Places to Visit, Shop and Relax in Greenwich

How To Get To Greenwich:

Taking a boat to Greenwich:

Greenwich on the south bank of the River Thames has long been connected with all things nautical and perhaps one of the most scenic ways of visiting it is by boat from one of the piers in Central London. A half hourly and fast riverboat service calls at a number of piers along the way.

lternatively there is a tourist boat from Westminster Pier which sets a more leisurely pace but has an interesting commentary on all of the sights on the way, it will also briefly take you a little further downstream from Greenwich for a view of the Thames Barrier. Both services drop you off at Greenwich pier which is next to the Cutty Sark clipper ship and a two minute walk from Greenwich Town Centre to the south.

Greenwich by Overground Railway:

There is a frequent train service from Charing Cross, London Bridge and Waterloo stations to Greenwich Station which is to the west of Greenwich Town Centre and about 6 minutes walk away.

Greenwich by Docklands Light Railway:

Cutty Sark Docklands Light Railway Station is in a shop lined passage next to Greenwich Town Centre. The railway provides a fast route to Greenwich from Canary Wharf and Stratford to the north and Lewisham to the south.

Greenwich by Foot Tunnel:

You can walk under the river to Greenwich through a foot tunnel from the north side of the river at Island Gardens. Some of the best views of the Old Royal Naval College are from Island Gardens which is also the last stop on the DLR before Greenwich, so it is possible to get off here and enjoy the view and then walk through the tunnel to Greenwich. You can also walk to Island Gardens from Crossharbour Station through Mudchute Park and City Farm.

The Layout of Greenwich:

As the guardian of Greenwich time, the possession of which, along with astronomical sightings, enabled ships to accurately navigate the oceans of the world, Greenwich was at the historic heart of London Docklands. The focal point of Greenwich is Greenwich Town Centre with its shops, restaurants, bars and market. Immediately to the north of the town centre is the dry-docked clipper ship – the Cutty Sark, and to the east of this is a lovely river walk described below. Next to the town centre to the east is the Old Royal Naval College designed by Sir Christopher Wren and formerly the site of the Royal Palace of Placentia where Tudor monarchs such as Henry VIII were born. To the south east of the town centre is Greenwich Park which contains the National Maritime Museum, the Queens House and the Royal Observatory. To the south of the park is Blackheath a wide and wind-swept area of heath land popular with kite fliers. To the south-west is the urban centre of Blackheath with its shops, restaurants and bars.

A River Walk From Greenwich:

From Greenwich pier a path leads east along the river bank to the north of the Old Royal Naval College. If you follow this path, after 300 metres you reach the Trafalgar Tavernand a few metres further along The Yacht. Both of these public houses have great views of the river and serve good food. Another 200 metres takes you to the front of the attractive Trinity Hospital which was founded in the early 17th century for pensioners. A further 200 metres along the river past Greenwich Power Station (on stand-by for the London Underground despite being more than 100 years old) is the Cutty Sark public house which has tables on a riverside area to the front. The public house dates from 1695. The timberwork is mostly original and defines the shape of the downstairs cubbyholes, large central staircase and split level upper rooms including the restaurant which has panoramic views of the river from an enormous bow window.

The path continues for another 2 kilometres or so around inlets, quays and more modern factories and finally reaches the busy A12. Turn to the right and walk up a ramp and over a footbridge to cross the road. On the other side turn left and the path takes you to the terrace of houses of River Way on the Greenwich Peninsula. At the end of the terrace is the excellent Pilot Inn which serves food and has a large and well cared for garden to the rear. The peninsula has excellent public transport connections near The O2 exhibition and concert hall which also has a number of restaurants and bars.