Greenwich: A guide to visiting the meridian and the Cutty Sark
Greenwich is one of London's gems, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the south bank of the Thames, just 20-30 minutes from the center. It is famous for thePrime Meridian(longitude 0°), theRoyal Observatory, theCutty Sark(the last tea clipper in the world) and the magnificentGreenwich Parkwith its spectacular view of London. In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan a trip to Greenwich: what to see, how to get there, tickets, hours, and tips for a perfect day.
Why visit Greenwich?
Greenwich is an oasis of peace just minutes from the chaos of London. It offers a unique combination of maritime history, science (the world time), nature (the royal park), and architecture (the neoclassical palaces). In one day you can:
Put one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere.
Board the Cutty Sark, the last merchant ship of the 1800s.
Walk in the park where the royals hunted deer.
Enjoy one of the most beautiful views of London.
How to get to Greenwich from London
By boat (the most beautiful option)
Take anUber Boat by Thames Clippersfrom Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier, London Bridge Pier, or Tower Pier. The journey takes 30-40 minutes and is an experience in itself (view of the Thames and the landmarks).
Cost:£10-15 one way (or included in the discounted Travelcard).
Frequency:Every 20-30 minutes.
Metro to the pier:Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee), Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern), London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern), Tower Hill (Circle, District).
Advantages:Scenic, fun for kids, arrives directly at Greenwich Pier (2 minutes from the Cutty Sark).
By DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
Take the DLR toCutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich(zone 2). The station is a 1-minute walk from the Cutty Sark and the market.
Cost:£3-5 with Oyster (zone 1-2).
Time:20-25 minutes from Bank (City).
Metro to Bank:Central, Northern, DLR.
Advantages:Cheap, fast.
By national train
From London Bridge, take a train toGreenwich Station(10 minutes, frequent). Then walk 10 minutes to the center.
Cost:£5-7.
Advantages:Convenient if you are near London Bridge.
What to see in Greenwich
1. The Greenwich Meridian and the Royal Observatory
TheRoyal ObservatoryIt is the place where the prime meridian (longitude 0°) passes, from which world time (GMT) is measured. Founded in 1675 by King Charles II, it is now a museum of astronomy and navigation.
What to do:
Stand on the meridian:In the outdoor courtyard (free), there is a metal line marking the meridian. You can put one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western hemisphere.
Visit the Observatory (fee required):See the original telescope of John Harrison (the "Longitude Prize"), the marine chronometers, and the Great Equatorial Telescope.
Mark your world time:At the entrance, a digital clock shows universal time.
Observatory ticket:
Adults:£16-18.
Children (5-15 years):£8-9.
Under 5 years:Free.
Hours:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
Entry to the meridian courtyard: Free(no ticket needed for the photo on the line).
How to get there:The Observatory is at the top of the hill in Greenwich Park. You can walk up (10-15 minutes from the center) or take the train (Greenwich Park Shuttle, seasonal, fee required).
2. Cutty Sark
TheCutty Sarkis the last surviving tea clipper in the world. It was built in 1869 and traveled between London and China, carrying tea (in 3-4 months). Today it is preserved in a dry dock (without water) and transformed into a museum.
What to do:
Walk on the deck:Admire the rigging and the ropes.
Go down to the hold:See the tea cargo, the crew's quarters, and the navigation instruments.
The "tea clipper race":An interactive experience that simulates the competition between merchant ships.
The glass bridge:Under the hull, you can walk on a glass bridge that lets you see the keel from below.
Cutty Sark ticket:
Adults:£15-18.
Children (5-15 years):£8-10.
Under 5 years:Free.
Hours:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:15 PM).
Audio guide:Included (Italian available).
Tip:The Cutty Sark is suitable for children (interactive, you can go up and down).
3. Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is the oldest of the royal parks (enclosed in 1433). It covers 74 acres and offers the most spectacular view of London.
What to do:
Climb the hill:The walk from the base to the top (where the Observatory is located) takes 10-15 minutes. The view of the City (The Shard, Canary Wharf, St. Paul's) is breathtaking.
Deer Park:In the southern part of the park, there is an enclosure with a small herd of deer (remnants of royal hunting).
Walks and picnics:The park is vast, perfect for relaxing.
Entrance:Free.
Hours:Open daily from dawn to dusk.
4. National Maritime Museum
The largest maritime museum in the world, located at the foot of Greenwich Hill. It houses ship models, uniforms, ancient maps, paintings, and the coat that Lord Nelson wore when he was killed at Trafalgar (with the bullet hole).
Entrance: Free(temporary exhibitions may have a fee).
Hours:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Suitable for:Families, history enthusiasts.
5. Queen's House
A gem of 17th-century Palladian architecture, designed by Inigo Jones. Today it is an art gallery, featuring paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Turner. The spiral staircase (Tulip Stairs) is the first self-supporting spiral staircase in England.
