Thames River Guide: Greenwich and Woolwich

Ahoy there sailor! The area stretching from Greenwich to Woolwich was vitally important to London during the great age of sail. Take yourself back with a wander around Maritime Greenwich, and make some time for all the great shopping and restaurants.

Marvellous Maritime Greenwich

UNESCO has hailed Maritime Greenwich as a world heritage site since 1997. Spend a day soaking up the romantic baroque architecture and rolling parks. The Old Royal Naval College contains the Painted Hall, perhaps the finest baroque dining hall in the country - designed by Christopher Wren and painted by James Thornhill.

The National Maritime Museum holds the largest collection of marine art in the world and the classical Queen's House has a superb collection of fine art. Stroll up the hill to the Royal Observatory for views across the river to London's busy financial district and beyond.

The Cutty Sark Will Return

The magnificent Cutty Sark dates back to 1869 and is the only surviving extreme clipper in the world. The ship has been in Greenwich since the 1950s, where her towering masts formed a distinctive part of the area's skyline. A popular tourist attraction, the ship is currently closed to the public and there is nothing to see at the site. A major restoration project suffered a serious set back when fire ripped through the hull of the ship in May 2007. Conservation is now underway again and the ship is set to re-open in spring 2011. You can find out more and contribute to the restoration fund at the Cutty Sark website.

The O2 - The Dome Reinvented

Formerly the Millennium Dome, The O2 is home to the 20,000 seat O2 Arena, Europe's largest concert and sports venue. Inside the alien spaceship-like complex you'll also find the more intimate IndigO2 music venue, the O2 Bubble exhibition space, the British Music Experience, matter nightclub, a multi-screen cinema and a variety of restaurants and bars.

A Royal Façade

Woolwich has been a garrison town for centuries. Henry VIII established the Royal Dockyard in 1512. It was renamed the Royal Arsenal in 1805 when it became a centre for manufacturing weapons of war. Many of the buildings on site (the oldest date back to 1696) are attributed to Sir John Vanbrugh. Today you can learn about the history and industrial heritage of the area at the Greenwich Heritage Centre.

Firepower

Pyromaniacs will love Firepower - The Royal Artillery Museum and its impressive collection of tanks, cannons and armoury. It tells the story of arms from before the creation of gunpowder to the modern day. The multimedia show is a great experience for kids, with a shaking floor, dry ice, loud explosions and a team of actors who bring the history of weaponry alive.

Shopping

The village of Greenwich is a worthwhile destination for quirky clothes and retro furniture and furnishings. Greenwich Market runs on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday selling crafts, souvenirs and food and a further market arrives at the weekends, which is great for bargains, bric-a-brac, antiques and vintage clothing.

Eating and Drinking

For great gastro nosh in Greenwich, head to the Gipsy Moth next to the Cutty Sark. Farther down the river The Trafalgar Tavern is a beautiful pub set on the banks of the Thames.

Where to Stay - Business or Pleasure?

The newly built four-star Novotel London Greenwich is conveniently placed right next to the train station and around the corner from all of Greenwich's stunning attractions. It makes a very comfortable base for exploring the area.

For any business needs look no further than Devonport House. An early 19th century building on the Greenwich World Heritage Site, it is ideal for conferences, meetings, private dinners and pleasant weekend leisure breaks.

Getting There

Greenwich - take the Docklands Light Railway to Cutty Sark station, or alight at Island Gardens and walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. If you’re arriving by overground train, Greenwich station is a five minute walk to the village centre. Or take a relaxing boat ride to Greenwich Pier on the Thames Clipper.

North Greenwich - take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich station, or a Thames Clipper to QEII Pier at The O2.

Woolwich - take an overland line from London Bridge station. The free Woolwich ferry crosses regularly from North to South Woolwich. There is also a foot tunnel joining the two.

For more information, visit our travel section.