to 1726.

The hall is a vast space, measuring 110 feet by 50 feet and 40 feet high. The walls and ceiling are covered with over 40,000 square feet of painted murals, depicting scenes from British history, mythology, and allegory.

The central theme of the paintings is the glorification of the British monarchy and the Royal Navy. Thornhill depicts British kings and queens as benevolent rulers, and the Royal Navy as a force for good in the world.

The paintings are also notable for their use of perspective and illusionism. Thornhill creates the impression of a much larger space than is actually the case, and his use of light and shadow is masterful.

The Painted Hall is a truly awe-inspiring space. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of Sir James Thornhill, and to the golden age of British naval power.


The Fan Museum 

12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London SE10 8ER

https://www.thefanmuseum.org.uk 

The Fan Museum in Greenwich is a unique museum dedicated to the history, culture, and craft of the fan. It houses a collection of over 4,000 fans from all over the world, dating from the 16th century to the present day.

The museum’s collection includes a wide variety of fans, including folding fans, rigid fans, and ostrich feather fans. The fans are decorated with a variety of materials, including paper, silk, lace, and ivory.

The Fan Museum is a great place to learn about the history of fans and to see some of the most beautiful and intricate fans ever made. It is also a great place to buy a fan for yourself or as a gift.

 


Royal Observatory Greenwich 

Blackheath Ave, Greenwich Park, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ 

https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory

The Royal Observatory at Greenwich, London is a world-renowned astronomical observatory. It is located on Greenwich Hill, and is home to the Prime Meridian, the longitudinal line that divides the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

The observatory was founded in 1675 by King Charles II, who wanted to improve the accuracy of navigation. The first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, was appointed to the observatory in 1676.

The Royal Observatory played a vital role in the development of astronomy and navigation. It was here that the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was established in the 19th century. GMT was used as the world’s standard time zone until 1972, when it was replaced by Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

The observatory is also home to a number of important historical instruments, including the Shepherd’s Gate Clock, which was used to establish GMT, and the Airy Transit Circle, which was used to measure the positions of stars and planets.

The Royal Observatory is a popular tourist attraction, and offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of astronomy and navigation. Visitors can also tour the observatory’s historic buildings, and climb the Flamsteed House Meridian Line, which straddles the Prime Meridian.


Eltham Palace and Gardens 

Court Yard, London SE9 5QE 

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/

Eltham Palace and Gardens is a unique and fascinating place to visit. It is a fusion of medieval and Art Deco architecture, set in beautiful gardens.

The palace’s history dates back to the 14th century when it was a royal residence. It was a favourite palace of King Edward IV, who had the magnificent Great Hall built in the 1470s.

The palace fell into decline in the 17th century but was saved from demolition in the 1930s by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. The Courtaulds were millionaire art collectors, and they transformed the palace into a lavish Art Deco mansion.

The palace’s interiors are a stunning mix of medieval and Art Deco styles. The Great Hall, with its hammer-beam roof and minstrels’ gallery, is a particularly impressive sight.

The palace gardens are also beautiful. They feature a variety of gardens, including formal rose gardens, herbaceous borders, and a rock garden. There is also a playground for children, and a café and shop.

Eltham Palace and Gardens is a great place to visit for all ages. It is a place where you can learn about history, admire art and architecture, and enjoy the outdoors.


Severndroog Castle 

Severndroog Castle Castle Wood, Shooters Hill, London SE18 3RT 

https://www.severndroogcastle.org.uk

Severndroog Castle is an elegant Gothic tower folly situated on Shooter’s Hill, one of the highest points in London. It was built in 1784 as a memorial to Sir William James, a commander in the Bombay Marine and later a director of the British East India Company by his wife Lady Anne James,

The castle is triangular in section, with a hexagonal turret at each corner. It is 63 feet (19 m) high and 432 feet (132 meters) above sea level and offers panoramic views of London and the surrounding countryside.

The castle’s exterior is decorated with a variety of architectural elements, including crenelations, pinnacles, and Gothic arches. The interior is more plain, but there is a spiral staircase that leads to the viewing platform at the top of the tower.

Severndroog Castle is a popular tourist attraction and is also used for weddings and other events. It is a unique and beautiful building that offers visitors a chance to experience a bit of London’s history and culture.


