Quick Details
I’m a born and bred London tour guide who enjoys providing commentary and anecdotes about all our tour locations and London’s historic sites. This day trip out of central London combines royal, maritime and scientific themes. I’ll guide you through Greenwich, one of London’s most famous ‘villages’, before we return to central London. Maritime Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Note: this is not a taxi tour.
Greenwich is an ancient village on the banks of the River Thames enveloped by the relentless growth of London. From humble origins (invading Vikings made it their base) it became the site of medieval and Tudor royal palaces and has been a place of importance to the nation ever since. From its royal associations Greenwich developed its ship building and navel connections; an armoury and the Royal Observatory from where we measure GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
There is too much to explore in Greenwich in one day. We’ll make our choices from the following attractions:
St Alfege Church: an 18th century architectural masterpiece dedicated to a bishop murdered by the Vikings, built on the site of his martyrdom. Free entry.
Visitor Centre Exhibition: A superb permanent exhibition covering the long history of Greenwich. Small paid entry.
Cutty Sark: Built in 1869 this is the world’s only surviving tea clipper. Walk through it, walk around it, walk under it! This sailing ship was once the fastest in the world. A great exhibition throughout. Paid entry.
The Queen’s House: Neo-classical architecture in Britain and its colonies begins here. Art, architecture and design combine in this beautiful, once royal, 17th century residence. A fantastic exhibition throughout. Free entry.
The Painted Hall: An enormous, stunning painted hall within the Old Royal Naval College. This baroque masterpiece, 18 years in the making, exults the Stuart and Hanoverian monarchies. Fully restored and breath-taking. Paid entry.
Chapel of St Peter & St Paul: Originally the chapel of the Royal Hospital for Seamen this outstanding 18th century church, within the Old Royal Naval College, is home to a huge altarpiece by Benjamin West, the ‘Raphael of America’. Free entry.
National Maritime Museum: The world’s largest maritime museum, telling island-Britain’s story of its relationship with the sea through exhibits, art, models and maps. Free entry.
Royal Observatory: This 17th century building is on the Prime Meridian and GMT aka Longitude 0° and contains a thorough exhibition of time, astronomy and navigation. It’s unique. It’s also at the very top of the hill; the reward is the fantastic views across London. Paid entry.
Note: Lunch is usually in the old town where there are lots of cafe’s, pubs and restaurants.
Tour with a local guide: qualified, verified, experienced and friendly.
Additional Info
TICKETS: Price does not include admission to the paid attractions or public transport to and from Greenwich. Tickets can be purchased on arrival as we make decisions.
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