Lady’s Pretty Guide to a Greenwich Walk

It’s time for a Greenwich walk. I love London walks, and today I want to get out and share another self-guided London walking tour with you. Greenwich is rich in maritime history and historic architecture, and this part of the UK capital is worth exploring. If you want to find the best streets and hidden corners, read on for A Lady in London’s Greenwich walk. There’s a map, too.

Greenwich, London

Located in southeast London, Greenwich is known for its royal residences, famous observatory, covered market, and maritime museums.

This area packs a lot of cultural highlights into a small area, and throws in one of the best views in London on top of it all.

This London neighborhood is fun to get to by boat from the city center, but can also be accessed by train or DLR.

It’s worth spending a whole day here, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Greenwich to keep you energized as you walk around.

Greenwich Walk

My self-guided Greenwich walk will lead you through the most picturesque streets, viewpoints, and parks in the neighborhood. From skinny alleys to lush gardens, it will paint a picture of what this part of London is known for.

Self-Guided Greenwich Walking Tour

This most historic of London walks starts at Greenwich Pier. Whether you arrive by boat or not, you can make your way here to begin. Once you’re at the pier, walk straight ahead with your back to the river.

You’ll soon see the Cutty Sark, one of the most famous attractions in Greenwich. This 19th-century clipper ship houses a museum dedicated to the history of Britain’s waterborne trade.

You can pop in for a visit, or just admire the tall masts and hull from the outside.

From the Cutty Sark, continue your Greenwich walk by turning left into the Naval College Gardens. This green space will lead you to the Old Royal Naval College, one of the most important set of buildings in Greenwich.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (of St Paul’s Cathedral fame) and Nicholas Hawksmoor in the 17th century, the Neoclassical architecture is stunning.

Spend some time walking through the gardens and admiring the buildings. You’ll pass by the statues of Sir Walter Raleigh and King George II as you go.

If you want to, you can buy a ticket to go inside the college buildings and see the stunning Painted Hall. Sir James Thornhill’s 18th-century masterpiece is 40,000 square feet of sheer Baroque extravagance.

When you’re done exploring, resume this loveliest of Greenwich walks by heading between the two domed buildings of the Old Royal Naval College with your back to the Thames.

The buildings were constructed in this fashion so as not to interrupt the view of the river from the Queen’s House, which you’ll be able to see across the street.

When you get to Romney Road, continue your Greenwich walk by crossing over and going through the National Maritime Museum Gardens.

You can go into the National Maritime Museum if you want to (entry is free). Admiral Nelson’s coat is here, complete with the hole from the bullet that killed him.

If you don’t go into the museum, head next door to the Queen’s House. This 17th-century Inigo Jones number is known for its symmetrical Palladian architecture.

Originally commissioned as a house for Anne of Denmark, wife of James I, it was the first Neoclassical building in England.

You can go inside to see the paintings (entry here is free, too), or continue your self-guided London walk by heading up the hill in Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory.

The walk to the observatory is worth the climb, as it will reward you with some of the best views in London.

Looking down over the Queen’s House and through the symmetrical buildings of the Old Royal Naval College to the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf is a treat.

While you’re on the hill, you can visit the Royal Observatory and learn about Greenwich Mean Time. You can even stand with one foot on either side of the Prime Meridian. There’s a planetarium, too.

When you’re finished, re-start your Greenwich walk by going back down the way you came and veering left at the bottom of the hill.

This will take you to the Herb Garden, a quiet green space away from the busy areas of the neighborhood. There’s a cafe here if you need a rest.

If not, continue your Greenwich walk by exiting the park and crossing Croom’s Hill to get to Gloucester Circus. Follow it around and admire the pretty doors as you go (the southern part is prettier than the northern when it splits).

Turn left on Royal Hill when Gloucester Circus ends. This street will take you further into Greenwich’s pretty side streets and the local area of the neighborhood.

Turn left on Royal Place, admiring the houses as you go. Take a right on King George Street for more, then another right on Point Hill. At the end of Point Hill, turn right on Royal Hill and follow it down past the pubs and shops.

When you get to Circus Street, turn left and walk along it. There are more pretty houses to admire here, so make sure to have your eyes ready for them (and your camera if you brought one).

When Circus Street ends, turn right on Greenwich Street. Follow it around, turning right as it becomes Greenwich High Road.

This street will lead you back into the heart of the shopping area. You can stop in the shops or at Greenwich Vintage Market as you go.

Where Greenwich High Road turns into Greenwich Church Street, turn right down Turnpin Lane. This alley leads into the famous covered market.

Greenwich Market is full of food stalls and craft shops, and is a great place to pick up a snack, meal, or souvenir.

When you’re done exploring the market, you can exit out Durnford Street onto Greenwich Church Street. Follow it around, making your way back to the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Pier. Your self-guided Greenwich walk ends here.

Greenwich Walk Details and Map

I’ve published many other London walks and put them all in my London walking tours blog post.

There are further walks to discover in London’s Hidden Walks, too. You can get it here. There are additional ideas in my London walking books post as well.

I hope you enjoy this Greenwich walk and that it introduces you to some new places in this beautiful part of London.

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