Greenwich might seem like a typical London neighbourhood, but it’s hiding some incredible secrets. Did you know it’s one of only three Royal Boroughs in the entire city? It earned this title in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Why? This area has royal connections dating back centuries and is home to the famous Royal Observatory, where the Prime Meridian marks the starting point for world time. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 500 years of history, including the stunning Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Maritime Greenwich and discover what makes it extraordinary.
Greenwich is a neighbourhood in southeast London with fascinating landmarks and global significance.
The top things to do in Maritime Greenwich
1. Grand Square
The Grand Square is where everyone should start, and for good reason. This elegant space, framed by the domes of the Old Royal Naval College, offers more than just a scenic stroll. It’s actually two spaces – Upper and Lower Grand Square, providing breathtaking views in all directions. On one side, the River Thames and the London skyline in the distance stretch out before you. Turn around, and the lush greenery of Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory unfolds on the other side. It’s like standing in the heart of history and nature at once.
WHY YOU CAN’T MISS IT
The real star here is the architecture. The domes and grand colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College make you feel like you’ve stepped into a royal movie set. And it’s not just cinematic – it’s real history. Don’t miss the 11-ton statue of King George II, dressed up like a Roman Emperor. Fun fact: It’s carved from a single piece of marble. If you look closely, there is a small tile marking where the royal palace once stood, quietly reminding you of the area’s royal past.
Exploring the Grand Square is one of the best things to do in Maritime Greenwich because it’s a perfect blend of history, stunning views, and cinematic charm. The location has starred in numerous movies. You might recognize it from Netflix’s Bridgerton, The Crown series and Enola Holmes. Not to mention iconic films like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, James Bond’s Skyfall and Four Weddings and a Funeral, all shot scenes here.
2. Greenwich Palace
Did you know Greenwich was once home to the famous Tudor royal family? What seems like a quiet spot today was once a hub of drama, gossip, births, deaths, and royal weddings. King Henry VIII turned the old Palace of Placentia into a fabulous Greenwich Palace. You can still find its foundations, hiding beneath the Old Royal Naval College – talk about a royal secret!
THE TUDORS AT GREENWICH
Greenwich Palace was one of the largest and most important palaces during the Tudor period. It was comparable to Hampton Court! Back then, dangerous, muddy roads made travel tricky, so the River Thames provided a safe route between royalty sites. Plus, it was a countryside escape from London’s dirt and noise. Henry VIII was born here in 1491 and turned it into a hub of royal life (and drama). He loved showing off his wealth, extending the palace and building a tilt yard for a sporting contest jousting.
DISASTER STRUCK
Things took a turn for the worse during a jousting tournament on January 24, 1536. A 44-year-old Henry took a nasty fall from his horse and lay unconscious for two hours. He never fully recovered. After his injury, he couldn’t exercise and quickly gained weight.
OTHER MAJOR MOMENTS IN HISTORY
Greenwich Palace witnessed many significant events. It’s where Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon and first spotted Anne Boleyn, who would become his second wife. Sadly for Anne, she faced arrest for treason, in the same palace just three years later. Off she went to the Tower of London for execution, where her story took a tragic turn.
But there’s more! Greenwich Palace was also the birthplace of Henry’s daughters, Queen Mary I (Mary Tudor) and Queen Elizabeth I. It was from here that Elizabeth waved goodbye to explorers like Francis Drake as they sailed off to find new lands. She even signed the death warrant for her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, right from these very grounds. Now, that’s a family drama!
A PALACE IN RUINS
Sadly, things went downhill for the palace during the English Civil War. When Charles II took over in the 17th century, he wanted to build an English version of Versailles. But money ran out fast, and only one wing, now known as King Charles Court, was built. His dream palace never fully came to life, but the site wasn’t abandoned. Later, it became the Old Royal Naval College, one of the most beautiful spots in Greenwich, filled with its own rich history. Today, nothing of the original palace remains above ground.
