Greenwich is a great place to visit with a range of amazing attractions that everyone can enjoy – and best of all, many of them are completely free! With the Old Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum and the Greenwich Observatory all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Greenwich is home to some of the country’s top visitor attractions so it’s a great place for sightseeing and more.
If you want to know what events, exhibitions and special days out are happening, visit the Greenwich.co.uk What’s On guide. You can even add your own event to our listings.
Plan your visit to Greenwich
Looking for attractions and seeing opportunities in Greenwich, London? There’s plenty to choose from, and some of the highlights include:
Greenwich Park – 180 acres of superb green space in this fantastic Royal Park and the venue for the equestrian events at the London 2012 Olympics. The park is stunning in all seasons with great views across London. Some of the facilities include a boating lake, deer enclosure, children’s playground, tennis courts, cafes, kiosks and toilets.
Read more about Greenwich park
Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian – Historic former Royal Observatory buildings in Greenwich Park which come under the ‘Royal Museums Greenwich’ umbrella. Discover interesting facts about space and time, see the Planetarium and take your photo crossing the Meridian line.
Old Royal Naval College – Explore the fascinating history of the former Greenwich Hospital which was home to the Greenwich Pensioners and see the stunning Painted Hall and the Chapel.
Buy tickets to visit the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.
Read more about the Old Royal Naval College.
Follow the Nelson Trail – It was to Greenwich that Nelson came to recuperate following the loss of his arm and ultimately it was where his body was brought following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. Discover Nelson in Greenwich with Greenwich.co.uk’s own local history trail with fifteen Nelson things to see! Tweet pics along the way using the hashtag #nelsoningreenwich
Read more about Nelson in Greenwich.
Greenwich Markets – Famous for its eclectic stalls and delicious street foods, Greenwich Market is a ‘must-visit’ when you come to Greenwich. Around the famous covered market in the heart of Greenwich are a variety of shops which are open seven days a week. Other markets in Greenwich include a vintage market in Greenwich Church Street, opposite St Alfege Church, and the weekend Clocktower Market on Greenwich High Road.
Read more about Greenwich Market.
Cutty Sark – Restored and reopened after being ravaged by fire, the famous tea clipper is once again for visitors. Controversially, the ship has been lifted up and encased in a glass surround enabling you to walk around under the ship where you can also see the renowned Long John Silver figurehead collection.
Read more about the Cutty Sark in Greenwich
National Maritime Museum – Discover fascinating exhibits which tell the story of Britain’s maritime history. As well as interesting permanent galleries, there’s a programme of paid-entry temporary exhibitions.
The Queen’s House – Viewed from across the river, this stunning house sits perfectly in between the two side of the Old Royal Naval College. It was designed by architect Inigo Jones and given by King James I to his wife, Queen Anne. The building is a stunning architectural gem and houses an excellent art collection which is free to view.
Read more about the Queen’s House
St Alfege Church – A church has stood on this site in the centre of Greenwich town centre for over a thousand years. It was founded when Archbishop Alfege was taken hostage and martyred. As the parish church it was here that Henry VIII was baptised. The current Hawksmoor-designed church was built about 300 years ago.
The O2 Arena – It’s one of the most popular entertainment venues in the world with a packed programme of concerts and events. As well as the actual arena, there’s other exhibition spaces, many restaurants and a multipex cinema.
Ranger’s House – This impressive house, built around 1700, was for a time the official residence of the Ranger of Greenwich Park. Now under the care of English Heritage, the property is home to the Wernher Art Collection.
Read more about the Rangers House
Eltham Palace – See two completely different sides to Eltham Palace with the medieval Great Hall and the 1930s-built mansion added by the Coulthard family. A must-see for lovers of Art Deco and with a programme of events throughout the year include the popular Grand Medieval Joust weekend in June.
Join English Heritage for free access to the Ranger’s House and Eltham Palace, and hundreds of other historic attractions around the country.
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park
A beautiful oasis of wildlife and nature next to the Thames Path in North Greenwich with a programme of events throughout the spring and summer months.
Read more about the Greenwich Eco Park
Emirates Air Line – A cable car across the Thames. Check out the views from the cable car which goes high above the Thames to the Royal Docks, were the Excel centre is. An “Aviation Experience” attached to the station lets you learn about planes and have a go on flight simulators.
- Other things you can do…
- See a play at Greenwich Theatre.
- See a movie at a cinema in Greenwich.
- Take part in a Zombie Battle Experience in Greenwich.
- Catch a boat in to central London from Greenwich Pier on the Thames Clipper or City Cruises – why not enjoy afternoon tea on the Thames, setting off from Tower Pier?
Visiting Greenwich and need a hotel room or self catered accommodation? Get information on Greenwich Hotels.