A day out in Greenwich

One of the disadvantages of wine is that it makes a man mistake words for thoughts.

Samuel Johnson – former resident of Greenwich

I’m as guilty as the next London resident, actually as guilty as any resident living in a large famous city, I have tons of stuff to go and see, places to visit, museums, galleries, you name it, it’s all there on the doorstep – do I take full advantage of it…… No, I don’t! I mean chatting with friends and colleagues, I think I’m potentially better than most, but I should explore a little more! I’ve never been to Highgate cemetery, I’ve not been to Eltham Palace, I’ve not even been to Alexandra Palace! But I do know my own little borough and I’m always delighted when people ask me what they should see when they’re in Greenwich!

Greenwich is home to some impressive maritime and science history, as well as home to a pretty epic market with some seriously good street food. Oh, and it’s the home of Greenwich mean time, yes, that’s right we Greenwich villagers invented time!

Getting here is pretty easy, if you’re in London for the weekend, jump on the Circle, Central, District or Northern lines and jump off at either Bank or Tower Gateway then jump on the DLR, The Docklands Light Railway and get off at Cutty Sark, (don’t get off at Greenwich – schoolgirl error!).

Now as the name would suggest, the first thing to go and see would be the Cutty Sark, nope get yourself into Greenwich Market and peruse the stalls! The original market here dates back to 1700, selling groceries to local residents as well as china and glasswork. Nowadays, you can potter around browsing stalls of antiques, clothing, jewellery and artwork. There’s also an outdoor area made up of some delicious street food stalls – which leads me on perfectly…

I’ve mentioned it before but there’s stall called Pimp my Ramen – you have to try a burger here, you just have to! What IS a ramen burger? Well, basically it’s your standard burger – but instead of a bun, the burger is wrapped around ramen patties instead of your standard bun. If you’re feeling peckish, try the Monster Burger – yummy. The Indian Veggie Burger is also fabulous!

Okay – NOW you can go and see the Cutty sark! An iconic Greenwich sight, the towering masts of the Cutty Sark are one of the first things you’ll spot emerging from the DLR station. Perhaps the most iconic tea clipper ship from Britain’s history, the Cutty Sark visited sixteen different countries after its maiden voyage in 1870, from London to Shanghai. Known for its powerful speed, the Cutty Sark carried 10million lbs of tea, and has survived storms and a devastating fire a few years ago. Nowadays, it’s dry-docked and visitors are able to climb on board and learn about the ship’s really impressive history.

Next go on to the Old Royal Naval College. Even if you’re not really into museums, the grounds of Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College are worth walking through for the architecture alone. The college was designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren of St. Paul’s Cathedral fame, and served as a training site for the Royal Navy from 1873 to 1988. Today, parts are used by the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music. If you’re staying a while and want to look around, the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, Undercroft and The Painted Hall are all well worth looking at – and free to enter – The Painted Hall has been described as ‘the UK’s Sistine Chapel’

Next we’re off to the National Maritime Museum. Greenwich has a rich maritime history, one home to Greenwich Hospital, a medical centre for injured seamen. The National Maritime Museum delves into not just the history of the area, but of British seafaring across the decades as a whole. Again, if you’re not a museumy kind of person, give it a go, it has a fascinating history!

In the same area you’ll find The Queen’s House which, as the name suggests, served as a royal residence built for Anne of Denmark, the queen of King James I. Apparently as a gift to the queen after the king swore at her! Completed in the early 1600s, it’s known for being the first building in Britain fully constructed in the classical architecture style, by architect Inigo Jones. Sadly, Anne died before the house was completed however, members of the royal family used the house until 1805. Today, it’s home to an art collection featuring the likes of Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Hogarth. Apparently, it’s also famous for sightings of ghosts!

If it’s a nice day, you really should take a walk through Greenwich Park and on up to the Royal Observatory, we’ll go in but before you do savour the sight across the Thames of the resplendent, glass and steel metropolis that is Canary Wharf – A truly iconic view!

Another pretty iconic thing about Greenwich is that it’s the home of Greenwich mean time. At the Royal Observatory, you’ll find out more about why the name was chosen and be able to straddle the Prime Meridien, the line dividing the eastern and western hemispheres.

If your feet aren’t aching too much right now there’s a bit of a challenge ahead but well worth it if you have a head for heights! One of the coolest things I’ve ever done in London is climbing to the roof of the O2 arena (formerly the Millennium Dome). The views are spectacular and you get to almost touch the underside of the planes landing at City Airport, not for the faint hearted but fabulous if you’ve got anything left in the tank!

Culturally and historically, that should do you really 😊

What’s on this week?