Explore London Greenwich Edition - How to Spend a Day in Greenwich London Things to Do Travel Guide Two Sapphic Hags Travel

London Explore: How to Spend a Day in Greenwich

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Trying to figure out what to do in London without having the urge to throw your phone or blow your entire budget? Same, friend–I have felt the exact way many times when trying to explore this great city. But then the perfect riverside oasis entered the chat.

Meet Greenwich: She’s everything you ever wanted London to be, i.e., historic landmarks, delicious market foods, and unforgettable river views. And when you spend a day wandering around her, you even get the chance to pretend you’re living your “Bridgerton” dream. 

To say that I love Greenwich is a bit of an understatement at this point; “obsessed” is probably a more accurate description. My first visit was for a Silent Disco at the Painted Hall last summer, and the second I stepped foot on the ground of the Old Royal Naval College, it was over–I was (and am still) enamored.

Unlike many of the top tourist hotspots in London, Greenwich doesn’t disappoint. Instead, it looks exactly like I always envisioned England to look, at least since that Bath episode of Samantha Brown’s “Passport to Europe”.  BUT–a very big “but”–getting to Greenwich town centre is a bit chaotic, and knowing where to go and what to do isn’t as easy as TikTok makes it look. 

That’s why I mapped out the perfect one-day Greenwich itinerary, which we tested ourselves so that we can offer the most helpful tips and tricks possible. I’ve compiled it all together in this travel guide so that you can know exactly how to spend a day in Greenwich without the chaos or the fuss.

How do you say “Greenwich”?

Grin-itch or GREN-itch. Skip the W altogether (no “wuh”).

What You Need to Know About Greenwich

When trying to figure out all the things to do in London, the hardest part is determining an area to focus on. Greenwich is a great location to start. There’s plenty to do, with the bulk of options being free or budget-friendly. Before you run out to explore, I thought it’d be helpful for you to get to know the area better. Gotta learn her middle name before you move in, right? (Where my U-haulers at? ✋) 

Explore Greenwich What to do in London Travel Series Introduction for Two Sapphic Hags Travel, image of greenwich landmarks in polaroid-style frames

Is Greenwich Part of London? Understanding the Town, Borough, and Zone

When a person says “Greenwich” in London, it can mean a lot of things. First off, there’s Greenwich, which is often referred to as a town. All the well-known historic landmarks are located around town centre, right off the Thames–the main river that runs through London. Often, this area is also called Maritime Greenwich. 

Greenwich town is also part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. For my fellow midwesterners/country folk from the U.S. or my friends over from Ireland, that’s like a county. There are 32 boroughs in London, plus the City of London–that’s like our Washington D.C. So, how can one city have so many “counties”? I get it; I grew up in an area where we were used to a very linear thought process of town, county, state, and then country. However, for anyone who grew up in a large city, like New York, the concept of borough is not unusual, so this section isn’t for you–go ahead and jump down to the next bit. 

So, “London” usually refers to Greater London, which was formally called the County of London–yep, familiar territory here. Greater London is home to all 32 boroughs and the City. However, when people are visiting London as tourists, they’re not likely going to be interested in the outskirts, like Bromley or Croydon (no shade, you’re cute, too). Instead, the focus is on Central London or Zone 1, which includes (mainly) the City of London, Soho, and Westminster, along with any points of interest in Postal London, i.e., anywhere outside of central that has a London postcode. Greenwich town falls into this area with a SE10 postcode district (SE=South East). It’s also in Zone 2. 

London is big, beautiful, and complex with 8.5 million people. No two areas are alike, but Greenwich definitely stands out. 

So, in short, Greenwich is part of London, but it’s also got its own thing going. 

CHEATSHEET

Greenwich is in:

  • Greater London
  • Postal London
  • Greenwich Borough
  • Zone 2
Facts & Stats About Greenwich London How ot Spend a Day in London Explore Two Sapphic Hags Travel

How Big Is Greenwich, London? 

The exact population of Greenwich is a bit tricky to pin down. The Royal Greenwich Borough, which covers a huge area and many towns, has a population of nearly 300,000 people. However, the borough contains 17 wards. I know what you’re thinking: “A ward? What the fˆck is a ward? I thought there were boroughs. God damnit. Why is it so complicated? Jesus Christ!” 

Wait, breathe…Before you freak out, I promise this one doesn’t need three paragraphs to explain. 

