Greenwich

Greenwich feels like a handsome market town that happens to own the world's timeline: the Royal Observatory and prime meridian, the Cutty Sark, a free National Maritime Museum, a proper royal park with the best skyline view in London, and a daily covered market. Arrive by riverboat if you can — it's half the experience.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cutty Sark worth the ticket?

If you like ships or have kids, yes — you walk under the hull, which is genuinely impressive, and the story of the tea clippers is well told. Adults pay about £18 in summer 2026 (£22 from September). If you're budget-conscious, admire it from outside free and spend your money on the Observatory instead.

Is anything in Greenwich free?

Loads — the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House (with its famous Tulip Stairs), Greenwich Park itself, and the Old Royal Naval College grounds all cost nothing. You can even stand near the meridian line in the park for free rather than paying for the Observatory courtyard photo. A genuinely great budget day out.

What's the view from Greenwich Park?

From the Observatory hill you get the Queen's House and Naval College framed against Canary Wharf's towers — arguably London's best free panorama. Sunset is the moment. The climb is short but steep; there's a step-free route via the park's flower garden side.

Can I walk under the Thames at Greenwich?

Yes — the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, opened 1902, runs under the river to Island Gardens and is free and open 24/7. The view back across at Greenwich from the north bank is the classic Canaletto angle. The lifts occasionally go out of service, in which case it's about 100 stairs each end.

Do I need to book Observatory tickets in advance?

On weekends and school holidays, absolutely — timed slots sell through, and online booking is cheaper than the door. Midweek in term time you can usually walk up, but you're still saving money by booking on your phone over coffee first.

How do I get to Greenwich from central London?

Three good ways: DLR to Cutty Sark station (fastest, use Oyster/contactless), rail from London Bridge in about 10 minutes, or — the fun one — Uber Boat by Thames Clippers down the river from Westminster or Tower, with online singles from around £6.20 depending on zones. Take the boat at least one way.

How much does the Royal Observatory cost?

Around £18 for adults and £9 for kids in summer 2026, rising to about £22/£11 from September; students pay less and under-4s go free. If you also want the Cutty Sark, the Royal Museums Greenwich day pass at £38 adult / £19 child covers both and saves money. Book online — it's cheaper and skips queues.

When is Greenwich Market open?

Daily, roughly 10am to 5:30pm, with different mixes — more antiques and collectibles early week, more crafts and designer-makers at weekends, plus street food every day. It's covered, so it's a solid rainy-day option.

Nearby in Ask London

• Greenwich Royal ObservatoryAttraction0.79 km · 10 min walk
• Greenwich ParkPark0.89 km · 11 min walk
• Museum of London DocklandsMuseum3.06 km · 38 min walk
• The Mayflower, RotherhitheBar3.84 km · 48 min walk
• Prospect of WhitbyBar4.06 km · 51 min walk