CHECK OUT THE WINDOWS!
Seeing the reconstructed Greenwich Palace windows is one of the unique things to do in Greenwich for history lovers.
Don’t miss the reconstructed windows of the palace in the Visitor Centre. They show the royal arms of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Henry’s arms show the famous Tudor roses, while Anne’s are fancier – he wanted to boost her status. After they married, all the windows in the palace got re-glazed to replace Catherine of Aragon’s arms. But just three years later, it was back to the drawing board. After Anne’s execution, her arms were swapped out for Henry’s next wife, Jane Seymour.
3. Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College stands as one of Greenwich’s most impressive landmarks, and it has quite the story. Built in the late 17th century, this architectural gem wasn’t always a college. Instead, Queen Mary II had a brilliant idea: she wanted to create a hospital for retired sailors-talk about a royal thank you for their service! The talented Sir Christopher Wren (yes, the same genius behind St. Paul’s Cathedral), designed this stunning masterpiece, with a little help from Nicholas Hawksmoor.
MORE THAN JUST A HOSPITAL
This architectural gem features some of the finest Baroque buildings in England. These buildings were not just fancy; they were a bold statement. The Royal Hospital promised veterans that their service wouldn’t go unnoticed – it would care for them in their golden years. Sailors would look up at this grand building and feel like heroes.
The buildings encouraged brave men to enlist, knowing the country would provide for them in their later years.
A PLACE OF LEARNING
The hospital closed its doors in the 19th century, but the site found a new purpose. It became the Royal Naval College, training the future leaders of the navy. Today, when you explore the Old Royal Naval College, you’ll discover the stunning Painted Hall and the Ornate Chapel. Parts of the college are still buzzing with life. It houses students from the University of Greenwich and the UK’s only conservatoire of music and contemporary dance.
4. Greenwich Palace Steps
The Greenwich Palace Steps are more than just stairs; they’re a gateway to history. Designed to impress, these steps welcomed 19th-century visitors arriving by the river. Imagine stepping off a boat and seeing the Queen’s House framed perfectly in front of you. Today, you can enjoy the same stunning view when you stroll in via the Thames Path.
A ROYAL VISION
Queen Mary II had a grand vision for this area. She wanted to create a gorgeous spot for naval veterans. To make this happen, she understood that new buildings shouldn’t spoil the views or block access to the water. So, the design ensured a powerful impact. And guess what? Over 300 years later, the view from the Water Gate still remains one of the finest in England!
FUN FACTS:
Did you know that this spot has witnessed many famous arrivals and departures? Anne Boleyn famously left from these very steps to travel up the river for her coronation. A few years later, she also made a dramatic trip to the Tower of London from here for her imprisonment and execution. And let’s not forget Admiral Lord Nelson. His body arrived here by river after his heroic death at the Battle of Trafalgar, marking a significant moment in British history. Just imagine both of those processions along these same historic steps.
5. Cutty Sark
Greenwich’s legendary ship
Forget slow, creaky ships – the Cutty Sark was built to race across oceans. Built in 1869 at the end of the golden age of sail, this legendary ship was one of the fastest on the seas. At her peak, she carried over 10 million pounds of tea from China to Britain, sailing through storms and outrunning rivals. Now, she’s dry-docked in Greenwich, waiting for you to hop on board.
WHY YOU NEED TO SEE IT
The Cutty Sark is a real piece of history. This 64 m (212 ft) long ship carried everything from tea and wool to pianos! And it’s not just the cargo that makes the Cutty Sark special. She is one of only three ships from the 1800s still intact with her wooden hull on an iron frame. That’s why visiting the Cutty Sark is one of the best things to do in Maritime Greenwich.
Today, you can walk its decks and see what life was like for 19th-century sailors.
