Lady’s Guide to Things to Do in Greenwich

One of the best things about living in London is that there’s world-class everything at my fingertips. Art, culture, and history are all top notch here. And one of the places I like to go for a uniquely London mix of them is Greenwich. There are so many things to do in Greenwich that it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring.

Things to Do in Greenwich

Over in southeast London, Greenwich is best known for being the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time. But there’s a lot more to this London neighborhood than just a line on the ground (even if it’s an important one).

Greenwich is full of history—the Tudors had a palace here—and maritime lore—Admiral Nelson’s coat resides in one of its museums, complete with the hole from the bullet that killed him.

But the area also has contemporary culture, from markets and shops to pubs and cafes. It strikes a great balance between Greenwich tourist attractions and local appeal.

How to Get to Greenwich

It’s easy to arrive in style, too. I love getting to Greenwich by boat. This London neighborhood is accessible by many of the clippers plying the Thames. Arriving in the area via the river always makes it feel like an adventure.

But on this particular visit, I’m coming on foot. I recently realized that I live just over an hour’s walk from Greenwich, so I’ve come for the day to explore as many things to do in Greenwich as I can.

Greenwich Markets

And one of the best things to do in Greenwich is visit the markets. The huge covered market is one of the biggest draws.

Greenwich Market has been in its current location since the early 19th century and is the only historic market in London set in a World Heritage Site. Everything from hot food to photographs is for sale here.

I weave through the stalls, taking in handmade jewelry and decadent cupcakes as I make my way around. I duck into the shops that line the perimeter and wander down the little alleys that radiate out from its core.

But Greenwich Market isn’t the only market in this area. There’s also a smaller Greenwich Vintage Market with all kinds of treasures from bygone eras.

I take a browse here, letting my eyes dart from cut crystal to delicate porcelain. There’s even street food on offer.

Greenwich Museums

When I tear myself away from the markets, it’s to explore the museums. This part of London is rife with them, and visiting is one of my favorite things to do in Greenwich.

From maritime history to royal residences, there’s a variety on offer. There’s even a museum dedicated to fans.

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National Maritime Museum

I start at the National Maritime Museum, which offers free entry and is easy to spend as much or as little time in as I like.

I walk by the wall of figureheads and wander through the rooms full of maps and memorabilia from the great ages of exploration.

But the real highlight for me is seeing Admiral Nelson’s aforementioned coat. It never gets old to spot the bullet hole and imagine his exploits at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Queen’s House

Next door to the National Maritime Museum, the 17th-century Queen’s House is another free museum in Greenwich.

This Inigo Jones special is a favorite of mine for its symmetrical Palladian architecture and historic paintings. It was originally commissioned as a house for Anne of Denmark, the wife of James I, and was the first Neoclassical building in England.

Inside, I love the iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I and the paintings by Turner, Canaletto, and other artists. And that’s to say nothing of the Tulip Stairs, one of the most beautiful spiral staircases I’ve ever seen.

Cutty Sark

On the riverfront in Greenwich, the Cutty Sark is one of the most eye-catching museums. This 19th-century tea clipper ship is now a museum dedicated to the history of Britain’s waterborne trade.

The Cutty Sark has everything from a collection of figureheads to a shiny copper hull on display. Visitors can even try steering the ship (although some imagination is required given it’s on land).

Old Royal Naval College

Right next to the Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College contains perhaps the most visually appealing set of buildings in Greenwich. They were designed by Sir Christopher Wren (of St Paul’s Cathedral fame) and Nicholas Hawksmoor in the 17th century.

I love how the domed buildings are split in two so as not to interrupt the view of the Thames from the Queen’s House. The Neoclassical architecture is beautiful all around, too.

Inside, one of the best things to do in Greenwich is see the Painted Hall. I’ve been to view Sir James Thornhill’s 18th-century masterpiece a number of times, and I never cease to feel awed by its 40,000 square feet of Baroque extravagance. Neither does the film industry, given it’s such a popular film location in London.

Royal Observatory

No visit to Greenwich would be complete without a trip to the Royal Observatory. Home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time, it also houses a museum and planetarium.

I’ve toured it a number of times, and am always intrigued by the historic navigation instruments, clocks, and timepieces.

But perhaps my favorite thing about the Royal Observatory is the view. One of the best views in London can be seen from right outside the observatory’s gates in Greenwich Park.

Looking out over the symmetrical buildings below is one of the most popular things to do in Greenwich.

And with the addition of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf in the background, the view from Greenwich offers a great mix of old and new. Given the rate of construction, the view changes every time I visit.

Ranger’s House

On the border between Greenwich Park and Blackheath lies Ranger’s House, one of the best English Heritage sites in London.

Built in the early 18th century, this Georgian villa was designed to be the official residence of the Ranger of Greenwich Park.

Today Ranger’s House is home to The Wernher Collection, an impressive body of medieval sculptures, enamels, jewelry, Renaissance paintings, Dutch Old Masters, and French tapestries brought together by 19th-century businessman Julius Wernher.

Visiting and seeing the collection is one of the best cultural things to do in Greenwich, especially if you like art.

The Fan Museum

Perhaps the most unusual museum in Greenwich is The Fan Museum. The world’s first museum dedicated to the preservation and display of hand fans from around the world, it celebrates the history of fans and art of fan making.

Set in two 18th-century houses in the Greenwich World Heritage Site area, The Fan Museum is home to more than 5,000 fans and fan leaves that date from the 11th century to the present.

Hidden Corners in Greenwich

Back down the hill, there are a lot of things to do in Greenwich that go beyond the main sights. I wander around Greenwich Park and The Herb Garden in its northwestern corner.

The cafe by the garden is housed in a sweet little building, and the streets around it are packed with colorful doors and historic facades.

Next I walk down Gloucester Circus and over to Royal Hill, taking in all the details as I go. There are good pubs with beer gardens here, and they’re great places to soak up the sun on warm days.

Around them, roads like King George Street are full of the elegant homes Greenwich is known for. They’re a treat to see (and photograph, if you’re me).

If you want to see the area on your own walk, my self-guided Greenwich walk will take you around all of these streets and more. There’s a map, too.

What to Do in Greenwich

I could spend a lot more time exploring Greenwich, from the world-class attractions to the residential areas. But I’ve been on my feet all day and it’s a long walk home.

I make my way towards neighboring Deptford, once the site of important Tudor dockyards. I start my journey home here while thinking over my time in Greenwich.

It’s amazing how the area has changed over the centuries and yet how it retains such an important place in the world. Its ability to both evolve and remain historically relevant is one of the best things about it. And all the great things to do in Greenwich prove it well.

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