Greenwich Travel

Greenwich, London — the starting point of world standard time. The Royal Observatory stands atop the hill, the Prime Meridian runs through east and west, the Cutty Sark clipper tells the golden age of the tea trade, and Greenwich Park overlooks the magnificent bend of the River Thames. A 2-day, 1-night classic tour featuring a World Heritage site tour, maritime history exploration, astronomical science interaction, and riverside nature walks.

1884
Year Prime Meridian Established
360°
Hilltop Panoramic Views
4
World Heritage Components
1869
Year Cutty Sark Launched
Royal Observatory and Meridian Line, Greenwich, London
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Perched atop Greenwich Park, the Prime Meridian passes through here. Stand on the dividing line between East and West, overlooking the London skyline and the winding River Thames.

Greenwich Two-Day One-Night Classic Tour

Stand on the Prime Meridian, gaze at the stars and the sea, explore the World Heritage Site of Greenwich, and savour the maritime civilisation and natural beauty along the River Thames.

Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Main Destinations
Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, Old Royal Naval College
Perfect For
Astronomy/maritime enthusiasts, history buffs, outdoor lovers, families, photography fans
Budget Per Person
£95-£210
01
Meridian Line & Maritime Legends
Greenwich Park · Royal Observatory · Prime Meridian · Cutty Sark · National Maritime Museum · Old Royal Naval College
Highlights

Take the DLR or Thames Clipper to Greenwich in the morning. Walk up the gentle slope of Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory, take a photo standing on the Prime Meridian, and visit Flamsteed House and the Time Ball. Descend to explore the Cutty Sark — the last complete tea clipper in the world, admiring the hull and cabin exhibits under a glass canopy. In the afternoon, visit the National Maritime Museum to learn about the maritime history of the British Empire, then stroll through the Painted Hall and Chapel of the Old Royal Naval College, admiring Baroque architectural masterpieces. In the evening, sample street food at Greenwich Market and check into a riverside hotel.

Attractions
Royal Observatory & Prime Meridian
The birthplace of world standard time, the Prime Meridian has been based here since 1884. Stand on the dividing line between East and West, view historical astronomical instruments and telescopes, and learn the story of measuring longitude.
Cutty Sark
The legendary tea clipper launched in 1869, which once set a record voyage from Shanghai to London in 109 days. Now displayed under a protective glass canopy, showcasing the hull structure, crew life, and maritime artefacts.
National Maritime Museum
The world's largest maritime museum, with over a million items covering navigational instruments, warship models, polar exploration, and migration history. Interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • InterContinental London - The O2
  • Novotel London Greenwich
  • The Pilot Inn Riverside Pub & Rooms
Food Recommendations
  • Greenwich Market International Food Stalls
  • The Gipsy Moth British Pub Roasts
  • Goddard's Pie & Mash Traditional Pies
Travel Tips
  • Visit the Observatory in the morning for good light and fewer crowds
  • Cutty Sark audio guide available in Chinese
  • Take Uber Boat from London Eye directly to Greenwich Pier
02
Park Stroll & Riverside Time
Greenwich Park · Deer Park · Queen's House · Thames Path · Greenwich Market · Fan Museum
Highlights

In the early morning, take a walk in Greenwich Park, looking for fallow deer in the Deer Park. Capture the panoramic London skyline from the hilltop platform — Canary Wharf, The O2 Arena, and St Paul's Cathedral all in view. In the morning, visit the Queen's House — Britain's first Palladian building, admiring the spiral staircase and Tulip Stairs. At midday, browse handmade cheeses and hot food at Greenwich Market. In the afternoon, walk east along the Thames Path, passing three-masted ships and the tidal mill. Then visit the Fan Museum — the world's only museum dedicated to fans, housing over 5,000 precious pieces. In the evening, enjoy a riverside dinner at The Trafalgar Tavern to conclude your Greenwich journey.

Attractions
Greenwich Park & Deer Park
One of London's oldest royal parks, covering 74 acres. The hilltop offers views of the Thames bend and the City skyline. The Deer Park is home to hundreds of fallow deer, picturesque in all seasons.
Queen's House
Designed by Inigo Jones in 1616, Britain's first true Palladian building. The marble spiral staircase and Tulip Stairs are photographic highlights. Now displays maritime-themed artworks.
Fan Museum
The world's only museum dedicated to fans, with a collection of over 5,000 fans spanning four centuries, from courtly folding fans to Art Deco styles. Includes an elegant Orangery Tea Room.
Practical Info
Transport
  • DLR to Cutty Sark or Greenwich station
  • Uber Boat to Greenwich Pier
  • Train from London Bridge to Greenwich station
Tickets & Admission
  • Royal Observatory: £16-£20
  • Cutty Sark: £15-£18
  • National Maritime Museum: Free (special exhibitions charged)
  • Queen's House: Free
  • Fan Museum: £5-£7
Travel Tips
  • Sunrise and sunset views from the park hilltop are stunning
  • Fan Museum closed on Sundays — plan accordingly
  • Thames Path continues all the way to The O2 Arena

Must-Try Foods in Greenwich

Greenwich Market International Food

A historic market open Wednesday to Sunday, bringing together street food from around the world: Vietnamese pho, Argentinian empanadas, Brazilian barbecue, handmade burgers, and craft beer. Average £6-£12. Vintage and handicraft stalls also on weekends.

The Gipsy Moth British Pub & Roasts

A classic British pub next to the Cutty Sark with 300 years of history. Famous for its Sunday roast and fish & chips. Outdoor terrace seating offers views of the clipper on sunny days. Average £15-£25.

Goddard's Pie & Mash Traditional Pies & Mash

A Greenwich institution since 1890, specialising in English meat pies and mashed potatoes. Steak and kidney pie and jellied eels are nostalgic choices. Affordable prices, average £8-£12, full of East End character.

The Trafalgar Tavern Riverside Seafood Dinner

A riverside tavern opened in 1837, where Charles Dickens once wrote. Specialises in fresh oysters, crab cakes, and grilled sea bass. The upstairs dining room offers panoramic Thames views. Average £30-£45, perfect for a romantic dinner.

Greenwich Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-September: Lush park, comfortable river cruises
  • December: Greenwich Christmas market and lights
  • Weekdays (Tue-Thu): Fewer crowds at museums
Must-Try Foods
  • Market Vietnamese Beef Pho
  • Goddard's Steak & Kidney Pie
  • The Gipsy Moth Sunday Roast
  • Trafalgar Tavern Oyster Platter
  • Fan Museum Orangery Tea Room Scones
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: £25-£45 (combo discounts available)
  • Accommodation: £85-£170/night (hostel dorm from £28)
  • Dining: £28-£55/day (market snacks + meal)
  • Transport: £8-£12 (Oyster card/boat ticket)
  • Total: £95-£210
FAQs
  • Do I need an extra ticket for the Prime Meridian? → The meridian line on the ground in the Observatory courtyard is free to see
  • Is the Cutty Sark suitable for children? → Very suitable, with interactive experiences and treasure hunts
  • Can I picnic in Greenwich Park? → Yes, picnics are allowed on the grass; feeding deer is prohibited
  • How often do Thames Clippers run? → Approximately every 20 minutes, about 20 minutes to London Eye