Greenwich... gives you a Mean old Time

It had been a new experience for us, although regular visitors to London we had never travelled on the Docklands Light Railway before. The clean, modern carriages ran mostly overground taking us through numerous housing complexes, like a theme park tour ride based on inner city living. There is even a free downloadable audio guide to enhance your trip. Passing through the extravagance of the Canary Wharf development, it was evident that the area it is still rapidly growing judging by the numerous building projects taking place. Our destination point was Greenwich on the south side of the River Thames, a World Heritage site due to its role as the centre of the World Time Zone system. 

Our first port of call was appropriately the rivers edge and the awe inspiring “Cutty Sark”. The Tea clipper dating back to the 1870's is now fully restored back its original magnificence and open to visitors to explore. Although a fee payable attraction, the ship is well worth a visit and is a magnificent sight with its vast rigging's reaching high into the sky. Within the museum itself you can take a walk under the cooper covered hull before going on board to view all the decks within..  

Staying with the Nautical theme, it was just a short walk to the National Maritime Museum, another of London’s fantastic free offerings (Donations gratefully accepted). Celebrating the British nations role in all things seafaring the museum relays information on naval involvement in subjects such as  international trading, slavery, expedition through to warfare. The highlight of the museum is the current exhibition of "Nelson, Navy, Nation" highlighting the conditions that sailors endured  during life on board a warship. Amongst the many fine Nelson related exhibits you simply cannot miss seeing the splendour of the iconic hero’s uniform in which he died wearing, complete with bullet hole on the shoulder. 

The museum is incredibly child friendly with plenty of hands on exhibits, complete with a gigantic floor map of the world for them to go on their own expedition using an inter active hand held tablet device.Another attraction includes The "Ship Simulator" which allows your child to be the captain at the bridge taking charge of various situations such as the sinking of an enemy ship. Take a look at the colourful wall mounted display of ship figureheads like a collection of latter day cartoon characters.

High on a hill in the middle of the Greenwich Royal park is the Royal Observatory, its protruding Onion dome housing a giant 28 inch telescope, a prominent landmark since its introduction in 1893.


The trek up the long winding pathway towards it is certainly strenuous but you are rewarded with wonderful views once at the top. An image of two different times, from the stately historic buildings below to the futuristic high rise complexes of Canary Wharf in the distance, with the majestic River Thames separating them.  

Situated at the hill top is Flamsteed House the original Observatory building designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675, now housing a museum with exhibits regarding Greenwich's historical connection with time. Within it's grounds is the "Meridian courtyard" giving visitors the chance to take the obligatory photo astride the meridian line, a footstep in both the east and western hemisphere. It's a shame that an entrance fee is required to enter this area although a far less glamorous continuation of the line can be found just outside its perimeter wall for those who wish to partake in the experience for free. 
The Observatory also houses an Astronomy Centre together with the London Planetarium, making this literally a "Star" attraction,  
  



Journeying back down the hill brought us to the elegant "Queens House" dating back to the 17th Century. Formally the home of Charles I queen, Henrietta Maria, it now houses an art exhibition with a mixture of periodic portraits, scenes and more obscure contemporary pieces.

With time running short it meant we had to leave the Old Royal Naval College till another day. A good enough reason to return however, the anticipation of visiting  the beautiful  twin domed building designed by Sir Christopher Wren on the grounds that were the birthplace of both Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. If this wasn't enough it was also the place where Nelsons body lay in state following his death, quite a pedigree for a historical site to have.

Back in the town, Greenwich Market offers visitors the chance to sample a range of foods from all parts of the world with stalls offering home cooked delicacies from the likes of the Middle East, Africa and Asia through to good old fashioned London Bangers. There was certainly plenty of choice for all palates particularly for those willing to try something new. The market also showcases an array of independent traders, selling all sorts of art works, crafts and  clothing, an opportunity to get that unusual item not seen in everyday shopping outlets. Although not as large as either Camden or Brick Lane, the market still has a positive vibe to it and draws you in with the uniqueness of the offerings on sale.

Greenwich is a great place to visit with plenty to see and do, you should expect to spend a full day there if you want to see most of the things it offers. Not only is it very picturesque with its white regal buildings, there seems a relaxed, feel good factor abound. It’s as if it has played it’s prominent part in British history and it can now live a more reflective, calmer lifestyle leaving the future to the “young upstart” developments across the river.