Last Updated on 7 November, 2023
I thought I would put together a list of 10 things to do in London’s Greenwich Village. Since moving from Greenwich and into central London I don’t really visit this part of London as much I used to when I lived just around the corner from most the places below.
When the sun is out in London Greenwich Village is the place to be. Think views of the city, beautiful park, bustling restaurants with river views and historical buildings beaming with a charm that you will want to spend a full day here.
Just bring a picnic basket and find a spot on the green. Most people when visiting London only concentrate on the London Eye, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, St Pauls and a few other places that they few are the perfect tourist spots to hit up.
That goes for other Londoners too, if you haven’t been to Greenwich or London Greenwich Village as its called now, then you need to check it out. Other than getting yourselves food most things to see and do in this part are all free.
10 Things To See and Do In Greenwich Village
1. Visit The Cutty Sark
The last of the 19th Century tea-clippers. The Cutty Sark was resorted and reopened only 2 years ago. It was the finest and fastest ship of its day and now sits by the river side just as you get off the boat at the pier, you will have a view of this beautiful ship in your view. You can walk right underneath the boat too.
Cutty Sark Opening Hours: 10am-5pm – Monday to Sunday.
Entrance Costs: £13.50 for adults and £7 for children.
2. Explore The GMT Line – Greenwich Observatory
Founded in 1675 by Charles II in aid of promoting safer navigation. It contains astronomical instruments as well as many items of interest. One of the Observatory’s towers features a red time ball that drops at 1pm every days, a device originally intended to enable vessels in the river to regulate their chronometers.
This is also where you will find the zero meridians of longitude, dividing the world into eastern and western halves.
Greenwich Observatory Opening Hours: 10am-5pm – Monday to Sunday
Entrance Costs: £7 for adults and £2.50 for adults.
3. Visit The Queen’s House
The Palladian mansion that sit right next to the Maritime Museum. A masterpiece. Famous for its tulip stairs and a superb collection of fine art with Greenwich Park as its garden you don’t have further to walk for your next attraction. Entry is FREE!
Queens House Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm – Monday to Sunday
Entrance Costs: Free.
4. Greenwich Naval College
No visit to Greenwich is complete without visiting the Greenwich Naval College. The beautiful Painted Hall and Chapel are all places that are a must-see.
The college sits on the grounds that were occupied by the palace belonging to Edward I and later Henry VII. It’s also where Henry VII was born, where Catherine of Aragon and Anne Cleves were born.
This place later became a hospital for sick and disabled seamen while Christopher Wren(the architect who also built St Paul’s Cathedral), went on to build a new palace. With that much history, this is not a place to pass up. It also helps that its FREE to explore!
Greenwich Naval College Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm – Monday to Friday
Entrance Costs: Free
5. Visit Mudchute Park and Farm Near Greenwich
Looking for fun things to do near Greenwich. This one is perfect, particularly with kids. Mudchute Park and Farm is a unique green space located on the Isle of Dogs in East London. The park covers 32 acres and includes a working farm, an equestrian center, community gardens, orchards, and wildlife habitats.
Visitors to Mudchute Park and Farm can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, and picnicking. The park has a network of footpaths that wind through woodland, meadows, and wetlands, providing opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
The farm is a popular attraction and is home to a wide range of farm animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, goats, ducks, and chickens. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals, learn about their care and feeding, and even help with farm chores.
The equestrian center at Mudchute Park and Farm offers riding lessons for all ages and abilities, as well as horse and pony care courses. There is also a café and shop on site selling refreshments and souvenirs.
Entry Fee: Entry to Mudchute Park and Farm was free, although donations were welcome to help support the upkeep of the farm and its animals.
6. Check Out The Greenwich Markets and Shops
Greenwich market has been trading since the 1700s, now a popular and bustling market with homemade food stalls, flowers, books, young and upcoming designers, one of whom is close friend of mine whose brand has blossomed.
You can now find her closes on ASOS or her website at Sika Designs.
Greenwich Market Opening Times: 10 am to 5.30pm – Monday to Sunday.
Entrance Costs: Free
7. Climb The O2 Dome
An iconic building in London, previously known as the Millenium Dome has been transformed from one of the most hated capital buildings(due to how much money the government threw at it).
Now a plush hall housing many restaurants, in addition, to be used for concerts, exhibitions, and live sports. What most people don’t know is that you can now climb to the top of the building for a little exhilarating adventure in the city.
Free to explore the dome but pretending to be spiderman and climbing the dome costs about £25, also wise to book in advance as there are no special treatments for superheroes. For more on events at the O2, how to get there, and details on restaurant and more check out The O2 website.
