Whether you’re looking for a day out or just somewhere green to relax, Greenwich Park has all you need for a dose of nature in London.  

From its magnificent rose and herb gardens to lawns, orchards and wildlife, there’s plenty to see and do in Greenwich Park.

It's also one of the most historic London parks, with the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen's House all situated within its green surroundings.

Here’s your guide to Greenwich Park - including what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and how to get here.

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Explore the Flower Garden

At the heart of Greenwich Park you will find a traditional Edwardian garden. 

With ample shade provided by huge Cedar and Tulip trees, in the Flower Garden you'll find beautiful lawns and spring and summer flower beds.

From areas you'll be able to see the lake and the (currently empty) deer park, making it a lovely spot to relax.

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Visit the Queen's House for free 

The Queen’s House was the first Classical building in England and was originally built for Queen Anne of Denmark. However, Anne died before the house was finished in 1636. 

The Queen's House was used by members of the royal family until 1805, and taken over by the National Maritime Museum in 1934.  

Today, it is home to an extraordinary art collection.

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Visit the Royal Observatory 

Commissioned by Charles II and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Royal Observatory Greenwich was home to the Royal Astronomer from 1675 and continued to be a working observatory until 1947.

It is home to the Prime Meridian line, Peter Harrison Planetarium and the Harrison Clocks.

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Image by Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons

Stroll through the Queen's Orchard 

The enclosed Queen's Orchard is a peaceful spot nestled in the northeast corner of Greenwich Park.

Here you can find a range of heritage fruit trees dating all the way back to the 1500s. These include cherries, peaches, nectarines and quince.

The Queen's Orchard closes to the public during winter, reopening from the start of April.

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Visit the National Maritime Museum for free 

Opened by King George VI in 1937, the National Maritime Museum sits on the site of what was once the Royal Hospital School.   

The National Maritime Museum is home to more than two million items spanning 2,000 years of maritime history, including maritime art, ship plans, ship models, and scientific and navigational instruments. 

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Image by Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the boating lake

If you're feeling inspired by Greenwich's maritime heritage, why not hop on a pedalo on the boating lake?

The rental service operates during school holidays and weekends between April and October.

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Image courtesy of Katie Chan via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Ranger's House and Rose Garden 

A Georgian villa that sits between Blackheath and Greenwich, the Ranger's House is home to an impressive art collection. Historically, it was the residence of the Ranger of Greenwich Park, a royal title with little actual official duty.  

The popular Rose Garden was originally planted in 1960, and provides a beautiful colourful backdrop to the Ranger's House. Its peak bloom is in June and July.

Visit the Ranger's House

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Image by Billy via Unsplash

See the statue of General Wolfe 

Just outside the entrance to the Royal Observatory, look out for the Grade II listed statue of General James Wolfe.

Wolfe lived between 1727 and 1759, and was a celebrated British Army officer. The statue commemorates his victory in Quebec, where he fought off the French and as a result secured Canada for Britain. 

Of particular interest to the local area, Wolfe lived in Greenwich and was buried locally.

Look closely and you will see the bullet holes in the statue reportedly sustained during World War II from a German Messerschmitt!

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Image by Ethan Doyle White via Wikimedia Commons

Stop by Queen Elizabeth's Oak 

If you wander further into the park’s depths you can find Queen Elizabeth I’s fallen ancient oak tree

This huge oak tree dates back to the 12th century. According to legend, Queen Elizabeth I often enjoyed refreshments whilst relaxing in its shade, and King Henry VIII once danced around it with Anne Boleyn.

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Image by Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons

Spend thyme in the Herb Garden

Another quiet corner of the park, the Herb Garden is located in the north west of Greenwich Park, close to the National Maritime Museum.

Box hedges surround plots of herbs, with a central fountain making this a pretty spot to sit after grabbing a coffee from the Parkside Café.

What can you see near Greenwich Park?

Greenwich Park is well located in the middle of Greenwich, allowing you to visit other iconic locations nearby. Use the arrows to explore some great places to visit.

