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A Christmassy Day Out in Greenwich

Royal Greenwich is so full of Christmas delights that you could easily spend days exploring them. Whether it’s shopping, skating, seasonal displays or all three, our Christmas itinerary will help you pack them into a single, cheerful day!

Morning

First, fuel up for the day with breakfast from artFix, serving some of Greenwich’s best homemade cakes and tarts. Alternatively, indulge in perfect coffee from Greenwich Grind, pop into Paul Rhodes Bakery for divine pastries, or hit Crosstown Doughnuts for their annual festive flavours. 

If you’re still seeking the perfect morning snack, grab a Danish from Ole and Steen or head to modern British bakery Peyton and Bryne for classic Bakewell tarts and fabulous cakes.

Mid-Morning

Work off that morning indulgence with a brisk stroll through serenely landscaped Greenwich Park, London’s oldest enclosed park, to its highest point. You’ll find perhaps the greatest views of London here, and can visit the Royal Observatory – home of the Prime Meridian which officially divides east from west. Having taken an obligatory selfie with one foot in either hemispheres – you’ll be ready for lunch.

Lunch

Hopefully your appetite has returned as you’ll want to take full advantage of Maritime Greenwich’s wonderful, varied food. Fish & chips and a pint in The Oystercatcher, a pub with incredible riverside views, is always a treat, while the town centre abounds with quality restaurants like Sticks’n’Sushi. 

Greenwich Market’s food stalls offer an array of different international cuisines every day. Check the website to see whether today it’s chocolate and churros, Indian, Ethiopian, hand-made dumplings, pizza or something totally unexpected. Visiting Friday to Sunday? There’s also Cutty Sark Street Food Market on Cutty Sark Gardens, which will be sure to lure you in with the delicious scents of Christmas wafting through the winter air.

Afternoon

After your lunch has settled, head to the Old Royal Naval College for a stroll around the grounds, taking in 600 years of history before experiencing the magnificence of the Painted Hall and this year's out-of-this-world installation. Coming in at seven metres in diameter, Mars in the Painted Hall is Luke Jerram's latest astronomical artwork. Suspended in the centre of the Hall and lit from within, it's guaranteed to be another spellbinding masterpiece!

Mid-afternoon

Head back for a wander around the historic lanes of Greenwich Market – its glittering roof gorgeously decorated and illuminated for Christmas. Pick up unique and handcrafted gifts from the boutique shops and stalls as the chatter of friendly traders, the smells of mince pies, and the dulcet sound of Christmas carols all mingle in the air.

Evening

When you’re ready to head home, stop by Cutty Sark Gardens for a magical end to your day. The sight of the famous Cutty Sark Christmas tree, its lights dancing on the river, couldn’t be more Christmassy. 

Head to Cutty Sark station for the Docklands Light Railway to central London. The 20-minute journey runs under the Thames, through the spectacular architecture and lights of Canary Wharf, then back to the city. Alternatively, take the boat home with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers or City Cruises from Greenwich Pier for one final dose of sightseeing along the river. 

Now that’s a Christmas cracker of a day!