A Perfect Day In Greenwich

Greenwich is a place that feels like stepping into a storybook. As someone who has lived in Greenwich for three years, I immediately connected and felt at home.

Coming from the countryside to London, I found it extremely busy and overwhelming because of the fast-paced energy that central London emanates. Greenwich, on the contrary, surrounded by the green and the rich history with the stunning architecture and beautiful views of London, is the perfect spot inside London to relax and escape from the busy and running central London.

1. Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory 

If I had to create the perfect itinerary to visit Greenwich I would say to start from the top of the hill where you can stand in the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory. One of the first days I started, to go to the University of Greenwich I visited this site, there is something surreal about standing on the line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres and being able to be in two places at once for real!

The observatory is fascinating with exhibitions on the history of timekeeping and astronomy. Built in 1675 under the commission of King Charles II, the site on the hilltop was proposed by Sir John Moore and designed by Sir Christopher Wren a former Savilian professor of astronomy. After the observatory was completed, the King appointed the astronomer Flamshed as the royal astronomer, who lived there with his family to work on stellar tables. You will be able to see all of his works laid out in the royal observatory where you will also be able to see the planetarium and the Great Equatorial Telescope which is quite impressive.

2. Lunch in Greenwich

On your way to lunch do not forget to stroll around Greenwich Park and enjoy the view of London from another perspective, you will be able to see the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Greenwich offers different culinary choices from Italian food at Bianco43, to French Bistro's serving a classic French menu.

But I would suggest going to the Greenwich Market and trying out the food stalls offering burgers, fresh-made sushi, Caribbean food, and Spanish paella (one of my favourites). Grab a bite and find a spot to sit in the market or inside the Old Royal Naval College where you will find a green space to sit and enjoy the view of the river.

3. An early afternoon stroll through the maritime history

Greenwich is known for its Maritime history; one of the highlights is the Old Royal Naval College. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1696, it was built to serve as the Royal Navy’s Greenwich Hospital. Inspired by the wounded sailors from the Battle of La Hogue (a battle that happened in 1692 between the French who wanted to restore James II to the throne and the Anglo-Dutch army); the hospital was set in one wing of the Greenwich Palace and later on expanded to the other wing. The hospital was closed in 1873 and reopened three years later as a training establishment for the Royal Navy; later in 1998 after they left the college the site passed to the Greenwich Foundation and converted the institute to a University.

When visiting this incredible site remember to visit the Painted Hall a beautiful gallery where the ceiling and walls are covered in vibrant frescoes. During the first week of university, I spent hours on the seats in the middle of the gallery looking up at the ceiling, a unique experience especially if you are passionate about art.  

On the other side of the road, you will have the chance to dive into Britain’s seafaring history at the National Maritime Museum. The museum treasures maritime artifacts and stories. One of my favorite exhibits is Admiral Nelson’s uniform, where you can see the bullet hole from the Battle of Trafalgar. The museum exhibitions display interactive stories of the sea which is a perfect spot to spend a nice afternoon if you are curious about sea life like me.

4. Ending the day with a sunset

 To end this perfect day, walk towards the riverside and stroll around the Cutty Sark where you will enjoy and explore more about the historical British clipper ship. Built in Scotland in 1869, it is one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest.

Walk over to the Trafalgar Tavern a historical pub operating since 1837 when it was built in the same year as the ascendence to the throne of Queen Victoria, this pub became a meeting point for politicians, writers, and artists with one of the exponents being Charles Dickens. Here, you will be able to enjoy the lively pub and grab a drink to watch the sunset to end a perfect day in the history of Greenwich.

- Yurica