Maritime Greenwich
Maritime Greenwich was named a World Heritage Site in 1997. The Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, includes the Painted Hall, often called Britain's Sistine Chapel. The Queen's House, designed by Inigo Jones, was one of the first classical buildings in England.
On the hill in Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian, longitude zero, where visitors can stand with a foot in each hemisphere. The National Maritime Museum and the clipper ship Cutty Sark, built in 1869, complete one of London's best days out.
What to see
- Royal Observatory – the Prime Meridian and the planetarium.
- Old Royal Naval College – the Painted Hall and chapel.
- Cutty Sark – the restored tea clipper.
- Greenwich Market – food and craft stalls.
Eating and atmosphere
Greenwich Market is a good place for lunch, and the town has historic pubs near the river and the park. It gets busy on summer weekends, especially near the Cutty Sark and the Observatory.
A suggested day
Start with the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College, have lunch at Greenwich Market, then walk up through the park to the Royal Observatory for the view back over London. Finish at the National Maritime Museum or the Queen's House.
Getting there
The DLR stops at Cutty Sark and Greenwich, and Southeastern trains serve Greenwich and Maze Hill. Thames Clippers river buses connect Greenwich with central London and Canary Wharf. The IFS Cloud Cable Car links the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks.
Getting there with Mason & Green
London City Airport is usually close via the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels. For cruise calls at Greenwich, we provide transfers between the pier, London hotels and airports. Town-centre streets are narrow and busy at weekends.
See our Greenwich cruise transfers and London City Airport transfers pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stand on the Prime Meridian for free?
The meridian line inside the courtyard is part of the paid Royal Observatory visit. Check current arrangements before you go.
How long should I spend in Greenwich?
A full day lets you see the main museums, the park and the market.
Do you provide transfers for cruise ships at Greenwich?
Yes. We provide transfers between Greenwich, London hotels and airports.