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Escape to Royal Grounds

Day One: Afternoon  

Greenwich Bike Tour 

Daily, 1.30pm (approx. 3.5 hours) 

Saddle up as we celebrate 25 years of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site by pedal-powering your way through the Royal Borough (Oh yes, Greenwich gained access to this exclusive club too in 2012). Connect with its royal origins, especially the British Tudor and Stuart dynasties, and its development from the 17th century as a site of astronomical research related to navigation, and of Royal Naval welfare and education. 

Freewheel across the idyllic Royal Greenwich Park (originally established by King Henry VIII) to reach the world-famous Royal Observatory. The view from here is beyond amazing, taking in all of Maritime Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the City including St. Paul's Cathedral. From here you’ll cycle down through the park, and along the world-famous river Thames. The bike path hugs the river and there are lots of scenic pullovers and a place to enjoy a much deserved tea and coffee break beside the river. 

On your way back, you’ll cycle through the majestic Old Royal Naval College. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the extraordinary twin-domed buildings (initially planned as one, but it would have ruined Queen Mary II’s views from the Queen’s House), has seen life as both a Royal Hospital and a Royal Naval College which Prince Charles attended.

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Day Two: Morning

Embark on a river cruise from Greenwich Pier with City Cruises and enjoy the views from the open-air upper deck or comfortable saloon while listening to an entertaining recorded commentary telling you what you’re looking at on the banks at either side of the river. It’s a story full of scientific discovery, naval innovation, dark deeds and regular London life through the ages. 

You’ll pass extraordinary sights such as Canary Wharf and go under Tower Bridge before making your first and only stop at Tower Pier for more happy passengers to embark. Once away from Tower Pier, the recorded commentary is superseded by one of the crew, telling tales of river Thames. They’ll talk you through some of London’s finest bits of property as you cruise beneath London and Southwark Bridges, past the mighty Shard, the vintage battleship HMS Belfast and the swish new ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, before reaching Southwark Bridge and approaching the Millennium Bridge of wobbly infamy.

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Day Two: Afternoon 

Take a 26-minute rail journey from Greenwich station to Eltham via Lewisham for your next royal adventure. 

Eltham Palace & Gardens

Explore the English Heritage site where King Henry VIII spent his childhood. Once a favoured medieval palace and then a Tudor royal residence, Eltham Palace was transformed by eccentric millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. Discover the Courtauld’s extravagant lifestyle as you explore their stylish home which incorporates original medieval features into an otherwise ultra-modern 1930s design. 

The quirky interior design includes a glittering golden bathroom that Insta feeds dream of and a centrally-heated sleeping quarters specially-designed for their pet lemur, Mah-Jongg, who they purchased from the Harrod’s pet department!

Head back to Greenwich via train from Eltham to wrap up your Royal Grounds Escape by heading up towards The Point (15/20 minute stroll) and find an array of traditional English pubs enroute. The Richard the First pub on Royal Hill is a local favourite and is just a stone's throw from the heart of Greenwich, but it is worth the effort to find it. 

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Don’t fancy two wheels?

Try a VIP Walking Tour instead! Greenwich Royal Tours specialises in fun and informative guided walking tours of Greenwich. Experience the restored Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Queen's House, Old Royal Naval College and the magnificent Painted Hall. Opt for a full day: Best of Greenwich Day Tour or a half day: Greenwich Highlights Half Day Tour.