Greenwich is a truly special day out in London, combining world class attractions with a charming village vibe.
Museums and galleries, green space, amazing views and bustling markets can all be found in Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check out our guide to the best things to do in Greenwich.
Book a Greenwich Day Pass if you want to make the most of Greenwich's historic attractions. This ticket gives you entry to both the Royal Observatory AND historic ship Cutty Sark, with 25% off the standard admission price. Book now
Take the boat to Greenwich and travel to the heart of maritime London. It's less than 30 minutes from the Tower of London to Greenwich Pier using Uber Boats by Thames Clippers, with boats disembarking right outside Cutty Sark.
The National Maritime Museum's major exhibitions are FREE in 2024. Astronomy Photographer of the Year showcases the world's greatest space photography, while Women of the RNLI shines a light on the lifesaving role played by women in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
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Step aboard Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark is the world’s sole-surviving tea clipper – a legendary 19th-century ship that used to bring tea back from China at record-breaking speeds.
Now the ship takes pride of place in the heart of Greenwich. Book a ticket and explore every part of the ship, from the glorious views from the ship's wheel to the evocative spaces below deck. The adventure ends beneath the ship itself, as you walk through the dry dock with the gleaming copper hull above your head.
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Stand on the Prime Meridian Line
Take a hike through Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory, and travel through space and time.
Commissioned by King Charles II, the site incorporates the Christopher Wren-designed Flamsteed House – historic home to Britain's Astronomers Royal – as well as London’s Planetarium. Stand astride the historic Prime Meridian Line, where east meets west, uncover the history of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), and see clocks and timepieces that have changed the world.
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Walk in famous footsteps at the Queen's House
If you're a fan of Bridgerton or The Crown, the Queen's House might already feel very familiar. The classic building has become a popular filming location thanks to its sweeping views and stunning architecture.
But the Queen's House is so much more than a film set.
Great works by world-famous artists grace the walls, from J.M.W. Turner and Canaletto to Turner Prize winner Richard Wright. The building too is an artwork in its own right, designed by the architect Inigo Jones as the first classical building in Britain.
The jewel in the Queen's House crown is the iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, taking pride of place in the Queen's Presence Chamber.
Your guide to Greenwich
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Meet the Women of the RNLI
Women of the RNLI is a free exhibition at the National Maritime Museum celebrating the work of women in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Featuring striking photography, personal testimony and breathtaking film, the exhibition offers a window into the lives of volunteers across the UK and Ireland.
Life savers, fundraisers, trailblazers: discover the vital roles that women play in saving lives at sea.
Travel the world at the National Maritime Museum
Discover epic stories of exploration and endeavour that have shaped our world today at the National Maritime Museum.
Permanent galleries take visitors on a journey around the globe, from the diverse cultures of the Pacific to the changing climate of the Arctic and Antarctic. Special exhibitions and events take you even further, with an ever-changing programme of activities for all ages: check the what's on listings to see what's happening during your visit.
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Visit Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is the most historic of London’s eight Royal Parks. Originally used as a royal hunting ground, it’s now a wonderful spot for picturesque strolls and picnics under chestnut trees.
As well as the Royal Observatory and the world-famous Meridian Line, the 183 acres of hillside parkland encompass a beautiful rose garden, a boating pond and incredible views of the City of London and the Thames. There’s even a family of deer, said to be descended from Henry VIII’s original herd. It’s no surprise that it’s many a Londoners’ favourite city park.
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Climb the rigging of Cutty Sark
For the first time since the ship's arrival in Greenwich in 1954, visitors can climb the rigging of Cutty Sark and get a taste of what it would have been like to sail the historic ship.
Starting with a briefing underneath the ship’s beautiful hull, those brave enough to take on the challenge head up to the Main Deck. From here you can make your way up into the rigging, just as hundreds of sailors did during Cutty Sark’s long and fabled career at sea. Book now for a unique London adventure.
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Shop at Greenwich Market
Vibrant Greenwich Market has been trading for centuries. A stone’s throw from Cutty Sark, this covered market, with its cobblestone floor and elegant portico, hosts dozens of unique designer-makers, vintage and handmade clothing sellers and street food vendors offering a tempting range of treats from around the world. It’s a first port-of-call for collectors of all stripes and an essential stop on any Greenwich shopping itinerary.
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Visit London's only Planetarium
Join Royal Observatory astronomers and leading scientists on a fascinating journey into space, from planetarium shows and live science demonstrations to in-depth astronomy courses.
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Drink at the best pubs in Greenwich
If the walls of Greenwich’s historic pubs could talk, they’d have many a tale to tell of the sailors and river workers who used to frequent them.
Riverfront pubs the Cutty Sark Tavern and Trafalgar Tavern still have a maritime atmosphere (Charles Dickens was known to visit the latter), while the Plume of Feathers is the oldest pub in Greenwich, in business since 1691. Take a break from the sights and have a drink by the Thames.
Eating and drinking in Greenwich
See the world's greatest space photography
Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns and silver moons – wherever you are in the universe, don't miss Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
Every year photographers from across the globe compete in the prestigious astrophotography competition. This is your chance to see their spellbinding work.
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Seek out surprising art and sculpture
Greenwich has long been associated with culture and creativity.
Alongside world-renowned art collections at the Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum, Greenwich’s outdoor spaces and the River Thames itself are home to an array of cutting-edge artworks.
From Antony Gormley and Damien Hirst to Yinka Shonibare, follow our walking tour of contemporary art installations and sculpture around Greenwich.
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Set sail on a Thames cruise
Ships like Cutty Sark were once a frequent sight on the River Thames, so why not journey from central London to Greenwich by boat? Both regular river bus services and dedicated cruises provide spectacular views of key London landmarks en route to Greenwich, including the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe. The boat at Greenwich stops right outside Cutty Sark.
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Find the best views of London
Climb to the top of the hill in Greenwich Park and outside the Royal Observatory you will find a fantastic viewpoint in front of the statue of General Wolfe. It's beautiful whenever you visit, but head here at sunset and watch the shimmering lights of London break into life.
But that's not all Greenwich has to offer: space and symmetry abound at Sir Christopher Wren's Baroque masterpiece, the Old Royal Naval College. The elegant building's iconic twin domes perfectly frame the Queen’s House when viewed from the river.
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Enjoy a unique London afternoon tea experience
Leave behind the traditional hotels and bus tours: at Cutty Sark, you can dine beneath the ship itself.
Indulge in a special afternoon tea sitting directly beneath Cutty Sark's iconic copper-clad hull. Choose from a selection of teas, sandwiches and sweet treats as you marvel at the historic engineering of the fastest ship of its day.
All table bookings include entry to the ship, so you can explore Cutty Sark at your leisure before or after your meal.
What’s On
Got a specific date in mind? Check out events taking place in Greenwich here.
Visit Greenwich
Historic attractions, beautiful parks and stunning city views - discover the best that Greenwich has to offer