Originally used as a royal hunting ground, Greenwich Park is now a wonderful free green space in London for picturesque strolls and picnics under chestnut and oak trees. Any doubts that is great day trip to spend if you are visiting the city for more than 3 days, and of course for the Astronomy lovers.
GREENWICH PARK INFO
how to get to: Take a Docklands Light Railway train from Bank station direct to Cutty Sark for Greenwich town center and the museums, Meridian line, Greenwich Market and Cutty Sark. It takes about 20 minutes. You can also travel from Tower Gateway, changing trains at Shadwell.
The nearest Underground station is North Greenwich, on the Jubilee line, which is just next door to The O2 and Emirates Air Line. It takes about 12 minutes from London Bridge, or 25 minutes from Bond Street. You can of course get here from any tube station though and change at appropriate stations en-route.
Admission Fees: The park and the Astronomy Centre are free.
There are car parking areas inside the Blackheath Gate, along Blackheath Avenue and outside the Pavilion Tea House and the Royal Observatory. Charges are £1.20 per hour from 9am to 6pm or earlier if the park is closed; four hours maximum.
Open: Greenwich Park is open from 6:00 am for pedestrians and 7:00 am for car parking all year round. The park office is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (excluding weekends).
Check a more free view of London here.
HISTORY
Greenwich is notable for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time. The town became the site of a royal palace, the Palace of Placentia from the 15th century, and was the birthplace of many Tudors, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
ACTIVITIES
As you know many of the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are free. Including the permanent galleries of the National Maritime Museum, the Astronomy Centre at the Royal Observatory and the grounds and Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College.
What to do?
- Explore the free galleries of the National Maritime Museum.
- Visit the Queen’s House to see the Armada portrait of Elizabeth I.
- Stroll through Greenwich Park and enjoy London’s best view.
- Watch the Time Ball drop at the Royal Observatory.
- See alfresco art from a Turner Prize-winning artist.
Greenwich park
