Greenwich Day Trip: Quick Facts
Planning your day trip to Greenwich from London? Here’s everything you need to know at a glance to get started.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeast London, on the River Thames |
| Distance from Central London | Approx. 6 miles (9.5 km) |
| Average Visit Duration | 6-8 hours (a full, wonderful day) |
| Estimated Cost (per person) | £50 – £97 (excluding souvenirs) |
| Best Time to Visit in 2025 | April – September on a weekday for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. |
How to Get to Greenwich from London
Getting to Greenwich is part of the adventure! While driving is an option, we don’t recommend it due to London’s congestion and very limited parking. Public transport is faster, cheaper, and far more scenic. Here are the best ways to make the journey.
| Mode of Transport | Approx. Journey Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber Boat (Thames Clippers) | 30-60 mins from central piers | £9 – £12 (Contactless/Oyster) | Pros: The most scenic route, hands down. A relaxing journey with stunning views. Cons: Slower and more expensive than other options. |
| Train (Southeastern) | 10-15 mins from London Bridge | £4 – £6 (Contactless/Oyster) | Pros: The fastest way to get there. Services are very frequent. Cons: You miss the riverside scenery. |
| DLR (Docklands Light Railway) | 20-25 mins from Bank | Standard TfL fare | Pros: Drops you right at Cutty Sark station, in the heart of maritime Greenwich. Cons: Can be very busy during peak hours. |
Parking Info: If you must drive, be aware that parking is scarce. Car parks like the Burney Street Car Park exist, but they are expensive and tend to fill up very quickly, especially on weekends.
Top 5 Things to Do in Greenwich for a Perfect Day
Greenwich is packed with world-class attractions. To make the most of your day, here are the five unmissable experiences that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site so special.
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Stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory
This is the number one reason many people make the Greenwich day trip! Head to the top of Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory, the very home of time. Here you can stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line (Longitude 0° 0′ 0″), the dividing line between the eastern and western hemispheres. It’s an iconic photo opportunity to have one foot in the east and one in the west! Inside, you can explore Flamsteed House, see the incredible Harrison timekeepers that solved the longitude problem, and marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope.
- Price: Around £18-£20 for an adult ticket. We strongly advise booking online in advance to secure your spot.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
- Location: At the very top of the hill in Greenwich Park.
- Note: The climb up the hill is quite steep, but the panoramic view of London from the top is absolutely worth every step.
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Explore the Legendary Cutty Sark
Step aboard the world’s sole surviving tea clipper, the magnificent Cutty Sark. This record-breaking ship sailed the globe and was the fastest of her time. Today, you can explore her fascinating history, walk the main deck where sailors once toiled, and even walk directly underneath the ship’s three-story-high, gleaming copper hull for a truly unique perspective. It’s an immersive experience that brings maritime history to life.
- Price: Around £18-£20 for an adult. Pro Tip: Buy the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass for around £27-£30. It includes entry to both the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory, offering a great saving!
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
- Accessibility: The ship is fully accessible, with lifts to all levels.
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Marvel at the Old Royal Naval College
Prepare to be awestruck. This architectural masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren is a cornerstone of the Greenwich UNESCO site. While the grounds are free to wander, the true jewel is the Painted Hall. Often called “Britain’s Sistine Chapel,” this spectacular baroque interior took 19 years to complete and will leave you breathless. The site is also a star of the screen, so keep an eye out for familiar backdrops from films and TV shows like The Crown, Thor: The Dark World, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Price: Entry to the spectacular Painted Hall is around £15. The extensive grounds are free to explore.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
- Tip: An excellent audio guide is included with your ticket—be sure to grab one to learn the incredible stories behind the art.
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Wander Through Greenwich Market
Feeling peckish? Greenwich Market is the answer. As London’s only historic market set within a World Heritage site, it has a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere you’ll love. Dive into a world of incredible street food, with vendors serving up dishes from every corner of the globe. Beyond the food, you’ll find stalls selling unique arts and crafts, antiques, independent fashion, and handmade jewellery. It’s the perfect place for lunch and a spot of souvenir shopping.
- Price: Free to enter.
- Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm.
- Best for: A delicious, budget-friendly lunch with endless options.
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Relax in Greenwich Park & Soak Up the Best View of London
London’s oldest enclosed Royal Park is the green heart of Greenwich. It’s the perfect place to stroll through beautiful gardens, see the deer enclosure, and simply relax. But the park’s main draw is the incredible, protected view of the London skyline from the hill by the Royal Observatory. From this single vantage point, you can see the modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, the Old Royal Naval College, the Queen’s House, and the River Thames snaking its way towards the City of London. It is, without a doubt, one of the best views of London.
- Price: Free.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 am to dusk (closing times vary by season).
- Best Photography Spot: For that postcard-perfect shot, stand directly in front of the General Wolfe statue.
