Greenwich: A Full Guide

Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site status covers its remarkable concentration of historic maritime buildings — the Old Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House, Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory — all within a compact area on the south bank of the Thames.

The Old Royal Naval College

Christopher Wren's masterpiece — twin baroque domes flanking a view of the Thames and Queen's House. The Painted Hall inside (entry around £15) is often called "the Sistine Chapel of Britain" — a 40-year project by James Thornhill covering the ceiling in allegorical painting. Free to walk the grounds at any time.

National Maritime Museum & Queen's House

Both free. The Maritime Museum covers Britain's naval history across multiple floors with strong family appeal. The Queen's House (Inigo Jones, 1635 — England's first Palladian building) holds paintings from the Royal Collection and a remarkable tulip staircase.

Cutty Sark

The restored tea clipper dry-docked in the town centre — you walk underneath the hull, suspended in a glass enclosure above you. Entry around £20 adults, worth it for the engineering alone. Book online.

Greenwich Market

A covered market running daily with food and craft stalls — calmer on weekdays, fuller on weekends. Good food stalls alongside the usual craft and gift stalls.

Getting There

DLR to Cutty Sark (most direct). National Rail to Greenwich from London Bridge (10 minutes). Thames Clipper from central London piers (scenic, slower).

Tips

• The Painted Hall requires a specific visit — book in advance, genuinely extraordinary.
• Allow a full day for Greenwich — the UNESCO site alone takes 4 hours done properly.
• The hill up to the Observatory has one of London's best free views — always worth the climb.