Historic Greenwich
Walking Tour
Discover the history of England from Greenwich on a guided walking tour. Learn about the lives of sailors, heroes, and pirates, and enjoy views of London from Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
This is a very picturesque tour. Greenwich has some perfect examples of C17 and C18 Wren and Inigo Jones architecture, beautifully set off with the backdrop of the River Thames and the Royal Park.
We spend the first hour at river level, starting with the Cutty Sark and the great tea races...hearing the murky past of the British cuppa. We move on to the Old Royal Naval College - and hear about the lives of the Tudor monarchs who made history from their palace of Placentia.
And of course we hear about the lives of sailors, heroes and pirates who changed the face of Greenwich and global history.
We will then make our way into Greenwich Park for the next hour, to enjoy the views that were shared for hundreds of years by Charles II, Turner and the old veterans of the British Navy. There is a steep 10 minute walk, but the effort is well worth it to get the views across the whole of London. We will do this at a leisurely pace to ensure everyone can enjoy the stroll. We explore the top of the park, pausing to hear about the former slaves who made their home in Greenwich, before making our way to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian - hearing the exciting stories of navigation and science that helped Britain rule the waves for hundreds of years.
The tour ends at the Observatory with opportunities for photos.
Where: Greenwich
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
Distance: 3.2 kilometres - 2 miles
Meeting point: Greenwich Foot Tunnel (south side), Cutty Sark Gardens, next to Greenwich Pier and Cutty Sark DLR
what3words: darker.mercy.froze
Finishes: Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park
Meeting Point
Greenwich Foot Tunnel (south)
Cutty Sark Gardens
London SE10 9HT
what3words: darker.mercy.froze
Who will enjoy this tour? Anyone with a love of history and who enjoys an entertaining historical walk. Greenwich is spectacular with its C17 and C18 architecture and fabulous views across London. It was at the heart of the British Empire, witness to dark deeds and daring dos...lots of pirates, heros, scientists and explorers...all amazing characters who shaped global history. You need to be able to walk up the steep hill in Greenwich Park.
Booking: You can book on the site for a public tour or on request at 07912 583505 or mariehelly@yahoo.co.uk
Accessibility: This tour can be enjoyed by wheelchair users if your chair can make it up the steep hill or if you have a friend who can help with the big uphill push.
Cutty Sark
The great nineteenth century tea clipper that raced across the globe to satisfy the British taste for tea...
...a taste that caused wars, addiction and built an empire.
The Watergate at the Old Royal Naval College
Stand where Kings, Queens and pirates arrived at the Tudor Palace of Placentia, admire the beautiful Wren domes built by Mary II for her brave naval veterans - a seaman's hospital worthy of royalty: and hear how pirates' booty paid for it.
Fabulous Views
It's a steep climb, but the story of navigation and science at the Royal Observatory is worth the effort ....and you get the best views of London.
