![\"girl](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Royal_Observatory_Greenwich_Park.jpg\")
The central part of Greenwich is a lively place and fairly small so it’s easy to walk around and see what\u2019s there. As well as a popular area for tourists, Greenwich has a University in the Old Royal Naval College buildings on the banks of the Thames. The University took over some of the main buildings in 1999 from the Royal Navy and Trinity College of Music moved into the King Charles Court building in 2001. If you walk past Greenwich Market and through the gates at the end of College Approach you\u2019ll often hear students playing classical music through the open windows<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Arrive by boat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There’s no better way to start your visit to maritime Greenwich than by arriving by boat from central London. Your kids will get the sense of adventure, as they enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline, the iconic landmarks and the historic riverside as you glide along the Thames. And you’ll be travelling in comfort and style on the Thames Clippers service, which offers spacious seats, refreshments and free Wi-Fi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Thames Clippers service is also very child-friendly, with plenty of room for pushchairs, baby-changing facilities and discounts for families. Your kids will love seeing the sights from the water and feeling the breeze on their faces. Arriving by boat from central London is not only the best way to see Greenwich but also the most fun and convenient way for you and your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Confused about where to start exploring Greenwich? Based on countless visits to Greenwich with our children, we’ve made an easy-to-follow map<\/a> covering all the main attractions for families in Greenwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great way to spend a family day out is to start at the Cutty Sark, a splendid ship that sailed across the oceans in the 1800s. You and your kids can explore the ship’s amazing stories and interactive displays, and imagine what it was like to be a sailor on this historic vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, head over to Greenwich Market and pick up some delicious street food which you can enjoy in beautiful Greenwich Park nearby. The park is perfect for a relaxing picnic, playing games, and having fun in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After that, visit the Old Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the line that divides the world into east and west. Learn about the mysteries of space and time through fascinating exhibits and activities, and inspire your children to discover more about astronomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heading back towards Greenwich, stop by the Greenwich Park Playground for the kids to let out some steam. Finally, don’t miss the Old Royal Navy College, a majestic building that showcases the glory of Britain’s naval heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Greenwich Market <\/a>is a paradise for food lovers, where you can sample a variety of street food from different cuisines. Whether you crave a juicy burger, a spicy curry, a cheesy pizza, or a sweet crepe, you can find it all at the market. The food is fresh, tasty, and affordable, and you can enjoy it in a lively and friendly atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The market is a treasure trove of arts & crafts, where you can find unique and handmade items from talented artists and makers. The market is open every weekend, but you can also explore the speciality shops that line the market area during the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The market has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was a fruit and vegetable market. You can still see the old music hall above the entrance, and the sign that reminds traders to be honest and fair. The market has changed a lot over the years, but it still retains its charm and character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a wonderful atmosphere as people browse through the market or stroll off to have a meal and a drink in one of the many restaurants and taverns nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking down to the riverside you’ll see Canary Wharf rise above the trees from the other bank, and if you go further down the bank towards the Trafalgar Tavern you get a good look at the Millennium Dome at the head of the next bend in the river. A number of films have shot scenes around the college including Patriot Games, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walking towards Greenwich Park, you’ll pass through the National Maritime Museum where kids can play in the wonderful Children’s Gallery. Once you go past the Museum towards the park there\u2019s a large open grass area crisscrossed by paths that leads up the Royal Observatory on top of the hill where the view is fantastic overlooking the Thames and Isle of Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After picking up some delicious food from Greenwich Market, why not take it to Greenwich Park to enjoy a picnic with a view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park offers stunning views of the city skyline, the River Thames, and the Royal Observatory. You can also see the famous Prime Meridian line, where east meets west, and the Old Royal Naval College, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Whether you want to relax on the grass, explore the flower gardens, or visit the deer enclosure, Greenwich Park has something for everyone. It is a perfect place to enjoy nature and culture in harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more about the 4 best viewpoints of Greenwich Park<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of our favourite playgrounds in London! If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out with your family, you can’t go wrong with Greenwich Playground<\/a> in Greenwich Park, just next to the National Maritime Museum. This playground is one of the best in the city, with a variety of equipment for kids of all ages and abilities. You’ll find swings, slides, climbing frames, sandpits, and more, all set in a beautiful green space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s also plenty of seating for parents, as well as toilets and a cafe nearby. Greenwich Playground is open all year round, from 9 a.m. to dusk, and it’s free to enter. You can easily get there by public transport, as it’s only a short walk from Greenwich station or Cutty Sark DLR station. Alternatively, you can drive and park in the nearby car park for a small fee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Greenwich Playground is a great place to enjoy some fresh air and exercise while letting your kids have a blast. Whether you want to join in the fun or just sit back and relax, you’ll love this playground and its surroundings. Don’t miss it on your next visit to Greenwich Park!