A “ward” is just how they break up the areas for governing, basically, little bite-sized local governments for easier, localized management. Each ward has its own elections for councillors, so, at least in theory, people have a greater say in everyday decisions–like trash, housing, and healthcare, ensuring that the results are tailored to the needs of that specific micro-culture. 

Greenwich town consists of parts of three wards (with approximate populations in parentheses): Greenwich Creekside (11.5k), Greenwich Park (10.5k), and Greenwich Peninsula (11.4k). The trouble is these areas stretch outside the bounds of the town, so the exact population is pretty impossible to determine without going house-to-house. BUT we can estimate that it’s around 30,000 people, give or take. That’s nearly the same population as the entire country I grew up in. 

3 Must-See Sights in Greenwich

Even if you’re not up for a full-day tour of Greenwich, there are a few famous spots you don’t want to miss out on seeing. Based on personal experience, I think you can manage to see each one, grab some pictures, and have a bit of fun in as little as an hour. So, if your trip to London is already pretty packed, then you can still get a taste of Greenwich with a quick stop by one of these three landmarks. 

Blog image of the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in London Things to Do by Two Sapphic Hags Travel

1. Painted Hall

You’ll never hear me rave more about architecture anywhere than the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. My first introduction to it was in the summer of 2025 when we attended a silent disco there, and I instantly fell in love. If you think it looks great in pictures, wait until you see it in person – it’s truly breathtaking. 

Finished back in 1726, the Painted Hall took nearly 20 years to complete. From the tile floor to the (painted) ceiling, every inch is covered in incredible detail that is sure to scratch that aesthetic itch in the brain. Art, amirite? 🎨 However, it’s not free. So, you can visit the Hall as part of the Old Royal Naval College’s general admission ticket, which will run you about £20 (check the site for lower rates and discount days). Or, if you want to spend a bit more time, try one of the special events, like the Silent Disco. 

Photo Gallery image for the Queen's House in Greenwich London Things to Do by Two Sapphic Hags Travel

2. The Queen’s House

I’d argue that one of the most overlooked things to do in London is the Queen’s House. Sitting right across the street from the Old Royal Naval College, the former royal residence combines exceptional architecture with epic artwork. Yet, this must-see Greenwich spot is FREE! Yep, totally free. 

The not-so-humble abode was completed back in 1635 and designed as a getaway for royalty and their friends. From the very beginning, it has hosted artists, which is a tradition that continues. The Queen’s House boasts one of the most impressive art collections in the country, if not the world, including the renowned Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I. They also regularly work with contemporary artists for speciality exhibits. 

Like most museums in London, you can book tickets ahead of time to ensure entry at a specific slot, but you can also just walk up. If it’s prime tourist season on a weekend, then you might have to wait a bit, but it’s a lovely spot to queue with a massive garden to the front, the College and Thames across the street, the Maritime Museum next door, and Greenwich Park in the background with the Royal Observatory watching over it all. 

Explore London: Greenwich blog image featuring photos of Greenwich Market including photobooth from Two Sapphic Hags Travel

3. Greenwich Market

London is known for its many markets, but Greenwich Market is one of the most underrated options, offering an intimate, local vibe. Thanks to being set outside of Central and not directly off a Tube line, it’s not quite as overrun as some of the other popular options. Don’t worry, you can still get chocolate-covered strawberries and fresh juice, but you get to skip the 10-minute line and claustrophobia-induced panic attacks. 

Officially dated back to 1737, Greenwich Market originally sold produce and livestock, but today, it features numerous local vendors and craftsmen, from food stalls and handcrafted goods to antiques and vintage books. The covered, indoor market is lined with shops, most of which are filled with independent businesses. 

HAGS’ Tip: Empanadas–don’t leave without trying one! If you enter off College Approach, the stall is directly in front on the right side. Delicious!

Greenwich Polaroid Image of the Ranger's House and Rose Garden at Greenwich Park in London on Two Sapphic Hags Travel

How to Get to Greenwich UK

One of the biggest obstacles to exploring Greenwich town is that there isn’t any direct tube access. However, there are still plenty of public transportation options available. Here’s a breakdown of all the ways to get to town centre – and there are many – for your Greenwich walking tour. 

Tube

Wait, I thought you said you couldn’t get to Greenwich by tube? Ah, yes, you can’t reach it directly via the Underground, but you can get somewhat near it. 

So, the Jubilee line is accessible through many major Tube stations in Zone 1, like Westminster and London Bridge. It runs to North Greenwich Station, which is at the top of the Greenwich Peninsula. To get over to town centre, you simply need to hop on a bus just outside the tube station and ride a few stops. Buses 108, 129, and 188 are usually the best bet, but check CityMapper for the most efficient option at the time you arrive and the TFL Go app for delay information. 

