Greenwich is synonymous with London’s maritime history and includes popular visitor attractions such as the Cutty Sark & the Meridian Line within at the Greenwich Royal Observatory. Follow our guide to Greenwich packed with tips & tricks to get the most for your visit including how to gain FREE access to the Meridian Line plus cheap ticket options.
1. Greenwich Royal Observatory; FREE access to the Meridian Line
Straddle the Meridian Line at the Greenwich Royal Observatory and you’ll be standing with a foot in both the eastern & western hemispheres that draws thousands of tourists each year. There are entry charges in place to enter the Royal Observatory that includes access the Meridian Line, but savvy visitors can bypass these charges. Not many people realise that there is another way to pick up FREE public access to the Meridian Line where you too can straddle the both hemispheres without forking out for entrance fees.
Find out more details over at Free Access To The Meridian Line.
Views From Outside Greenwich Royal Observatory
The Thames Clipper; Greenwich Pier
Combine a visit to Greenwich with a trip along the River Thames by taking the Thames Clipper. Here’s an chance to explore London by boat for a fraction of the cost of standard river cruises that takes in popular sights along the river such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Tower of London & the London Eye. Whilst there isn’t any commentary on the Clipper, for those that know their landmarks this does offers value for money whilst you journey to Greenwich. Simply alight at Greenwich Pier for the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Royal Observatory & the Meridian Line.
More details available at Budget London; Thames Clipper Guide.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel allows visitors to Greenwich an opportunity to go under the River Thames for FREE. Since 1902, the foot tunnel has linked Greenwich with the Isle of Dogs and offers pedestrians an easy walk under the Thames. Access to the Greenwich side of the tunnel is located close to the Cutty Sark; simply look out for the distinctive dome building where you will start your descent. The impressive lifts can be temperamental, (the lift has it’s own twitter account @GreenwichLift that advises on availability), so worth banking on the 100 steps down to the start of the tunnel and similar on the other side. Whilst the tunnel itself has seen better days, it’s a fun activity to do for adults & children alike plus it’s FREE of charge. More information available without our Guide to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
FOLLOW OUR Budget Views Over London including FREE entry & cheap ticket options!
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
National Maritime Museum; FREE Entry
Not many people are aware that you can gain FREE entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Here’s a chance to see Nelson’s Trafalgar Coat plus plenty of interactive areas for children throughout the museum. Additional charges are in place for exhibitions but worth checking out combined ticket offers with the Cutty Sark & the Royal Observatory for those planning a visit.
The Cutty Sark
Many visitors planning a trip to Greenwich look to include a visit to the Cutty Sark; the last surviving tea clipper that dates back to 1869. Following a devasting fire in 2007, a £50m refurbishment was completed back in 2012 where the Cutty Sark was restored to its former glory. Here’s a chance to explore the Cutty Sark from within, learn more about the tea trade and enjoy a chance to drink Twining’s tea under the gleaming hull of the ship. Find out more details about cheap tickets, deals and offers within our Guide to the Cutty Sark.
IFS Cloud Cable Cars
Running between Greenwich Peninsula & the London Docks, the IFS Cloud Cable Cars offers you a birds eye view across the River Thames. Taking in views over London including Canary Wharf, City Hall, the Cutty Sark, the O2 Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium & the Thames Barrier, you can travel 90 metres above the Thames. Tickets are reasonably priced, offering you a new perspective over the river away from the main tourist throng. You can combine the cable cars with a trip along on the Thames Clipper; simply alight at North Greenwich Pier. Find out more details within our IFS Cloud Cable Cars Guide.
Views from the IFS Cloud Cable Car
Greenwich Park; Children’s Playground
Those with young children will be interested in the refurbished children’s playground that is located within Greenwich Park, (close to the Queen’s House). This is a great playground for children up to around 8 years plus toilets on hand too.