<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Greenwich Park, you’ll find a wonderful old clock mounted on the wall outside the gate of the Royal Observatory building displaying the correct Greenwich Mean Time. The clock made it possible for members of the public to adjust their clocks (after climbing up a steep slope). The clock is called the Shepherd Gate Clock, named after its creator and clockmaker Charles Shepherd Junior (1830\u20131905).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that there is a special time zone that is based on an imaginary sun? It’s called Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and it’s the reference point for measuring longitude on Earth. The imaginary sun, or the Mean Sun, is a hypothetical object that travels around the sky at a constant speed, completing one cycle every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GMT was chosen as the global standard in 1884, and it’s also known as Universal Time. But how do they keep track of this imaginary sun? Well, they use a combination of astronomical observations and super-accurate atomic clocks from different parts of the world. These are synchronized by the International Time Bureau in Paris, which produces the Coordinated Universal Time. Isn’t that amazing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Royal Observatory<\/a> is the home of Greenwich Mean Time, where you can stand with a foot in both the Western and Eastern hemispheres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can explore the history of astronomy, see the famous Prime Meridian line, and marvel at the stars in the planetarium. Here are some of the things you can do with your kids at the Royal Observatory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 1833 its red time ball has fallen daily at exactly 1300 hours to enable ships to set their clocks accurately. Britain\u2019s first telegraph cable linked it to a similar time ball in Walmer on the southeast coast for the benefit of shipping in the English Channel. In keeping with this naval tradition, a cannon is sounded daily on the deck of the Cutty Sark at 1300 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 1884, the world has set its clocks according to the time of day on the Meridian of Greenwich, longitude 0\u00b0–an imaginary line joining the North and South Poles through the dead centre of a specialised telescope installed at the Observatory in 1851. Today, the Observatory houses Britain\u2019s largest refracting telescope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following its complete renovation in 1993, you can see a unique collection of historic timepieces and navigational instruments which tell the story of time and astronomy and the origins of the Observatory itself; you can walk around Sir Christopher Wren\u2019s Octagon Room and the apartments of the Astronomer Royal; and you can enjoy regular shows in the intimacy of the Observatory\u2019s tiny Planetarium and visit one of the country\u2019s few camera obscuras in the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Cutty Sark<\/a>, the most famous tea clipper ever built and the only one still in existence was built in 1869 at Dunbarton on the Clyde in Scotland. Her name, meaning \u201cshort chemise\u201d, comes from the poem \u201cTom O\u2019Shanter\u201d by Scotland\u2019s national hero, Robbie Burns, and her figurehead represents the witch clasping the tail of Tom\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the things you can do with your kids at the Cutty Sark:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her sleek lines and huge mast area were designed for speed: in the year of her launch, she took part in a famous race with the Thermopylae and led by some 400 miles [650 km] when she lost her rudder in a gale in the southern Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ironically, at the very time, the Cutty Sark was being built, a French nobleman–Ferdinand de Lesseps–was sowing the seeds of her obsolescence. His visionary ten-year project to build the Suez Canal was completed in the year of her launch, shortening the journey to the Far East and robbing British tea clippers such as the Cutty Sark of their former profits. They continued to bring wool from Australia but could not match the larger (albeit slower) four- and five-masted sailing ships. So as this wonderful ship – the greatest of its day – first took to the water, the age of sail was already fading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Maritime Museum <\/a>is formed from the Queen’s House and two separate wings, joined by colonnades. See the separate page for information on the Queen’s House. The museum was first opened in 1937.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The west and east wings, plus the linking colonnades, were built in 1807-16 by Daniel Alexander. They were built as extensions to the Naval Asylum School, which had recently moved into the Queen’s House. The west wing has become much larger than the east because of several later extensions, which hold the museum’s main body. The east wing is nowadays mostly used for special exhibitions. The museum exhibits are enormous; the intention is to show the entire history of mankind’s association with the sea.