Tap to begin

Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark, whose magnificent rigging you can see from the park, is a 5-10 minute walk away from the park's northwest entrance.

More than 150 years old, Cutty Sark was the fastest sailing ship of its time and is the last surviving tea clipper.

Book tickets

Find out more about Cutty Sark

 

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Old Royal Naval College

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Royal Naval College features some of Britain's finest Baroque buildings. Here you can explore 600 years of history, featuring a cast of familiar historical figures.

The Painted Hall in particular is well worth a visit, and is frequently referred to as 'Britain's Sistine Chapel'. You may recognise it from the hundreds of TV shows and films that have used it as a filming location.

Check out their website to hear about events, exhibitions, tours, and more.

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Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is the only London market to be situated in a World Heritage site, with a history dating back to the early 1800s.

There's a range of market stalls to explore, selling everything from jewellery to prints. There's also plenty of street food vans to explore if you're feeling hungry.

What hidden treasures will you find in Greenwich Market?

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The Fan Museum

The Fan Museum is a small museum located by Greenwich Park’s St Mary’s Gate. It's home to a large collection of fans from around the world, celebrating the history and craft of fans across more than 1,000 years.

Set within two Grade II Listed early Georgian townhouses, the museum features displays, exhibitions, an orangery, and a rear garden. 

Greenwich Theatre

Greenwich Theatre puts on a range of shows year-round, from emerging theatre productions to recognisable, established shows.

With productions for children, young people and adults alike, there’s something for everyone at Greenwich Theatre.

St Alfege Church

St Alfege is an Anglican parish church located within the main Greenwich town centre, admired by many for its striking architecture.

There has been a church in this spot for over a thousand years, which was visited by many key maritime, astronomical and royal figures over the centuries. The church was dedicated to Alfege, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was martyred there in 1012.

St Alfege Church as we see it today was the first church in London designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, a leading figure of the English Baroque style of architecture.

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Walk through the Greenwich foot tunnel

A foot tunnel under the Thames connects Cutty Sark with the Canary Wharf peninsula. Walking from Greenwich through the tunnel, you'll find yourself resurfacing in Island Gardens with stunning views across the river to Greenwich's most beautiful landmarks.

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Playgrounds in Greenwich Park

The wide open spaces and tree-lined avenues are an adventure in themselves. However, if kids are looking for somewhere with a bit more action and adventure then Greenwich Park definitely delivers!

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The Cove playground

Let your children's imaginations run wild at The Cove, a brand new outdoor playground at the National Maritime Museum.

The bright orange tentacles of the playground's 'Kraken' are hard to miss from Greenwich Park. Once inside kids will love clambering over the bright cargo nets and balance beams, running through the giant ship and sliding through a shark's mouth.

The playground has different opening hours for summer and winter - check for full details here.

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Image courtesy of Royal Parks

Greenwich Park playground

On the northeast corner of Greenwich Park you'll find a popular children's playground.  

Themed around Greenwich's maritime roots, the playground is inclusive, designed to allow less-abled and able-bodied children to play together.

There's a range of facilities nearby including a water fountain, children's toilets (including accessible toilets), baby change facilities, and picnic tables and seating.

Greenwich Park viewing points

Greenwich Park is famed for its spectacular views of London. Thanks to its hilly nature, there are several spots in the park that offer excellent panoramic views.

Here are the best viewing spots in Greenwich Park: 

Royal Observatory viewing point

A man and a woman take a selfie at the top of Greenwich Park, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf in the background

Outside of the Royal Observatory is where you'll find the most iconic view of Greenwich and Canary Wharf.

Explore the view

One Tree Hill vista point

Greenwich Park One Tree Hill Vista Point
Image by Paul Wilkinson via Flickr

Slightly off the beaten track, this viewing spot offers another excellent view of Canary Wharf, as well as sweeping views of central London.

How to get to One Tree Hill

Greenwich Park cherry blossom

A bright wash of pink blossoms hanging from a tree in Greenwich park

When spring is in full swing, Greenwich Park's famous cherry blossom avenue bursts into colour, and is often hailed as one of the best places to see cherry blossom in London.

