Must-See Attractions in Greenwich
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, Greenwich offers a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are our top recommendations for your visit.
1. Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian of the world. Founded in 1675 by King Charles II, it is one of the most important scientific sites in history.
Highlights:
- Stand on the Prime Meridian Line with one foot in each hemisphere
- See the Great Equatorial Telescope, one of the largest in Britain
- Watch the daily drop of the red Time Ball at 1pm
- Visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium for star shows
- Enjoy spectacular views over London from Greenwich Park
Opening Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm | Admission: Adults £24, Children £12
Address: Greenwich Park, London SE10 9NF | Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
2. Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark is the world's last surviving tea clipper and one of the most famous ships in history. Built in 1869, she was designed to carry tea from China as fast as possible and became one of the fastest ships of her day.
Highlights:
- Walk beneath the ship's massive copper hull
- Explore the crew's quarters and cargo holds
- Grab the helm and imagine steering across the oceans
- Enjoy afternoon tea beneath the ship's hull
- For the adventurous: climb the rigging (additional fee)
Opening Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm | Admission: Adults £22, Children £11
Address: King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT | Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
3. Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market has been at the heart of the community since the 1700s. Today it is one of London's best markets, offering a huge variety of art, antiques, handmade crafts, and international street food.
Highlights:
- Over 120 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, and art
- International street food from Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and more
- Vintage clothing and collectibles
- Live music and entertainment on weekends
- French delicatessen and artisan fudge shop
Opening Hours: Daily 10am - 5:30pm (including bank holidays) | Admission: Free
Address: Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ | Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
4. National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world, with over 2.5 million items tracing Britain's seafaring history. From Nelson's coat worn at the Battle of Trafalgar to interactive exhibits for children, there is something for everyone.
Highlights:
- See Admiral Lord Nelson's coat from the Battle of Trafalgar (1805)
- Explore 14 galleries covering Britain's maritime past
- Interactive exhibits perfect for families
- Great Map in the atrium - walk across a giant map of the world
- Free entry (timed tickets recommended)
Opening Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm | Admission: Free
Address: Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF | Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
5. Old Royal Naval College & The Painted Hall
The Old Royal Naval College is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture and part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Painted Hall, designed by Sir James Thornhill, features over 3,700 square metres of stunning painted walls and ceilings.
Highlights:
- Marvel at the Painted Hall's baroque ceiling paintings
- Learn about 600 years of Greenwich history
- See where Lord Nelson's body lay in state
- Explore the stunning neoclassical Chapel
- Guided and self-guided multimedia tours available
Opening Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm | Admission: Adults £17.50, Children 16 and under free
Address: King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9NN | Nearest Station: Cutty Sark (DLR)
Getting to Greenwich
| Transport | Route | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | London Bridge to Greenwich Station | 8 minutes | From £2.50 |
| DLR | Bank to Cutty Sark DLR | 20 minutes | From £1.75 |
| River Boat | Westminster to Greenwich Pier | 45 minutes | From £6.50 |
| Cable Car | Emirates Air Line to Greenwich Peninsula | 10 minutes | £5.00 |