Experience Maritime Greenwich

From world-class museums to fabled sailing ships and bustling shops, markets and restaurants, Greenwich really is one of London’s loveliest playgrounds. For those lucky enough to spend extra time here around SOCSEA24, here’s our round up of some of the borough’s greatest hits.

1. National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is, quite simply, the greatest maritime museum in the world. With over 2.5 million artefacts in its collection, its free permanent galleries and stunning special exhibitions are an absolute must for lovers of everything seagoing. From Nelson’s Trafalgar jacket to Turner’s largest canvas, there’s an astonishing array of things to see.

2. Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark, in her day the fastest tea clipper in the world, is now permanently moored as a fantastic floating museum. Built in Scotland in 1869, she quickly set the record for sailing between Australia and Britain. Now visitors can walk beneath her hull, learn about the age of sail, and even climb her rigging.

3. Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is a key site in the history of navigation. Founded by Charles II in the late-seventeenth century, it’s the site of the Prime Meridian of the World. Visitors will love the Great Equatorial Telescope, collection of historic artefacts and displays on navigational history.

4. Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is the geographical and spiritual heart of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. First given a royal charter in 1700, and moved to its current, heritage-listed location in 1737, it’s an absolute treasure trove of fashion, jewellery, vintage artefacts, arts and crafts and street food from around the world.

5. Old Royal Naval College

Greenwich’s most handsome building started life as a home for retired seamen. Occupying the site of Henry VIII’s Greenwich Palace, it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1712. Subsequently a naval college, it’s now famous for sights like The Painted Hall, aka ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’ and the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, another Wren classic. The University of Greenwich has its Maritime Greenwich campus here.

6. Greenwich's 'Maritime Mile'

There’s no better way to see Greenwich and the Thames than by walking the ‘Maritime Mile’. A delightful riverside ramble, it takes in historic pubs of a naval flavour, including The Oystercatcher, The Cutty Sark and the Trafalgar Tavern.  

7. Take a boat trip on the Thames

Surely the best way to arrive at the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site is by boat. Boat trips by operators including Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, Thames River Sightseeing and City Cruises all run between central London and Greenwich, with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers connecting on to Greenwich Peninsula in just eight minutes!

8. IFS Cloud Cable Car

Another great way to get some perspective on Greenwich and its relationship to the Thames is to soar 90m above the water aboard the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Connecting Royal Victoria Dock with Greenwich Peninsula, it’s a stunning introduction to London’s most significant maritime precinct.

9. The O2

At the foot of the IFS Cloud Cable Car, on a sharp bend in the Thames, lies The O2, the world’s premiere multi-entertainment venue. Even if you don’t catch world-class music, sport or comedy here, there’s plenty to do, including bagging designer bargains at Outlet Shopping at The O2 and checking out fabulous places to eat and drink.

10. Up at The O2

For stunning views across the Thames, towards Canary Wharf and central London, and over the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, you can’t beat Up at The O2. Strap on a harness, get your camera ready, and scale the roof of one of the world’s most iconic entertainment venues.

11. The Tide

Art lovers and those in search of a more meditative way to connect to Greenwich’s maritime history will love The Tide – London’s first elevated riverside park. Public works of art by creators including Damien Hirst, Ian Davenport and Marwan Kaabour take their inspiration from the Thames and waters beyond.

More to explore

Explore beyond this greatest hits list, and SOCSEA24 attendees will find a borough bursting with great sights, culture, outdoor spaces, entertainment and food and drink. From the arts hub of Woolwich Works to the wide green expanse of Greenwich Park, the stately homes of Charlton and Eltham and a slew of regular farmers markets, there’s so much to see, do, eat and experience.