The Thames has always brought people to Greenwich. From the Anglo-Saxons who named it Gronewic to the Normans, Tudors and beyond, it’s appealed to all as a natural stop on the journey upriver to London. Today the river is still the Royal Borough’s lifeblood, bringing millions to enjoy its unique mix of history, architecture, contemporary culture and unparalleled views of the metropolis.

Riverside Attractions

While the borough’s attractions stretch deep inland, many are to be found by the banks of its wellspring – Old Father Thames. Its UNESCO-listed historic heart, Maritime Greenwich, contains many with intimate connections to the river. The Old Royal Naval College reaches its stately arms to embrace the water. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and Sir Christopher Wren and incorporating older parts dating to Tudor times, this great ensemble of baroque buildings is arranged in stately splendour along the river’s southern bank.

Alongside this undoubted jewel of Maritime Greenwich, the Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum are further links in the strong chains that connect the borough to the water. The last surviving tea clipper in the world and the fastest ship of its time, the Cutty Sark, takes visitors straight back to the last days of sail. Explore its 963-ton expanse, learn its history, and even climb its rigging! The National Maritime Museum keeps Greenwich’s (and Britain’s) seafaring past alive, with its collection of over 2.5 million artefacts, complemented by special exhibitions and events.

Of course, there are plenty of attractions to entice visitors further downstream. The O2, one of the world’s great multipurpose entertainment venues, proudly heads Greenwich Peninsula, just an 8 minute river hop from Maritime Greenwich. For peerless views of the river and wider city, climb its roof with Up at The O2, and for even more views along the river and beyond, don't miss an opportunity to fly 90 metres over the Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Further east, in Charlton, the Thames Barrier is an engineering marvel that protects London from tidal surges. Downstream from here is Woolwich Works, a repurposed industrial site at the Royal Arsenal that opened in September 2021 and was promptly recognised by Time Out as London’s best new cultural hub.

Riverside Spaces

Greenwich makes the most of its river frontage with parks, cultural sites and other open-air enticements. Walkers and cyclists can skirt the water via the Thames Path, while lovers of modern architecture, art and events are catered for at Greenwich Peninsula’s The Tide, London’s first elevated, linear, riverside park. Other great riverside destinations include the paved expanses and colourful plantings of Cutty Sark Gardens and the Royal Arsenal Woolwich, where historic and cultural sites are interspersed with public spaces such as Wellington Park and James Clavell Square.

Riverside Pubs

For many, kicking back in a historic public house by the Thames is the quintessential Greenwich experience. The difficulty lies in choosing between the Royal Borough’s many amazing waterside pubs!

Starting in Maritime Greenwich, there’s The Oystercatcher, The Sail Loft and The Trafalgar Tavern. Just east of Deptford Creek, both The Oystercatcher and The Sail Loft make use of giant picture windows and broad decks to delight riverside diners and drinkers alike. Downstream, The Trafalgar Tavern is one of Greenwich’s most historic riverside drinking spots, dating to the year of Queen Victoria’s coronation – 1837.

As the Thames veers north towards Greenwich Peninsula, the riverside pubs keep coming. Standouts include The Cutty Sark – with its Georgian bow windows, riverside seating and menu of British favourites; and Enderby House – a listed Georgian building abutting Enderby Wharf, founded 200 years ago by whaling company Samuel Enderby & Sons.

Transport on the River

Taking the Thames as your highway through Greenwich couldn’t be simpler. Running regularly between Greenwich and Central London, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is the ideal way to explore the riverside borough. Stopping at Maritime Greenwich, Greenwich Peninsula, Woolwich Arsenal and 21 other destinations along the Thames, its river ferries are fast, comfortable and accessible. Grab an East Zone Roamer ticket for all-day hop-on, hop-off travel.

For river travel with a difference, there’s also City Cruises sightseeing cruises, leaving regularly from Greenwich Pier. Guests are whisked upstream for a riverside perspective of bucket-list sights such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Westminster’s Houses of Parliament. See them from either the cosy saloon deck or the open-air panoramic deck above.

For something a bit different, City Cruises also offers evening cruises (complete with drinks, canapes and live music), dining cruises (brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner) and even jazz, murder mystery and Elvis Tribute cruises, all inclusive of refreshments. If speed is more your thing, their Thamesjet Speedboat carves between Canary Wharf and Westminster at a breakneck rate of knots.