Train

Wait, aren’t the train and tube the same thing? Not in this city, babes. The “train” in this instance is the National Rail. 

There are multiple national rail companies that service other parts of the country and surrounding commuter towns, coming back and forth to London on a daily basis, usually stopping at one of the city’s major train hubs that also have tube access.

Southeastern Railway is one of those options, running from London Bridge and stopping at Greenwich station. Thameslink, another popular national service, also stops at Greenwich. Additionally, both of those rail services stop at Maze Hill station, which is just about a block from Greenwich Park and closer to the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Naval College. 

DLR

Okay, before you start yelling at me, I need to tell you that the DLR is also technically a train. Yes, yes, I know. BUT it’s a different type of train. 

The DLR, or Docklands Light Railway, is a driverless train line that runs mostly aboveground and primarily serves the east and southeast areas of London. It also has a station right in Maritime Greenwich, the Cutty Sark station. It also runs to Greenwich station. You can get the DLR from Bank over in Central. Alternatively, you can switch to it from the Tube or Elizabeth Line at Canary Wharf. 

Greenwich Foot Tunnel

Speaking of Canary Wharf, there’s also a foot tunnel that runs under the River Thames between Greenwich town and the Isle of Dogs. It only takes about 10 minutes to get across, and doing so opens up all of Canary Wharf travel options, including the Elizabeth Line. 

Bus

While you will most definitely hear people b*tch and moan about it–that’s the English way, baby (no hate, I’m here for it * wink *), London has one of the best public transport systems in the entire world. Along with the numerous rail systems in place, there are 675 bus routes across the city with over 8,700 buses operating. For perspective, that’s more buses than people in my hometown (all the shade to you, Mt. Vernon, MO; I’m still mad at you). 

If you’ve never used a public bus before (been there, done that), the buses are very simple to use. They use the same contactless tap-n-pay system as the Underground, but there isn’t a paper ticket option. Instead, either tap a Visitor Oyster, debit, or credit card, or use your phone to tap and pay at the machine just inside the front doors. There’s a massive sign, so don’t worry about not knowing what you’re doing. Unlike the train system, you also don’t have to tap out, so just hop out the back doors when you reach your stop. 

The best bus stops for Maritime Greenwich are:

  • Greenwich Town Centre/Cutty Sark (Stop C)
  • Greenwich Town Centre/Cutty Sark (Stop D)
  • National Maritime Museum (Stop F)
  • National Maritime Museum (Stop G)
  • Trafalgar Estate (Stop S)
  • Trafalgar Estate (Stop T)
  • Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich (Stop A)
  • Greenwich Church Street (Stop B)
  • Greenwich Town Centre / Nelson Road (Stop E)

Boat

Ohhh, my absolute favorite way to get to Greenwich: the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. It’s not the cheapest (that’s the bus!) or the fastest way (that’d be the train) to get there–it’s usually around £10 per person, but it’s the most visually romantic way. That’s why we tend to reserve it for a special occasion, like when we’re having a Silent Disco date night at the Painted Hall. It also comes in handy when the Tube strikes hit. 

The Uber Boat to Greenwich hits all the major piers throughout London along the Thames, including Westminster and London Bridge. You can grab a ticket ahead of time via the Uber app or just grab one from a machine at each individual pier. Alternatively, you can opt for contactless, using a phone or even an Oyster card. For out-of-towners, the Uber Boat also offers day passes for a hop-on, hop-off approach with speciality pricing for family tickets. 

London Cable Car

Another unforgettable way to see London, or at least a part of it, is the London Cable Car (formerly IFS Cloud Cable Car). The gondola line crosses the River Thames between the Royal Docks (just down from ExCeL London and Custom House station) and Greenwich Peninsula (by the O2 and North Greenwich Station), offering the most epic views of the London skyline from 300 feet above the water. 

If you want to take the cable car to Greenwich town centre, ride the Elizabeth Line or DLR to Custom House station. Then walk (12 minutes), cycle (two minutes), or drive (Uber or taxi, three minutes) to the Royal Docks Terminal entrance. On the other side, you’ll need to catch a bus (a five-minute walk from the terminal) from the Peninsula–the same ones listed above in the Tube section. Alternatively, grab a taxi from the station or order an Uber to the road that runs by the cable car. Or, if you’re feeling extra special, grab the Uber boat that docks just north of the cable car station.

