How to Plan a Day Trip to Maritime Greenwich.docx

1. How to Plan a Day Trip to Maritime Greenwich Maritime Greenwich is one of the greatest historical and cultural landmarks, and it is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. A day trip here presents priceless architectural gems, fascinating royal history, sea bergs, and great achievements in the fields of science and timekeeping. From history buffs to families with children to lone wanderers, Greenwich has everything you are looking for. Here are some useful tips for the best way to spend your day in Maritime Greenwich: Morning: Start with Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory Start the day early at Greenwich Park, and do not forget to pack up some snacks and food, as it might take several hours before you can explore the whole park. This lush green area is more suitable for an early morning walk, and at the same time, it is home to several important sights. If you are with family and have children to entertain, consider visiting the Greenwich Park Playground. The playground is quite welcoming and very active in the morning, and there are many activities for the little kids. Next, cross the road and head up the hill to the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG). Located in the United Kingdom to serve as the reference for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian, the ROG actually unites east and west at Longitude 0°. Being on the

2. Prime Meridian line is also very special as this place has been chosen to represent the concept of time across the world. #Tip: Buy a Day Explore ticket for £19, available online, that allows entry to both the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. If you’re staying at hotels close to Buckingham Palace, getting here is a breeze, and you’ll be able to enjoy the panoramic views of London from the hilltop. After exploring the observatory, take a break and soak in the stunning views while savoring a packed snack or a refreshing cup of tea. Midday: Explore Maritime Marvels Moving down the hill, the next important place of interest is the National Maritime Museum (NMM). This museum is free to visit, and its numerous exhibits and displays give visitors a comprehensive insight into British naval history. The life-like models of the ships and the touchscreen displays will entice anyone who visits the place. It also has informative displays of the spice/silk trade, the creation of ports, and slavery, putting Britain’s maritime past into perspective. Turner’s Battle of Trafalgar Gallery is worth seeing for all the art lovers out there. However, you should be careful if you are with children because the depiction of the war scenes might not be appropriate for all ages. Time permitting, you can visit The Queen’s House – a captivating royal residence that boasts a rich collection of art. However, if your children love to explore, you might end up spending more time in NMM than planned, as the activities and games provided are engaging and easy to get lost in. Afternoon: Discover the Cutty Sark and Old Royal Naval College Now, it’s time to take a brief tour of Greenwich Pier, which hosts one of the world’s most famous ships, the Cutty Sark. This was one of the great clipper ships of its epoch, and it holds the record for being the benchmark British tea clipper. However, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advance for an affordable tour; even just getting a view of the ship’s external appearance tells a lot about the history of maritime.

3. You can also read: Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit in London #Tip: A few bucks can be shaved off the ticket price when you purchase your tickets online; also go for the combination ticket for better savings. Having explored the Cutty Sark, you can take a leisurely walk through the campus of the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC). The ORNC is well known for ‘The Painted Hall,’ which is famed as ‘The Sistine Chapel of the UK.’ If possible, join the Painted Hall Ceiling Tour to get a better and closer look at the work of art. Even if young kids may not enjoy the tours, the experience is one of a kind for lovers of art and history. Late Afternoon: Unwind at Greenwich Market End your day at the famous Greenwich Market. This busy market is really a sensory delight, and there are numerous food vendors to satisfy your appetite. When it comes to food, one cannot be disappointed as all types of cuisines, ranging from international foods to local foods, are available. Food apart, the market has stalls that sell arts and crafts, souvenirs, jewelry and fashions to suit the sophisticated pallet of tourists. This is especially so if you have kids, for which you can take them to buy sweets or a slushie or buy yourself a cup of coffee from the vintage shops. The bustle of the market is the icing on your trip to Greenwich as you reflect on the history you have learned in the area. If you’re staying in Central London, it’s easy to get here and enjoy a peaceful break from the city. Final Thoughts A day trip to Maritime Greenwich is a marvelous experience consisting of history, culture and beautiful views. Be it wandering through the wooden floors of The Cutty Sark, treading on the Prime Meridian line, or savoring a meal at the busy Greenwich Market, this enchanting neighborhood dispels the hustle of urban life. Therefore, spare a day to explore Central London and dive into the marine history of Greenwich – it is worth it!