Leave Greenwich pier and turn…
LEFT: Turn left along the Thames onto a thin pathway where during low tide you can see the remains of a Tudor pier in front of the Old Royal Naval College buildings. The outline of a jetty can be seen just yards to the west of the Palace of Placentia site where King Henry VIII was born.
From here, you can turn right through black gates into the Naval College grounds which are now open, along with the retail shops. The indoor spaces, including the Painted Hall are now open. INFO
Behind the Old Royal Naval College is Greenwich Park. Its well worth a stroll to the top of the hill for the breath-taking views. Whilst you are up there, visit the Royal Observatory. INFO
Time for brunch or a pint? If you stay on the Thames path you will arrive at a fantastic pub with not only riverside seating, but a stunning roof terrace! The Trafalgar Arms – dog friendly, child friendly, adult friendly – just look at it here, have you ever seen a more beautiful interactive building plan: INFO
STRAIGHT: Head straight off the boat and towards the Cutty Sark. As you can see from the video, its hard to miss. She is an absolutely stunning vessel. Step aboard and see what it was like to be a sailor 150 years ago: INFO
Beyond the Cutty Sark you arrive at the heart of Greenwich where the market is a must visit. You can pick up all sorts of wonders from arts & crafts to food fit for a captain! Id recommend trying Goddards traditional Pie and Mash: INFO
RIGHT: To the right of the pier is a large seating area of benches and shrubbery. If you sit closest to the river, you get a wonderful view of Canary Wharf. You’ll also see the domed entrance to the Greenwich foot tunnel which, via a lift, takes you around 50ft deep under the Thames. The tunnel leads to the north side of the river where you emerge at Island Gardens. Here you can look back across the river to see the Naval College in all its glory. Its very nice over there, but, if like me you have an over active imagination and can only focus on the old walls caving in and waves of water flooding the tunnel, it makes for a very claustrophobic and hasty walk to the other side! However, you’ve got to do it at least once, right? INFO
Whilst on the other side, if you walk further along the river past Island Gardens, after about 10 mins you arrive at Folly House Beach, a lovely relaxing spot with amazing views over the river to the O2 where you can sit and listen to the water come ashore. Its one of my break stops when on a cycle ride, check it out if you can!
Back on Greenwich side, and about a 5 minute walk along the river from the shrubbery benches is The Oyestercatcher, another riverside restaurant where you can sit and see the cruise liners docked. It never ceases to amaze me how such large ships stay afloat?! The food here is great, and its suitable for children. INFO
If you visit any of these places, or perhaps somewhere I haven’t mentioned, please let me know via Instagram @coventgardenmum or by email. Id love you hear your experience and perhaps even see some photos! Have a great time…