Sample One-Day Greenwich Itinerary for 2025
Want to fit it all in without feeling rushed? Follow this logical itinerary to minimise backtracking and maximise your day trip to Greenwich.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Arrive in Greenwich | Arrive via the DLR at Cutty Sark station. Grab a coffee from a local cafe to start your day. |
| 10:00 AM | Explore the Cutty Sark | Be there for opening time to enjoy it before the main crowds arrive. Allow about 1.5 hours. |
| 11:30 AM | Walk up through Greenwich Park | Enjoy the scenic 15-minute walk up the hill towards the Royal Observatory. |
| 12:00 PM | Royal Observatory & Prime Meridian | Take your classic photo straddling two hemispheres and explore the museum. Allow 1.5-2 hours. |
| 2:00 PM | Lunch at Greenwich Market | Walk back down the hill and reward yourself. Choose from dozens of amazing street food stalls. |
| 3:30 PM | Old Royal Naval College | Time to be amazed by the Painted Hall. Allow 1-1.5 hours for this stunning experience. |
| 5:00 PM | Riverside Stroll & Depart | Enjoy a final walk along the Thames Path before taking the Uber Boat back to central London for incredible sunset views. |
Where to Eat in Greenwich
From quick bites to historic pubs, Greenwich has dining options for every taste and budget. Here are a few of our top picks.
Budget-Friendly Bites (£)
- Greenwich Market: The undisputed champion for variety and value. You can find everything from delicious Ethiopian stews to Brazilian Churros and artisan sandwiches.
- Goddard’s at Greenwich: A true London institution serving traditional Pie, Mash and Liquor since 1890. A must-try for an authentic local experience.
Classic Pubs (££)
- The Gipsy Moth: Located right next to the Cutty Sark, this is the perfect spot for a pint and classic pub food with a wonderful view of the ship.
- The Trafalgar Tavern: A historic, Regency-era pub right on the river. Try to get a seat in one of the beautiful bay windows for fantastic views.
Cafes & Restaurants (££)
- Peyton and Byrne: A lovely, bright cafe located within the National Maritime Museum, making it a perfect stop for tea, coffee, and delicious cakes.
- Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant: A popular and reliable choice offering a broad all-day menu of modern European dishes in a relaxed, charming setting.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips & Packing List
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are some pro tips and a handy checklist to ensure your day trip is smooth, comfortable, and memorable.
Insider Tips for Your Greenwich Visit
- Buy a Day Pass: If you plan to visit both the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory, the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass is a no-brainer and will save you money.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: This is non-negotiable! You will be doing a lot of walking, including a steep climb up the hill in Greenwich Park.
- Go on a Weekday: To avoid the biggest crowds, especially at the popular Prime Meridian photo spot, try to plan your visit for a Monday-Thursday.
- Explore the Free Museums: Don’t forget that the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House (home to the famous Tulip Stairs) are both free to enter and contain world-class art and history collections.
What to Pack for a Day in Greenwich
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A portable phone charger or power bank
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- A camera to capture the amazing views
- A light rain jacket or umbrella (this is London, after all!)
- Contactless card or Oyster card for easy transport
Estimated Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Wondering how much to budget? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you plan your spending for the day.
| Expense Category | Budget Estimate | Mid-Range Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | £8 (Train/DLR return) | £20 (Uber Boat return) |
| Attractions | £27 (Museums Day Pass) | £42 (Day Pass + Painted Hall) |
| Food & Drink | £15 (Market lunch + coffee) | £35 (Pub lunch + drink) |
| TOTAL | ~ £50 | ~ £97 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Greenwich worth a day trip?
Absolutely! Its unique mix of maritime history, groundbreaking science, royal architecture, and incredible city views, all within a single UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes it one of the best and most rewarding day trips from central London.
What is the best way to get to Greenwich from London?
For speed, the fastest way is by train from London Bridge (around 10-15 minutes). For the best experience, the most scenic and memorable way is by Uber Boat (Thames Clippers) on the River Thames.
Can you do Greenwich in half a day?
You can, but it would feel very rushed. To comfortably see the main sights like the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and Old Royal Naval College without rushing, a full day (6-8 hours) is highly recommended.
Is it free to walk around Greenwich?
Yes! It is completely free to walk around the town, explore the beautiful grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, relax in Greenwich Park, and browse the stalls at Greenwich Market. The National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House are also free to enter. You only need to pay for specific ticketed attractions like the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and the Painted Hall.
TLDR: Your Perfect Greenwich Day Trip in a Nutshell
Pressed for time? Here’s the essential plan for an amazing day trip to Greenwich:
- Getting There: Take the fast train from London Bridge or the scenic Uber Boat for the best views.
- Must-Sees: Stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, explore the Cutty Sark, and gaze at the Painted Hall.
- Best View: Head to the top of Greenwich Park by the General Wolfe statue for an unforgettable London skyline panorama.
- Lunch: Grab a delicious and affordable bite at the bustling Greenwich Market.
- Top Tip: Buy the Royal Museums Day Pass to save money on entry to the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory.