Oxleas Woods 

Crown Woods Ln, London SE18 3JA 

https://www.oxleaswoodlands.uk

Oxleas Wood in Greenwich is a beautiful and ancient woodland, dating back over 8,000 years. It is one of the few remaining areas of ancient deciduous forest in London, and is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

The wood is a popular spot for walking, running, and cycling. There are also a number of marked trails that visitors can follow. The wood is also home to a number of historical features, including a Bronze Age burial mound and a Roman road.

Oxleas Wood is a great place to visit for all ages. It is a place where you can enjoy the natural world, learn about history, and simply relax and unwind.


Greenwich Park 

Greenwich, London SE10 8QY 

https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park

Greenwich Park is a beautiful and historic park in Greenwich, London. It is one of the Royal Parks of London and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers over 180 acres of land, and is home to a variety of attractions, including the Royal Observatory, the Old Royal Naval College, and the Queen’s House.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and squirrels.

Greenwich Park is a popular spot for walking, running, cycling, and picnicking. There is also a playground for children, and a café and shop.

There is a Rose Garden and a Herb Garden, situated near the Rangers House on the west side of the park and also a flower garden situated in the South East corner of the park which also incorporates a Deer enclosure.

The Flower Garden is a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers and plants. It is a popular spot to relax and enjoy a picnic. It is also dog free and therefore great for families with youngsters to run around safely.

Greenwich Park is a must-see for any visitor to London. It is a beautiful and historic park with something to offer everyone.


Queen Carolines Bath Remains 

https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park/things-to-see-and-do/ancient-greenwich/queen-carolines-bath-remains

Queen Caroline’s Bath in Greenwich Park is a sunken Georgian bath that was built in the early 1800s for Queen Caroline of Brunswick, the estranged wife of King George IV. The bath is located in the southwest corner of the park, behind a set of square hedges.

The bath is rectangular with canted corners and a flight of brick steps in one corner leading down to the approximately 1.5m depth. The bath is brick-lined and the lower courses are clad in bluish tiles, not all of which survive.

The bath was originally housed in a glazed glasshouse, but this was demolished in the mid-19th century. The bath itself was filled in and covered over in the 1980s but was rediscovered in 2001 and excavated. It is now protected by a metal fence and can be viewed by the public.

Queen Caroline’s Bath is a reminder of Greenwich’s royal heritage and of the lavish lifestyle that Queen Caroline enjoyed. It is also a unique and interesting historical feature.

However, it is important to note that the bath is not filled with water and is not accessible to the public. It is also not particularly visible from the ground, as it is hidden behind a hedge and a metal fence.

Despite this, Queen Caroline’s Bath is still worth a visit. It is a unique and fascinating piece of history that offers a glimpse into the past.


Roman Temple Ruins (Inside Greenwich Park) 

https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/greenwich-park/things-to-see-and-do/ancient-greenwich/roman-remains

The Roman Temple Ruins inside Greenwich Park are located on the east side of the park, near Lover’s Walk. They are not very visible from the ground, but there is an information panel that describes what was once there.

The temple was built in the 2nd century AD and was dedicated to the Roman god Mercury. It was a large and impressive building, with a podium, a cella (inner chamber), and a surrounding ambulatory. The temple was also decorated with a variety of sculptures and mosaics.

The temple was used for religious ceremonies and festivals for about 300 years. It was also a place where people could come to worship Mercury and to seek his blessing.

The temple fell into disuse in the 4th century AD and was eventually abandoned. The ruins of the temple were rediscovered in the 19th century, and a number of artifacts were excavated, including coins, pottery, and fragments of sculpture.

The Roman Temple Ruins are a reminder of Greenwich’s long and rich history. They are also a fascinating example of Roman architecture and religion.

However, it is important to note that there is very little to see of the temple ruins today. The only visible remains are a small mound and a few fragments of masonry. The rest of the temple is buried underground.

Despite this, the Roman Temple Ruins are still worth a visit. They are a reminder of Greenwich’s Roman heritage, and they offer a glimpse into the past.


The O2 

Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX 

https://www.theo2.co.uk


Climb the O2 

Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX 

https://tickets.aegeurope.com/upattheo2/


IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula 

 Unit 1, 2, 3 & 4 Emirates Cable Car Terminal, Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR 

IFS Cloud Cable Car – Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)


Now Gallery 

The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0SQ 

https://nowgallery.co.uk


Art and Design Greenwich Peninsula 

Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0SQ  

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-here/art-and-design/


The Line. Public Art 

Greenwich  Peninsula. Some around the O2 venue. 

https://the-line.org/map/