Please note that as part of a project to restore Greenwich Park's 17th-century landscape, there are a number of path and attraction closures around the park.
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 the city.
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 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 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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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.
Image by Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons
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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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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.
Image by Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons
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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.
Image courtesy of Katie Chan via Wikimedia Commons
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See the statue of General Wolfe
This attraction is currently inaccessible due to Greenwich Park redevelopment work.
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!
Image by Billy via Unsplash
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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!
Image by Ethan Doyle White via Wikimedia Commons
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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.
Image by Stephen Craven via Wikimedia Commons
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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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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.
Image courtesy of Royal Parks
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
Outside of the Royal Observatory is where you'll find the most iconic view of Greenwich and Canary Wharf.
Please note that while you can still see the view from the Royal Observatory's grounds, the public viewing platform at the top of the hill outside the observatory is currently being redeveloped. As a result, there is no viewing area open for the time being. Works will continue until spring 2024 as part of The Royal Parks' restoration project 'Greenwich Park Revealed'.
One Tree Hill vista point
Slightly off the beaten track, this viewing spot offers another excellent view of Canary Wharf, as well as sweeping views of central London.
Greenwich Park cherry blossom
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.
Update: Greenwich Park's cherry blossom trees are in bloom now, as of 10 April 2024
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
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 - currently closed
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 - currently closed for refurbishment
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 |
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.
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!
Greenwich Park map
Visit Royal Museums Greenwich
Choose your tickets
Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
|---|---|
| Individual: £50 | Individual: £60 |
| Family: from £60 | Family: from £70 |