A playground for world-famous museums, outstanding architecture, ancient trees and city panoramas, most parks in London pale in comparison to Greenwich Park.
It’s one of the eight Royal Parks in London and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes many attractions. It also has just about everything that you could wish for in a park and with an area of 183 acres, it’s one of London’s largest too.
Made up of so many elements and nooks and crannies and hills, it would be easy to miss things so I’ve put together this guide.
To give you a sense of the layout, here’s a useful map illustrated by Simon Fitzmaurice, prints are available at the Print Club London.
North Part: National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Boating Lake & Queen’s Orchard
As soon as you enter St Mary’s Gate, the main access point to the park and closest to Greenwich Town Centre, the exploration begins with the National Maritime Museum. Further east is the Queen’s House which is free to enter and showcases artwork by British and European Masters. A highlight of the museum is the beautiful tulip staircase which was the first of its kind erected in Britain.
Progress to the east corner of the park and discover a large children’s playground and a boating lake. Tucked away in the south east corner of the park is the Queen’s Orchard where you will find all kinds of vegetables growing. It’s lovingly maintained by a group of volunteers – including my brother!
Though most of the attractions are in an easterly direction, in the north-west corner there’s also a small herb garden and a cafe by the main gates which you might want to visit first.
Or maybe you just fancy finding a patch of grass to whittle away the hours? I could spend hours just watching the dogs racing around their owners and after the occasional squirrel (they’re never fast enough), but I’m constantly trying to refrain myself from stealing ones that come my way (insert evil cackle).
Middle Part: Viewing Point, Royal Observatory, Planetarium, Henry Moore Sculpture
After exploring the North part, it’s time to exercise your legs. The park rises up to a hill which affords (in my personal opinion) the best panoramic view of London.
The viewing point also hosts a statue of General James Wolfe, considered a British military hero of the 18th century who died shortly after his victory at the Battle of Quebec during the Seven Years’ War. The statue was a gift from Canada, and if you look closely you will see bullet holes in the statue reportedly sustained during World War II.
In this area also lies the Royal Observatory and from its courtyard lies the Prime Meridian which has served as the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time since 1884. Behind the Royal Observatory is London’s only Planetarium where you get sit back and watch the wonders of the universe.
Getting hungry? If you walk towards the park’s South entrance you will find the Pavilion Tea Rooms where you can stop for lunch (there’s also a cafe in the Planetarium too).
Mid-way across to the west-side of Greenwich Park resides a sculpture by famous British artist Henry Moore titled Knife Edge (1961). It’s rather tucked away and the best way to reach it is by following the path on the right-side of the park after you enter St Mary’s Gate, from the path it’s located on hill. It’s accompanied with more spectacular views of the city.
South Part: Rose Garden, Rangers House, Flower Garden & Deer Park
Finally you’ve reach the south part of the park and arguably the prettiest region too. I’ve noticed that most people usually stop at the View Point and hang out at the North end of the park, probably because they think they’ve seen the best of what’s to see in Greenwich Park, so don’t make the same mistake.
The South Part of the park can be spilt into two – west and east. Starting east, there’s the Rose Garden which is usually very quiet and has an air of secrecy about it. Overlooking the garden is the Ranger’s House, a National Trust Building which is a beautiful Georgian villa home to the Wernher Collection, an exquisite art collection amassed by the 19th-century businessman, Sir Julius Wernher.
Finally, my favourite part, the Flower Garden is located south-east of Greenwich Park. Here, you will find some of the most beautiful flower beds there are to see in any public park in the UK during the summer. If you’ve packed a picnic, intend on relaxing peacefully, or fancy stopping with a date, this is the area of the park doing exactly that. However, it’s worth noting that dogs are prohibited in the Flower Garden.
Behind the flower garden is the deer enclosure. It’s pot luck whether you’ll spot these beautiful creatures though. Sometimes I go and can’t even catch a glimpse of an antler, and other times I spot a whole family. Hopefully you’ll be in for a nice surprise.
Times nearly up. Don’t worry if you don’t manage to see everything. That’s why most people return again and again.
Outside the park
Once you’ve made it to the south exit, you’re only a 10 minute walk from the centre of Blackheath, a beautiful village that feels like you’re in the countryside. Alternatively, you could stroll back into the centre of Greenwich for more attractions.
Greenwich is also the ideal starting point for walking along the Thames Path. One of my favourite routes is Greenwich to Tower Bridge. The route churns up some real hidden gems as it takes you through Deptford, Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe, and onwards to the city.
Accommodation in Greenwich
When looking for accommodation in Greenwich I recommend finding somewhere as close to Greenwich Park as possible. My friends stay over at the pub hotel Admiral Hardy and they loved it. Cosy, clean, and located right in the centre of town.