BECOME A SAILOR FOR THE DAY
Explore the lower decks, walk between towering tea chests, and imagine the buzz of life on board. Ever wonder how much wool she could carry? Spoiler alert: enough to make over a million sweaters! Fancy climbing the rigging like sailors once did? Climb the rigging and get a real taste of what life at sea was like for the crew. You can even take the ship’s original wheel and imagine commanding the fastest ship of her time.
Don’t miss walking underneath the famous hull – you’ll feel just how massive she really is. And here’s something even more surprising – a collection of figureheads from historic ships, the largest of its kind in the world.
6. Queen’s House
The Queen’s House proudly overlooks the Thames, making it a central point in Maritime Greenwich.
While Buckingham Palace is iconic, the Queen’s House represents a pivotal moment in British history. Built in 1616 by the brilliant architect Inigo Jones, it stands as the first classical building in Britain. Jones began construction for Queen Anne of Denmark and completed it in 1638 for Henrietta Maria, the wife of Charles I. He didn’t just throw together some bricks; he brought Italian Renaissance flair to England. Picture elegant white walls and perfect proportions, a stunning contrast to the red-brick Tudor palaces. This is when British architecture received a stylish upgrade, paving the way for a whole new style. Today, the Queen’s House enjoys a UNESCO status and ranks among the best places to visit in Maritime Greenwich.
It was the very first Palladian building in Britain, setting the trend for grand houses across the country.
FUN FACT:
King James I gifted the manor to his wife, Queen Anne, as an apology for swearing at her when she accidentally killed one of his hunting dogs. A house for an apology? That’s remarkable royal treatment!
WHY YOU NEED TO SEE IT:
The Queen’s House is not just an ordinary royal palace; it’s an architectural masterpiece and an art lover’s dream. Stand inside the Great Hall or walk up the Tulip Stairs, which appear to float in the air without support. Today, the Queen’s House displays the museum’s remarkable collection of maritime paintings and paintings from the 17th century.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Queen’s House is open daily between 10 am and 5 pm, as of October 2024. The best part? It’s free to explore, so you can soak in all that history without spending a penny.
7. Royal Observatory
Want to stand in two places at once? At the Royal Observatory, you can do just that, with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west. This iconic spot sits at the top of a hill in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames.
WHERE TIME BEGAN AND EAST MEETS WEST:
Built in 1675 by King Charles II (with genius help from Sir Christopher Wren), this Royal Observatory had a crucial job: to help sailors navigate the seas by studying the stars. But it didn’t stop there. It became the home of the Prime Meridian – the invisible line that divides the globe into eastern and western hemispheres. It’s also the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This is where the world started measuring time and longitude, shaping the way we explore and understand the world today.
Since 1884, all time and distance have been measured from this exact spot. Stand on the Prime Meridian Line, and you’ll literally be in two hemispheres at once.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
Step into the historic home of British astronomy. It’s not just a playground for science nerds; the Observatory houses the Great Equatorial Telescope. The UK’s largest historic telescope gave astronomers new views of the universe over 100 years ago. Beneath a massive onion-shaped dome, you can see the same equipment that once helped map the stars, shaping the future of astronomy and navigation.
The Shepherd Clock – one of the earliest electric clocks ever made.
The Royal Observatory also boasts an incredible collection of historical instruments, including the Shepherd Gate Clock, which was probably the first to display Greenwich Mean time to the public. Plus, there’s the planetarium, where you can take shows that’ll blow your mind with views of space.
GIANT RED BALL
Witness an ancient timekeeping tradition that still happens today.
Back in 1883, the Royal Observatory installed the Time Ball, a giant red ball on its roof that drops precisely at 1 pm each day. Why? Before smartphones and satellite timekeeping, ships on the River Thames used it to set their clocks before setting sail. And guess what? You can still watch it drop today-exactly 1pm, just like it did nearly 200 years ago.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- The Royal Observatory is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Make sure you give yourself at least an hour and a half to explore everything. To catch the Time Ball drop, be there just before 1 pm.
