Greenwich Park & Prime Meridian
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Greenwich Park - by Primrose from Pixabay
Description
Greenwich Park is one of the Royal Parks of London and spans 74ha and offers excellent views over the Canary Wharf financial district and the City of London from the top of the hill upon which the Greenwich Observatory is located. The Prime Meridian is a reference line that passes through the Observatory and technically separates East (positive longitudes) from West (negative longitudes) since the mid-19th century as Britain was then the largest global maritime power.
Access & Transport
Located to the Southeast of London, across the Thames from Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, Greenwich is served by the DLR (from Banks) via the Cutty Sark station and by train at the Greenwich and Maze Hill station (West - East). The Blackheath station to the north is another rail option. There are also several bus services to the village (including No 53 from Trafalgar Sq.) but the journey is likely to take longer. Finally, the river boat departing from Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier and Tower Pier stops at Greenwich Pier. For those with a car or coming by taxi, the Park is easy to find the formal postcode is SE10 8QY (Blackheat side)
Instructions & Recommendations
We would recommend picking a day when it is not raining to enjoy Greenwich, not only the Park but also the village and a climb to the Observatory and Meridian line. There is enough there to occupy most of the day, including visiting the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Observatory. Some nice pub options for lunch as well, or snacks at the Greenwich market.
Environmental & Social
The Park has positive environmental aspects (plenty of rain here, no need to water too often). From a social perspective, all activities in Greenwich help with the local "countryside" economy and maintenance of the country's cultural heritage.
Conclusion
A visit to Greenwich Park is worth including in your itinerary if you are keen to swap urban London for a village-like environment and/or have some interest in maritime history. In that case, we recommend spending half a day in the village, including a climb to the Observatory and the Meridian Line for some souvenir pictures and enjoying the views
Key positive
Great views over London
Plenty of cultural options within a short radius from the Park
Key negative
Not difficult to get to, but it will take a bit of time
No top 10 London attraction unless you are into maritime related activities
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Visitors with mobility issues may find it difficult to get to the Observatory as some of the paths are a little steep - a longer way around or some assistance is advisable. The Observatory can also be reached by road.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 50m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY06:00 - 20:00
TUESDAY06:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY06:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY06:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY06:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY06:00 - 20:00
SUNDAY06:00 - 20:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY06:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY06:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY06:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY06:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY06:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY06:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY06:00 - 18:00