Entrance: Free.
Hours:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
6. Greenwich Market
An indoor market that takes place every day (with more stalls on weekends). Specializing in crafts (jewelry, ceramics, prints), street food, and antiques.
Hours:Every day 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (variable hours).
What to buy:Handmade items, vinyl records, street food (arepas, paella, bao buns, brownies).
Metro/DLR:Cutty Sark.
7. Old Royal Naval College
A baroque architectural complex designed by Christopher Wren (the same as St. Paul's). Today it is used by the University of Greenwich and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire. ThePainted Hall(Painted Hall) is a masterpiece: ceiling and walls adorned with frescoes (over 40,000 square feet of painting), considered the "Sistine Chapel of the UK."
Entrance to the Painted Hall:£10-12.
Hours:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Tip:The Painted Hall is spectacular. It's worth it.
8. Greenwich Foot Tunnel
A pedestrian tunnel that runs under the Thames, connecting Greenwich (south bank) to Island Gardens (north bank). Opened in 1902, it has cast iron entrances and white tiles. Walking (or cycling) through it takes 5-10 minutes.
Entrance:Free.
Hours:24 hours a day.
Metro (north side):Island Gardens (DLR).
Recommended itinerary for a trip to Greenwich (4-5 hours)
Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
Arrival in Greenwich (by boat or DLR).
Visit theCutty Sark(1 hour).
Walk throughGreenwich Market(30 minutes).
Hike up to theRoyal Observatory(15 minutes). Photos at the Meridian (free).
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM):
Picnic in Greenwich Park(spectacular view).
Street food at Greenwich Market(£5-10).
Traditional pub:The Greenwich Tavern or The Gipsy Moth.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
National Maritime Museum(free, 1 hour).
Queen's House(free, 30 minutes).
Old Royal Naval College and Painted Hall(30-45 minutes).
Optional:Greenwich Foot Tunnel(cross and return, 20 minutes).
Return:Boat or DLR to the center.
Summary table of attractions
| Attraction | Entry | Time | Suitable for children? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian (courtyard) | Free | 10 min | Yes |
| Royal Observatory | £16-18 | 1-2 hours | Yes (8+) |
| Cutty Sark | £15-18 | 1-1.5 hours | Yes (all ages) |
| Greenwich Park | Free | 1-2 hours | Yes |
| National Maritime Museum | Free | 1-2 hours | Yes (very) |
| Queen's House | Free | 30 min | Yes (art) |
| Painted Hall | £10-12 | 30-45 min | Yes (show) |
| Greenwich Market | Free | 30 min | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much time is needed to visit Greenwich?
At least 4-5 hours to see the main attractions (Cutty Sark, Observatory, Maritime Museum, park). A full day (6-8 hours) if you want to see everything at a leisurely pace.
Can you see the Greenwich Meridian for free?
Yes, the meridian line in the courtyard of the Royal Observatory is free. To enter the Observatory (telescopes, clocks) you need to pay for a ticket.
How do you get to Greenwich from London?
Byboat(30-40 minutes, £10-15) from Westminster or Tower Pier. ByDLR(20 minutes, £3-5) from Bank to Cutty Sark. Bytrainfrom London Bridge to Greenwich Station.
Is the Cutty Sark suitable for children?
Yes, very much so. It is interactive, you can go on deck, explore the hold, and see the glass bridge under the ship. Kids love it.
Can you have a picnic in Greenwich Park?
Yes, it is allowed and very common. Bring a blanket and food. The view from the hill is spectacular.
What is the best time to visit Greenwich?
Weekdays (less crowded). Early in the morning (10:00) to avoid queues at the Cutty Sark and the Observatory. Sunset (if you are in the park) is magical.
Is the National Maritime Museum really free?
Yes, entry to the permanent collections is free. Temporary exhibitions are paid (£10-15).
How much does the combined ticket (Cutty Sark + Observatory) cost?
About £25-30 for adults. It is not always worth it compared to individual tickets. Calculate what you want to see.
Can you bring a dog to Greenwich?
Yes, in the park (on a leash). Not inside the museums (except for guide dogs).
What can you eat in Greenwich?
Street food at the market (arepas, paella, bao buns, fish and chips, doughnuts), traditional pubs (The Gipsy Moth, The Greenwich Tavern), cafes and restaurants.
The perfect family outing
Greenwich is one of the best day trips from London. In half an hour, you’re in another world: royal parks, maritime history, science, and spectacular views. Skip the prime meridian (free), visit the Cutty Sark, have a picnic on the hill, and take a boat back on the Thames at sunset. It’s the perfect outing for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to escape the chaos of the city. You won’t regret it.
For a detailed overview, you can rely on our guide: holidays in Barcelona .
Review date:April 2026