Climb The O2 Opening Hours: 10 am to 7 pm – Monday to Sunday
Entrance Costs/For The Climb: £30-40
You can now climb during the day and after sunset and see London’s Skyline at twilight. For more on check out the Up The O2.
8. Check Out Greenwich Gastronomy – The Food Scene
If you haven’t tried freshly made food at the market then start with that. You will food interesting combinations of cupcake flavours to tasty Asian food there but once the markets close your have a choice of restaurants to choose from.
From your global chains like Nandos, Pizza Express to Greenwich’s own famous. I could name names but I will let Time Out’s post on Restaurants in Greenwichgive your details.
9. National Maritime Museum
The museum houses the world’s largest collection of navy artifacts; ranging from Tudor to Stuart times. These can be found in the museum and the Queens House. There is a huge interactive map of the world used to detail details of some of the famous events in naval history.
10. Ride The Emirates Airline Cable Cars
Crossing the river has never been more fun. This is London’s only cable cars crossing the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks. The flight lasts 10 minutes with cars living and arriving every 30 seconds.
You can use your oyster cards here. It’s £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. They also offer other experiences that cost a little bit more. (If you are heading to Cutty Sark by boat, you can stop here first by boat and pick up the same boat to Cutty Sark for the rest of this list.)
For more information of location and opening times for Emirates Airline Cable Cars, check the Transport For London site.
Emirates Cable Car Journey Map
11. Have A Picnic in Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park covers 183 acres of land and one of London’s oldest parks among the eight Royal Parks. Open from 6am until late in the evening so its perfect for morning strolls, picnics and even better for watching the sunsets with views into the city.
You also have the Old Royal Observatory, Ranger’s House with the Werner Collection of Jewellery, paintings and silverware.
12. The Fan Museum
The Fan Museum in Greenwich is dedicated to the history and art of fans from around the world. The museum is housed in two beautiful Georgian townhouses that have been restored to their original splendor.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore a vast collection of fans dating back to the 11th century. The collection includes ornate and intricately designed fans from Europe, Asia, and America. There are also temporary exhibitions that showcase contemporary fan design and art.
In addition to the fan collection, the museum also houses a Japanese-style garden that provides a peaceful and tranquil space for visitors to relax and enjoy.
Entry Fee: adults was £5.50, while concessions (students, seniors, and children aged 7-16) paid £4.00. Children under 7 were admitted for free.
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13. See A Comedy Show At Up The Creek
Up the Creek Comedy Club is a well-known comedy venue located in Greenwich. The club has been entertaining audiences with top-notch comedy acts since it opened its doors in 1991.
The club’s interior is designed with a simple, modern aesthetic that focuses on providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere for comedy performances. The main auditorium has a capacity of around 200 people, and there is also a smaller bar area that can accommodate about 50 people.
Up the Creek regularly features some of the best stand-up comedians from the UK and beyond. The club’s programming includes weekly comedy nights, as well as special events and festivals throughout the year. Up the Creek has also been known to host surprise performances from well-known comedians.
In addition to its comedy performances, the club also offers a full bar and food menu, making it a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a night of entertainment.
Overall, Up the Creek Comedy Club is a must-visit destination for comedy lovers in London. With its friendly staff, top-notch performers, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why it has remained one of the city’s most popular comedy venues for over 30 years.
Transport | How To Get To London’s Greenwich Village?
Other Places To Visit In Greenwich Village
If time allows there are other gems to check out in London’s Greenwich Village, beyond the 1o above.
- Eltham Palace and Gardens – A showpiece of Art Deco design and part medieval royal palace Eltham Palace was created for millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. The Gardens are a full 19 acres of glorious rolling green and bloom and well worth an afternoon all to themselves. There are often exciting events for kids and adults during the year.
- Thames Barrier – The Thames Barrier spans 520 meters across the River Thames near Woolwich, and it protects 125 square kilometers of central London from flooding caused by tidal surges. More here.
Visiting Greenwich Village With Kids
Nearest Airport to London’s Greenwich Village
London City Airport is within earshot of Greenwich and a lot easier and quicker to get to than Heathrow or Gatwick. There are flights to 35 European cities from London City Airports.
So if you are visiting from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain or France, this airport is super easy and you have access to beautiful surrounds. Its cheaper in Greenwich than staying in the middle of London.
You have access to buses, DLR trains, and boat services right at the doorstep many other tourist sights in Central London. This area is also popular for people coming to London on business as Canary Wharf and City are an easy commute from here.
For flights leaving or landing at London’s City Airport check out one of my favourite flight search sites Kayak. You can even filter it down the airport and select ‘LCY’ for London City Airport.