The Greenwich Park cherry blossom trees tend to flower in April, but they could flower earlier or later than this, depending on the temperature (the milder it is, the earlier the blossom).

Different varieties of cherry blossom tree flower at different times, with most only lasting around two weeks, so you have to act fast if you want to see them!

To find Greenwich Park's cherry blossom tunnel, walk down Blackheath Avenue until you reach the path looking towards the Rose Garden and Ranger's House.

Where to eat and drink in Greenwich Park 

Whether you’re looking for a snack, a meal or just a coffee, there’s plenty of places to eat and drink in and around Greenwich Park.

National Maritime Museum Parkside Café 

Greenwich Park Parkside Cafe National Maritime Museum

Located on the north edge of the park, this bright and airy café within the National Maritime Museum has a range of hot food, sandwiches, teas, coffees and soft drinks.

Whether you fancy a hot soup, fish and chips, cake or a sandwich, the Parkside Café will have something for you. 

Open daily | 10am - 5pm

More information about the Parkside Café

Ignatius Sancho Café

This newly opened cafe can be found near Vanbrugh Gate in the southeast corner of the park. Breakfast options include fresh pastries, rolls and yoghurts, whilst for lunch there are toasties, bagels, wraps, salads and more on offer. 

Why not pick from their selection of cakes or sit down for a traditional English cream tea?

Open daily | 8am - 6pm

More information about the Ignatius Sancho Café

Park View Coffee Cabin

If you’re looking for a hot drink on the go, stop by the Park View Coffee Cabin, located in the middle of the park outside the Royal Observatory on Blackheath Avenue.

More information about the Park View Coffee Cabin

Pavilion Café

The Pavilion Café sits in an octagonal building which was built in 1906. It's situated on the hill by the Royal Observatory, and serves both hot and cold food. 

More information about the Pavilion Café

If you're looking to venture further for food than Greenwich Park, check out our guide to eating and drinking in Greenwich. 

Greenwich Park opening and closing times

The park is open for pedestrians all year from 6am, with closing times changing month on month:

Month 

Opening times
(for pedestrians only) 

Closing times 

January 

6am 

6pm 

February 

6am 

6pm 

March 

6am 

7pm (8pm from start of British Summer Time) 

April 

6am 

8pm 

May 

6am 

9pm 

June 

6am 

9.30pm 

July 

6am 

9.30pm 

August 

6am

9pm 

September 

6am 

8pm 

October 

6am 

7pm (6pm from the end of British Summer Time) 

November 

6am 

6pm 

December 

6am 

6pm 

 

How to get to Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is well connected by train, bus and even riverboat! Here’s how to get to Greenwich Park using public transport.

Getting to Greenwich Park by train

Train

The closest train stations to Greenwich Park are Blackheath (10 minute walk), Greenwich (8 minutes) and Maze Hill (2 minutes) which are all on the South Western Railway.

DLR

The closest DLR station is Cutty Sark (for Maritime Greenwich).

Tube

North Greenwich is the nearest tube station, which is on the Jubilee Line. From there, Greenwich Park is a bus ride away.

Getting to Greenwich Park by bus

The park is served by numerous bus routes, including 53, 54, 129, 177, 188, 202, 380 and 386.

Plan your bus journey with TFL

Getting to Greenwich Park by riverboat

Fancy arriving in true maritime style? Float in to Greenwich Pier on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. There are regular boats every hour, and it's a fun, traffic-free way to cross the city– the views are unbeatable!

Plan your journey

Greenwich Park map

Choose your tickets

Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

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  • Royal Observatory
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Child£15
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Royal Observatory

  • Visit the Prime Meridian line
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Adult£20
Child£10
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Cutty Sark

  • Explore the main deck
  • Walk beneath the ship
  • See how the crew lived
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Child £10
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National Maritime Museum

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Free entry
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Queen's House

  • Historic house
  • Internationally renowned art
  • Stunning architecture
  • Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I
  • Free tours and audio guides
Free entry
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