This post was written in partnership with Royal Museums Greenwich. All opinions are my own.
Royal Museums Greenwich is home to some of the best views in London, plenty of fresh air and a healthy dose of culture, all within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fab four are Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum, and together they make the perfect family day out in London.
A day out at Royal Museums Greenwich: how to get there
I spent the day here with my daughter. We drove from Hammersmith, which took about an hour, but you could opt for the excellent Thames Clippers river boat service, which drops you off by the Cutty Sark. You could also take a bus or train to Greenwich, the DLR to Cutty Sark station or even cycle if you are local. Book tickets online in advance at rmg.co.uk.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Let’s start by heading into Greenwich Park and its 180 or so acres, the perfect place for a picnic if you ask me. Follow the signs to the Royal Observatory and start climbing up. You won’t be disappointed when you get to the top.
Commissioned by Charles II and designed by Christopher Wren, the Royal Observatory was home to the Astronomers Royal and is the home of Greenwich Mean Time.
Take in some of the best views in London
There are London views and there’s the Greenwich view. It’s the perfect marriage between old and new. Look out for the O2, the Shard, the London Eye and the Gherkin, with some of London’s historical gems taking centre stage: the Queen’s House, the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College.
Stand on the Prime Meridian line
The Greenwich Meridian was chosen as the Prime Meridian of the world in 1884. It marks the spot from which time zones are measured and is the line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres. Stand with one foot on each side and you’ll be meeting both east and west. At night, look out for the green laser that traces the Meridian line across the London skyline.
Reach for the stars at Flamsteed House
This swanky pad was built by Wren to house the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, and his family, and later Astronomers Royal lived here too. Look up outside and you’ll see a large red ball. This was one of the world’s earliest public time signals, allowing ships on the Thames as well as city dwellers to set their clocks. Today the Time Ball drops daily at 1pm.
Inside, find out how the Astronomers Royal and their families lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, and see the glorious Octagon Room, originally designed so the Astronomer Royal could make celestial observations from its generous windows. It is a rare example of a Wren-designed interior.
Then soak in some astronomical history in the Time Galleries, with tales of sea navigation and how longitude works. Paintings, scientific objects, clocks and interactive displays will keep the kids busy, and John Harrison’s marine timekeepers are among the highlights.
Cutty Sark at Royal Museums Greenwich
The Cutty Sark is the world’s last surviving tea clipper and a must-see when you’re in Greenwich. Launched in 1869, she was one of the fastest ships of her day. Start by walking beneath her gleaming hull, which is raised above the dry dock.
Then wander the decks and soak in the naval atmosphere.
The Royal Observatory isn’t the only place with killer views. Look out across the Thames from the deck to Canary Wharf, and spot the dome of the Greenwich foot tunnel below.
Don’t miss the living quarters and the gallery below deck, which tell the story of the ship and her crew.
Royal Museums Greenwich: the Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum
The Queen’s House is Britain’s first Palladian villa, designed by Inigo Jones, and home to a wonderful collection of art including Tudor and Stuart portraits. Entry is free. The National Maritime Museum, the largest maritime museum in the world, is free to enter too, with galleries telling the story of Britain’s relationship with the sea.
The Tulip Staircase at the Queen’s House is a thing of design beauty. It is Britain’s first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase, and the location of several reported ghost sightings.
Book a day out at Royal Museums Greenwich
So what are you waiting for? Get thee to Royal Museums Greenwich for a fun family day out. These unique attractions are part of an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines naval history, astronomy, royal history, architecture and art.
Say good morrow to the Tudor and Stuart portraits at the Queen’s House, tread the decks of Cutty Sark, see some of the best views in London at the Royal Observatory or sail through maritime history at the National Maritime Museum. Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory need tickets, and there is a day pass covering both. Check rmg.co.uk for current prices, opening times and what’s on.