When you’re in need of a break from classes, coursework or projects, the local Greenwich area has plenty to offer you. From culture
to food and drink, and from green spaces to heritage attractions, we think there’s really something for everyone locally. Here’re a few of our favourites...
The Painted Hall
- A true classic. Find it on campus at the Old Royal Naval College. This baroque masterpiece is often referred to as the ‘Sistine chapel of the UK’. Visit and soak in the history and art. And, you might even recognise your surroundings if you’ve seen the hit Netflix show, ‘The Crown’! (At the time of writing, University of Greenwich students get FREE entry with their student ID!)
The National Maritime Museum
- The Museum is awash with stories of the high seas. Dive into a world of seafarers, ships, business, politics and royalty and discover epic tales from the past. Learn too about the fascinating the history of London’s river, the Thames - the very reason London exists! Spend too long at the museum and you might just be left yearning for Jack Sparrow (who, incidentally, was seen on campus when the Old Royal Naval College was used for the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger tides in 2011).
Take an Uber boat
- Ok, we admit it, it’s not the local area as such but if you’re looking to discover a new side to London why not hop on a riverboat (these sail from Greenwich Pier) and travel upstream to Westminster. It’s a stunning scenic journey along the Thames, with views of some of London’s most iconic landmarks - our campus (obviously), the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the Gerkin, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard and the Houses of Parliament, to name just a few sights.
Green spaces
- Escape the hustle and bustle in Greenwich’s Royal Park! This sprawling green lung is filled with acres of grass and trees. Go exploring and you’ll find a boating lake, a deer enclosure, several cafes and the Royal Observatory! Make it to the park’s highest point and you’ll be treated to the stunning view of the City of London and Docklands - a perfect Insta-worthy backdrop and, perhaps, one of London’s best viewpoints? (Don’t forget to look for the rather special (fallen) oak tree. Believed to date from the 12th century, it’s said that Elizabeth I enjoyed refreshments in its shade and Henry VIII danced around it with his second wife, Anne Boleyn.)
Greenwich Market
- Greenwich 'town centre' very much has the feel of a London ‘village’. Stuffed with cafes, bars, pubs eateries and more, it’s a buzzy and vibrant spot and in the heart of it is Greenwich market - popular with locals and visitors alike for a very good reason. Wander into the market along a quaint alleyway and you’ll find yourself in a space full of independent shops and stalls selling everything from delicious street food from a multitude of cultures, to crafted items, to vintage goods. And, with this writer having seen pottery-making and fortune-telling on a recent visit, it’s possible there may be something new to discover each visit!
If you know Greenwich, you may have your own favourite spots (we can’t cover them all and, some, we want to keep secret!).
Thinking of studying with us? If so, come and meet us at our next Open Day and you’ll not just be able to explore the campus and our courses but also discover, for yourself, some the things that the local area has to offer. Find details of our upcoming Open Days here: https://www.gre.ac.uk/events/opendays
