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Experience Royal Greenwich during the Coronation

Royal Greenwich is the perfect place to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The ceremony will take place on Saturday 6 May at Westminster Abbey, and with a bank holiday declared for Monday 8, Londoners, royal-lovers and overseas visitors can expect three days of pomp, pageantry and partying. Greenwich, named as one of only three ‘Royal Boroughs’ for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, will certainly be hanging out the bunting!

You’ll be spoiled for choice – the difficulty lies in choosing what to leave out! But, with the coronation celebrations stretching over three whole days, a little pre-planning should let you catch all the essential sights. This loose itinerary for 6-8 May can help you get the most from spending coronation weekend in Greenwich.

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Saturday 6 May: Morning and Afternoon

Ancient Westminster Abbey has witnessed the coronation of 39 English and British monarchs since the first, William the Conqueror, in 1066. The eyes of the world will be fixed on the time-honoured ceremony, which only 2200 – the Abbey’s capacity – can witness live. Thousands more will line the processional route from Buckingham Palace; and countless millions more will see it on TV.

Centuries of tradition dictate the formalities of a British coronation. The steps are: ‘The Recognition’ (by those assembled in the Abbey); ‘The Oath’ (to uphold the laws and Church of England’); ‘The Anointing’ (in which the monarch, seated in Edward I’s 1296 Coronation Chair, is anointed with sacred oil by the Archbishop of Canterbury); ‘The Investiture’ (in which the monarch receives symbols of royal authority including the Sovereign’s Sceptre and King Edward’s Crown); and ‘The Enthronement’ (where the monarch ultimately assumes the throne and accepts homage from peers of the realm).

Rather than watch all this pomp indoors alone, why not head to Royal Museums Greenwich’s spectacular grounds to celebrate the coronation en masse? The grand grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, built on the site of Greenwich Palace, should be the ideal place for a coronation congregation.

In addition, Royal Museums Greenwich have put together a fantastic program of Coronation-themed events 5-8 May. Book free tickets for tours, talks and workshops at the National Maritime Museum and Queen's House here.

Alternatively, there’s the Big Screen in General Gordon Square in Woolwich. Surrounded by spreading trees, lush lawns and comfortable benches, the 25-square-metre screen is sure to attract revellers keen to see every detail of the ceremony. The televised coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace promises to be no less grand and will keep crowds glued to the Big Screen. Get your tickets ASAP! Once the formalities are through, there’s still the free Royal Arsenal Woolwich Lates Market to keep the fun flowing! Showcasing food trucks, musicians, vintage cars and DJs from noon to 8pm, you can find out all about it here.

To watch the ceremony in true luxury, book your place at The Coronation of His Majesty The King Afternoon Tea at InterContinental London - The O2. The elaborate tea, including exquisite pastries and the option to include champagne, will be offered daily between 1 and 7 March between 12.15 and 14.30. The ceremony itself will be televised in the comfort of the Main Dining Room and Private Dining Room of in-house restaurant Kinaara, from 11am on Saturday 6 May.

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Saturday 6 May: Evening

Following the formalities, Greenwich’s famous riverside pubs will no doubt perpetuate the party. Gorgeously sited pubs such as Enderby House, The Cutty Sark, The Old Brewery and Trafalgar Tavern, as well as many others around the Royal Borough, will definitely overflow with royal revellers on the big day. Make sure to book ahead for tables!

Greenwich is famous for spectacular vistas of London. One of the best ways to experience views of the city, Thames and Maritime Greenwich, is the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Running from Greenwich Peninsula to Victoria docks, its panoramic gondolas rise 90m above the river, providing unforgettable images and the most sensational means of crossing from Greenwich to the north bank of the Thames. At night, with the lights of Greenwich, Canary Wharf and central London agleam, the spectacle is truly astonishing. If you can, make it the final highlight of your coronation day.

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Sunday 7 May: Morning

The festivities will continue the day after the coronation, with a concert and lightshow to be held at Windsor Castle. Ballots for the 10,000 public tickets to the unprecedented event have now closed. However, Woolwich’s Big Screen and Greenwich’s many friendly pubs again provide ideal alternatives to get amongst the public and be involved.

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Sunday 7: Afternoon

People around the country are being encouraged to organise Coronation Big Lunch street parties, and Greenwich is sure to be no exception. Greenwich Councillor Adel Khaireh enthused, ‘I can’t wait to see our communities come together to show how regal occasions should be done!’

Street parties are a thoroughly British way to mark momentous occasions. No doubt, Greenwich will be thronging with communal celebrations – especially if the weather cooperates!

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Monday 8

With the coronation complete, why not use the Monday bank holiday to explore Greenwich’s other royal sights? Maritime Greenwich, the borough’s historic heart, was listed by UNESCO in 1997 for, amongst other universal values, centuries of royal patronage.

The Old Royal Naval College, Queen’s House, Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and Cutty Sark are amongst its unmissable sights.

One Maritime Greenwich institution putting on something special for the coronation is the Fan Museum. Spanning two Georgian townhouses in Maritime Greenwich, the museum has curated a special new exhibition, ‘Coronations & Celebrations’, running until 24 June. Expect centuries of exquisitely decorated royal fans, including one made specially for the restoration of the previous King Charles, in 1660.

You’ll also find plenty of royal history in other corners of Greenwich: Eltham Palace & Gardens, and Woolwich Dockyard being but two prime examples. Check out our latest blog, ‘Where to See Greenwich’s Royal Past’ for full details.