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n James I\u2019s Queen, Anne of Denmark, had commissioned Inigo Jones to design this magnificent building in 1616. It was completed for Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, in 1638. Inspired by the Italian palaces and villas of the Palladio, it is the earliest English building in the classical style. It revolutionised English Jacobean architecture overnight–and for over 200 years dominated European and American architecture. Straddling the old Deptford to Woolwich Road walled road (now marked by magnificent double colonnades), it joined the Tudor Palace grounds with the wooded hunting country Greenwich Park and Blackheath beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Framed by Greenwich Royal Park, The Queen\u2019s House is the centrepiece of the historic landscape that rewards visitors to Greenwich today and was reopened in 1990 after major work that restored the building to its 17th-century splendour. Today, with its dazzling interior which includes the first spiral staircase in England, the Queen\u2019s House is a museum covering the Tudor and Stuart periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for a fun and educational day out with your kids, look no further than the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. This historic site is full of fascinating stories, stunning architecture and interactive exhibits that will keep the whole family entertained. You can explore the magnificent Painted Hall, where you can admire the breathtaking ceiling paintings and learn about the history of the British monarchy and navy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also visit the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, where you can see the beautiful stained glass windows and organ. For a more hands-on experience, you can join one of the guided tours or workshops that are specially designed for children. You can learn how to make your own coat of arms, discover the secrets of naval navigation, or even dress up as a sailor or a buccaneer. There’s something for everyone at the Old Royal Naval College, so don’t miss this opportunity to experience a piece of London’s heritage with your kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might also recognise the Old Royal Naval College from some of your favourite movies and TV shows, as it has been featured in many popular productions over the years. For example, you can see it in: The Crown<\/strong>, Bridgerton<\/strong>, Les Mis\u00e9rables<\/strong>, Thor: The Dark World<\/strong>, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides<\/strong> and many more. How cool is that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you follow the Thames Path from Greenwich heading east towards Woolich you’ll encounter a very impressive structure – the Thames Barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hailed as one of the seven miracles of the modern world, this mighty feat of engineering is the world’s largest movable flood barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The magnificent structure spans 520 metres across the Thames, protecting the upper reaches of London from the very present risk of flooding. Much of the riverside parts of Greenwich would be submerged were it not for its man-controlled power to stem the tides which have in past times wrought havoc on the ancient city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The history of the River Thames aspect is presented through powerful images, and vivid sound in a rolling multi-media show played daily at The Thames Barrier Visitors Centre. Situated beside the Barrier on the south bank, the Centre offers visitors a vantage point from which to view the Barrier and an opportunity to relax over a cup of tea and a snack in its modern cafeteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of London and the River Thames is to use the Thames Path<\/a> for family activities such as cycling, walking and scooting. The Thames Path is a long-distance trail that follows the river from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier in Woolwich. Along the way, you can see many historic and scenic sights, as well as wildlife and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most attractive sections of the Thames Path is around Greenwich, where you can explore the rich maritime heritage and culture of this World Heritage Site. You can start your journey from Tower Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks of London, and follow the river eastwards. You will pass by the Tower of London, St Katharine Docks, Shadwell Basin, Wapping, Limehouse Basin, Canary Wharf, and the Isle of Dogs. You will also see many bridges, boats, docks, and wharves that tell the story of London’s trade and commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you approach Greenwich, you will be greeted by the majestic sight of the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Britain. You can also visit the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, and the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian and learn about astronomy and timekeeping. Greenwich Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From Greenwich, you can continue your journey along the Thames Path to Woolwich, where you will find another historic site: the Royal Arsenal. This was once a major military complex that produced weapons and ammunition for the British Army and Navy. Today, it is a vibrant cultural and residential area with museums, galleries, cafes, and markets. You can also see the Thames Barrier, a remarkable engineering feat that protects London from flooding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Thames Path around Greenwich is a wonderful way to experience London’s history, culture, and nature with your family. You can cycle, walk or scoot along the river at your own pace and enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eltham Palace<\/a> is just a short car or bus ride from Greenwich and has something for everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers. You can explore the magnificent palace, which was once home to Henry VIII and his family, and see how it was transformed into a stylish Art Deco residence in the 1930s. You can admire the lavish rooms, the beautiful