- Entry costs £20 for adults, £14 for students (under 25), and £10 for children, as of October 2024. For just £10 more, you can get a combo ticket to visit the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark for £30.
- To stand on the Prime Meridian Line with one foot in each hemisphere, you’ll need an entry ticket. However, you can see the line for free outside the gate if you pass through a small gate to the clock’s right. There is also a Prime Meridian Line Plaque, marking its path through the town.
8. Chapel of St Peter and St Paul
If you think Greenwich is only about royal palaces and ships, get ready for an exciting surprise! The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is one of the best-kept hidden gems in the area. Tucked inside Queen Mary Court, its breathtaking design and incredible artwork make it one of the finest 18th-century interiors in Britain. That’s why seeing the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is one of the best things to do in Maritime Greenwich.
When you walk up, the grand dome immediately catches your eye. It mirrors the Painted Hall’s dome right across the square.
FROM THE ASHES
This is the third chapel built on this site, and it’s packed with fascinating details. In 1779, the second chapel caught fire, and chaos erupted. The Royal Hospital’s pensioners, fearless old sailors, formed a human chain to pass buckets of water from the river to the burning building. Sadly, their brave effort didn’t work, and the fire blazed on for hours. But from those ashes rose the beautiful chapel you can visit today.
A NEO-CLASSICAL MARVEL
The Chapel of St Paul and St Peter is a remarkable example of neo-classical architecture. Step inside and you’ll find rich plasterwork, a magnificent marble floor, and detailed wood carvings that make you wonder how anyone had the patience to make them. Samuel Green’s magnificent organ still fills the chapel with beautiful music.
The highlight is Benjamin West’s epic altarpiece, ‘’St Paul Shipwrecked on Malta’’. In this painting, Paul survives and tosses a snake into the fire. For the pensioners who worshipped here, it wasn’t just a Bible story; it reflected their own struggles at sea.
West didn’t stop there: he painted 14 stunning, life-sized apostles that line the chapel walls between the windows. They make you feel like someone is watching over you as you explore. And the pulpit? It’s a masterpiece made of three different woods, featuring detailed carvings from St Peter and St Paul’s lives. Even if you’re not religious, it’s impossible not to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul still holds a service every Sunday. You can visit for free every day between 10 am and 5 pm, so don’t miss out on this stunning masterpiece!
9. Painted Hall Greenwich
What if we told you that one of the most stunning Baroque interiors in Europe is right here in Greenwich? The Painted Hall stands proudly as the centrepiece of the Old Royal Naval College and shows off Britain’s power and ambition. This incredible interior took 19 years to paint, and experts now call it a masterpiece of English Baroque art.
A WORK OF ART WITH A BIG PRICE TAG
Talented Sir James Thornhill didn’t just paint for fun; he painted for fame and fortune! He painted the ceilings and walls between 1707 and 1726. For his hard work, he received a knighthood and a whopping £6,685 – that’s about £1.4 million today! Thornhill earned £1 for every square meter on the walls and £3 for each square meter on the ceiling. Imagine how hard he worked for all that money!
The man behind the masterpiece
STORIES TOLD THROUGH ART
Inside the Painted Hall, you’ll see around 200 figures across more than 3,700 square meters. They tell stories about political changes, scientific breakthroughs, naval victories, and trade during the reigns of three British monarchs: William III and Mary II, Queen Anne, and George I.
The hall’s completion took a long time, and during those 19 years, the political landscape in Britain changed a lot. Thornhill had to rethink his designs several times to keep up with these changes. This adaptability made the finished work even more impressive.
The Painted Hall is also clever political propaganda. It shows how Britain viewed its place in the world at the time.
FUN FACT: SCIENTIFIC GREATNESS
Here’s something cool: while Thornhill painted, Europe was experiencing remarkable scientific breakthroughs. You can even spot famous astronomers on the ceiling, including Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei. Plus, Sir Isaac Newton appears with drawings from his famous book, Principia Mathematica. How amazing is that?
