There are few areas outside of central London so densely dappled with areas of historic and cultural interest. Greenwich, the home of the meridian by which all modern time is relative to, hosts the Royal Observatory, founded by King Charles II to improve naval navigation sea by concisely mapping the stars. Dividing the Eastern and Western hemispheres, visitors can stand with one foot in the east and one in the west, as well as gazing upon stunning views of London atop one of South London’s highest points.
(An important historical fact: it wasn’t just Britain that decided to be the world’s centre, it was voted upon at a conference in the Washington D.C., 22 to 1)
The Royal Observatory includes other attractions such as Flamsteed House, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, which houses the Time Galleries showcasing the evolution of timekeeping and the development of marine chronometers. The Great Equatorial Telescope, housed in the iconic onion-domed building, is another highlight, offering visitors a chance to explore the night sky through one of the largest refracting telescopes in the UK.
As a centre of maritime, Greenwich hosts some of the most important naval sites in the country. Cutty Sark is a famed tourist attraction, ideal for letting your kids romp around a historic vessel like Pirates of a bygone era. Beneath lies a museum, buoying the ship artefacts, historical insights, and, of course, a café to get some tea and cake in true British fashion.
And with its location on the south side of the Thames, it’s only a minute walk to the river, where you can overlook most of London’s famous landmarks, a panoramic that spans from Canary Wharf out to the West of the city.
Additionally, The Queen’s House in Greenwich, designed by the renowned architect Inigo Jones, it was commissioned in 1616 by King James I as a gift for his wife, Anne of Denmark. Completed in 1636, it is generaly regarded as the first classical building in England, marking a significant departure from the traditional Tudor style, introducing the elegant proportions and symmetry of Renaissance architecture to the country. Now, it serves as an art gallery, boasting a collection includes works by renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner, William Hogarth, Van De Veldes, and Sir Joshua Reynolds.
An area so immensely packed with history, the many houses, sites, vessels, and landmarks have been dutifully preserved over the years by talented and gifted restorationists, leaving us with endless sources of intrigue and cultural enrichment.
Looking for a fantastic day out in London? Look no further than Royal Museums Greenwich.
Details
- Address:
- Romney Road,
- SE10 9NF
- Transport:
- Cutty Sark DLR