Greenwich is home to the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, the Royal Naval College and the historic Queen's House,as well as offering many other unique attractions and highlights.
As you approach Greenwich Pier by boat the full splendour of Greenwich's superb Royal Buildings are revealed. Wren's scheme for the Royal Naval College used the Queen's House as the perfect focal point in the centre. Greenwich is a World Heritage Site and during its long history, it has been jointly famous as a royal residence and a maritime centre.
Henry VIII and his daughters Mary and Elizabeth I were born in Greenwich.
This walk starts at Greenwich Pier.
The first attraction to see on the walk would normally be the The Cutty Sark (dating from 1869; it was one of the last tea clippers) but restoration is still continuing after a major fire on 21 May 2007.
The Cutty Sark Conservation Project is on course and its re-opening is planned for the Spring of 2012, in time for the London Olympics.
Leave Greenwich Pier and walk ahead to Church Street and then turn left into Nelson Road to arrive at Greenwich Market.
Greenwich Market - is open seven day a week; with antiques, collectibles and arts and crafts stalls on Thursday's and Friday's. It's an indoor market with shops and cafes situated around the outside edge of the market stalls.
It's great place to find vintage pieces, crafts, retro designs, second-hand stalls, tasty food stalls, jewelry and books as well as some inviting small shops on the outer rim. So, if you are after hidden treasure; you may just find it here!
Leave the market by returning to Nelson Road, and then turning left along King William Walk. Continue walking on King William Walk until you reach Greenwich Park. Walk upwards through the park and climb up the hill to the Royal Observatory
This link will take you to a page on this website that provides more detailed information about the Park. Greenwich Park was once the grounds of the Royal Palace of Placentia and was used as a hunting chase by the Tudor Monarchs and then formalised by the Stuarts. The most extensive changes were made by French King Louis XIV's gardener, Le Notre, for Charles II.
The view you see as you walk up into Greenwich Park is of Flamsteed House, the home of the Royal Observatory.
The Royal Observatory is sited on the Greenwich Meridian Line which marks zero Longitude, the point on which such measurements around the world are made.
Highlights of the Royal Observatory are the Astronomer’s apartments, the Octagon Room, the Meridian gallery, Camera Obscura, Meridian line, Time ball and the impressive Harrison’s timekeepers.
Be prepared for quite a long and steep climb up to the Royal Observatory - well worth it to see this unique, fascinating place and your reward will be the magnificent views of London to be had from the top.
As you walk back down the hill, you will be able to see the National Maritime Museum in front of you at the bottom of the park
The National Maritime Museum is an impressive modern museum and is the largest museum of its kind in the world. Its galleries, on three levels display Britain's seafaring history. Themes include exploration, luxury liners, trade and empire, passenger shipping, Nelson , maritime London and costume. The Bridge simulator, Prince Frederick’s barge and Nelson’s Trafalgar uniform, are among the highlights but there's something for everyone - the exhibits appeal to all ages and many are interactive.
Next door to the Maritime Museum is the Queen's House
The Queen's House was designed by Inigo Jones; it was the first classical building in England. The highlight of this beautiful building is the famous Tulip Staircase in the Great Hall. It is said that the inspiration for the White House in Washington was taken from this 17th-century house.
Exit the Queen's house on Romney Road and turn right onto King William Walk and continue walking to Greenwich Pier.
End of your London Walk - hope you have enjoyed it!
Transport: Maze Hill (Rail), Cutty Sark (DRL), River services from London Piers.
See: Other London Areas
See: London Travel for getting around London using public transport.
If you would like to try another free London Walk, please see: a walking Guide to the Strand and Covent Garden.