furniture, and the fascinating collections of art and objects. You can also learn about the lives of the people who lived here, from the medieval kings and queens to the glamorous Courtauld family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the palace is not the only attraction. The gardens are a delight to wander around, with colourful flowers, shady trees, and peaceful ponds. You can spot wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, and butterflies, and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. And don’t miss the great playground, where your kids can burn off some energy and have a blast. The playground has slides, swings, climbing frames, and a sandpit, as well as a mini maze and a giant chessboard. It’s suitable for children of all ages and abilities, and there’s plenty of space to run around and play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top of the hill leading away from the Observatory is Blackheath Avenue which ends at the heath (starting point of the London Marathon). Follow the path down from the heath to Blackheath village and by the train station you’ll find a great local Sunday market<\/a> (open until ~2 PM) with deliciously fresh produce sold directly by farmers just outside London. Blackheath is a friendly village with lots of pubs and restaurants, much quieter than in Central London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find a variety of delicious food from local producers, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan breads and cheeses, homemade jams and pies, and more. You can also enjoy some hot dishes from different cuisines, such as Thai curry, Mexican tacos, Italian pizza, and French crepes. The food is made with high-quality ingredients and cooked with love and passion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Greenwich Foot Tunnel joins Cutty Sark Gardens and Island Gardens, on the Isle of Dogs. It is 1,217 feet in length and approx 50 feet deep. It was designed by Sir Alexander Binnie and was opened on 4 August 1902 at a cost of \u00a3127,000. The tunnel is lined with 200,000 glazed white tiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Thames](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/surrey_docks_farm_1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Follow the children’s trail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"greenwich](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/greenwich_childrens_trail.png\")
<\/a>3. Taste the street food in Greenwich Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"entrance](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Greenwich_Market-1-of-1-5-1024x698.jpg\")
![\"greenwich](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/greenwich_market_street_food-491x780.jpg\")
<\/a>4. Enjoy a picnic with a great view <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"family](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/1629700864139-1024x576.jpg\")
5. Let out some steam in Greenwich Playground<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Enjoying](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/20191018114715-1024x683.jpg\")
6. Adjust your clocks! <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"boy](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/20201005155403-683x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Check out the Royal Observatory <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Royal](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Greenwich_Park-3-of-4-678x1024.jpg\")
8. Go onboard Cutty Sark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"cutty](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/20180107145300-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n9. Visit the National Maritime Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Boy](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/20191115135119-1024x683.jpg\")
10. Visit the Queen’s House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"summer](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Greenwich_Park-1-of-1-4-1024x678.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n11. Take a walk through the Old Royal Naval College<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"old](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/old_naval_college_greenwich-780x520.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n12. See London’s Flood Barrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"thames](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/thames_barrier-2-1024x1024.jpg\")
13. Explore Greenwich by bike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"thames](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/thames_path_cycling_greenwich_peninsula.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"thames](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/cycle_route_thames_path.png\")
14. Check out Eltham Palace & Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"eltham](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC_5925-780x520.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n15. Go to the Farmers’ Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"blackheat](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/carrots_farmers_market_blackheat-780x520.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n16. Take a walk under the Thames <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/greenwich_foot_tunnel-780x503.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"mudchute](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/easter_trail_mudchute_farm.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"north](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021-09-04-16.53.23-780x500.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022-04-18-14.22.46-780x585.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"cable](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022-04-18-14.13.38-585x780.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"trampoline](\"https:\/\/londonducklings.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/trampoline_london-e1630424821373-1024x678.jpg\")
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