GOOD TO KNOW:
Buy a general admission ticket to the Painted Hall for £16.50, as of October 2024. When you get your ticket, you can easily upgrade it to an Annual Pass at no extra cost. This pass lets you visit the hall as many times as you want for a whole year. Plus, children can enter for free!
10. Nelson Room
Before leaving the Painted Hall, don’t miss the Nelson Room. Why? Because Lord Nelson, one of Britain’s greatest heroes, rested here after his legendary victory at Trafalgar. This small room takes you back to one of the greatest moments in British history. The story behind it will leave you amazed.
WHY THE NELSON ROOM IS SPECIAL
The Nelson Room is where Nelson’s body was kept before his laying in state. This beautifully restored space offers an audio-visual experience that tells Nelson’s life story and his connection to Maritime Greenwich.
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BATTLE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
In 1805, Britain faced a dangerous threat. The combined forces of France and Spain aimed to take control of the English Channel and invade England. But Lord Nelson, with his brilliant naval strategy, secured a monumental victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Sadly, Nelson didn’t live to see the victory. He was shot during the fight and died on his ship, making him a national hero. His body then had to make the long journey back to London for a grand funeral. To preserve him, sailors placed his body in a barrel of brandy. Yes, brandy! But when the barrel arrived in London, it was mysteriously empty. It turns out that the sailors had secretly drilled a hole and drank all the brandy on the way.
REMEMBERING A HERO: When Nelson’s body arrived at the Royal Hospital at Greenwich, sailors from his ship carried him ashore. Thousands of people gathered to pay their respects as he lay in the Painted Hall before his grand funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral. Today, a plaque in the Painted Hall marks the exact spot where his coffin rested.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Your ticket to the Painted Hall includes entry to the Nelson Room. It’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
12. National Maritime Museum
Ever wondered how Britain ruled the seas and became a global naval power? The National Maritime Museum takes you deep into this incredible history. Opened in 1937, this museum houses over 2 million items that bring Britain’s naval history to life. From maritime art and detailed ship models to ancient maps and rare navigation instruments, every corner reveals something new. The galleries cover epic battles, daring explorations, and world-changing voyages, showing just how much the ocean shaped Britain’s destiny.
One of the museum’s biggest highlights? Admiral Lord Nelson’s uniform, worn during the Battle of Trafalgar when he was fatally shot. Seeing it up close is a powerful, moving experience.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a fascinating experience in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum is one of the top places to visit. It’s free to enter, and you can easily spend anywhere from a couple of hours to half a day exploring. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, as of October 2024.
13. Nelson Pediment
When you’re at the Old Royal Naval College, make sure to stop at the Nelson Pediment. This remarkable sculpture not only honours one of Britain’s greatest heroes but also tells an incredible story about victory, loss, and British pride.
WHAT MAKES THE NELSON PEDIMENT SO SPECIAL?
Installed in 1812 in the King William Courtyard, this massive artwork commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson. The Nelson Pediment, designed by the renowned Benjamin West, displays an amazing scene. Neptune, the god of the sea, commands a Triton to bring Nelson’s body to Britannia. This image makes Nelson look like a Christ-like figure, supported by Victory, a winged figure. Victory presents him to Britannia, who holds a trident that symbolizes the British naval power. You can feel the emotions in the carving. Figures representing England, Scotland, and Ireland weep for Nelson, while a roaring British lion and Neptune’s sea creatures celebrate Britain’s naval success.
A YEAR IN MAKING
Benjamin West spent a whole year perfecting the design. He drew inspiration from the famous carvings from the Parthenon in Greece. These carvings had just been brought to London by Lord Elgin, and West used them to create something both classical and deeply British. It’s a perfect mix of history, art, and national pride. That’s why the Nelson Pediment is one of the best free attractions in Maritime Greenwich for art lovers.
Now you know what the best things to do in Maritime Greenwich are!
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