Travel Journal Spread for 1-day in Greenwich Itinerary, London for Two Sapphic Hags Travel, featuring Greenwich Market, National Maritime Musuem, Queen's House, Greenwich Park, Old Royal Naval College, and the Cutty Sark

How to Spend a Day in Greenwich, London

To create this itinerary, I laid out all the must-see locations in Greenwich and figured out the most efficient way to move between them. Then, we tried it out for ourselves to make sure it works the way it was envisioned–and it did! We filmed our journey along the way, so that you know exactly what to expect (no travel anxiety here!)

COST: Every area we explored was free; I’ll note if there are paid options, but we didn’t pay anything except for food and the photobooth. 

Your 1-Day London Itinerary

Grab a Bite to Eat at Greenwich Market

Start your day by fueling up at Greenwich Market. There are so many food stalls at the market to choose from a variety of cuisine styles, from Thai to fresh oysters. You’ll find the food stalls both in the main market hall as well as in the open area of the market on Durnford Street, just off Greenwich Church St. 

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, grab one from a market stall. I’m a particular fan of the curated used books, but there is also artwork, leather goods, and skincare to name a few. Whatever you do, don’t leave without grabbing a photobooth picture set in the walkway between the main hall and Dunford! The photobooth itself is pretty Instagram-worthy, but the black-and-white photo finish gives an incredible vintage aesthetic–just like the market. Expect to spend £6 for the print. 

HAGS’ Tip: Try the Empanadas near the College Approach entrance. 

COST OF GREENWICH MARKET: Free entry, no ticket needed. Food costs are mid to high, on average–you can expect around £10 to £15 per person. Photobooth is £6.

QUEER LONDON MAKERS: There are numerous LGBTQ+ makers, artists, and entrepreneurs at Greenwich Market, many of which are there regularly. It’s a great opportunity to support the community by stopping by their stalls and buying a souvenir. 

Note: There aren’t any toilets at Greenwich Market. However, both the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House have free bathrooms–the Maritime Museum is closest and the toilets are just inside the door, no ticket-scanning required. The closest public restroom to Greenwich Market is at the Cutty Sark Gardens, which is open 24 hours but costs 50p. 

Image of photobooth photo outside of Greenwich Market in London, Things to Do Travel Guide for Two Sapphic Hags Travel

Explore the Exhibits at the National Maritime Museum

Exit the market at Nelson Road and follow it east (turns into Romney Road) until you reach the main entrance of the National Maritime Museum. You’ll see large, open iron gates with the name; you can’t miss it! 

As you walk up to the museum, prepare to take a minute to catch your breath as the sight is sure to take your breath away. Okay, that’s a bit of a bad dad joke, but it truly does offer one of the best visuals in all of London. The walk up to the building itself is dramatic as it sits amidst a huge, lush lawn that’s shared with the Queen’s House, which is over to the left. Directly behind the two museums, Greenwich Park offers an idyllic background with the Observatory peering down from up the hill above. 

I’ll be honest: the museum far exceeded my expectations. I was expecting some historical artifacts about sailing and its history in London; however, I was completely taken aback by the quality and extent of the artwork, exhibits, and archive materials. The boat replicas are next level! 

We started at the bottom and worked our way up, but even then, we didn’t have time to see everything. I’d recommend spending at least two hours exploring the space before moving on to the next location. 

HAGS’ Tips: Download the Smartify app for access to free audioguides for self-guided tours of the Maritime Museum. 

COST OF THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM: There are a few exhibits that are paid, but the majority of the areas are free to enter, as is the museum itself. 

TICKETS TO THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM: Book in advance online, but you can also just walk in without it. For paid exhibits, you can book online or buy tickets at the front desk. 

London Queer History: The National Maritime Museum has serious LGBTQ+ pride! They have a queer-themed history talk on a weekly basis (usually Thursday or Sunday), focused on an LGBTQ+ individual or subject related to maritime activities. The museum is also home to the Queer History Club and LGBTQ+ Family Network as well as regularly hosts talks, exhibits, and events related to queer history. 

Recommended Readings:

Visit the Queen’s House

You can exit the National Maritime Museum on the front side (where you came in/facing Romney Road) or on King William Walk (facing Greenwich Park). Try to go back out the front and turn right on the first sidewalk (inside the grounds), heading east towards the Queen’s House, which quickly comes back into view in all its epic glory. 

The term “house” is misleading in this context as the Queen’s House is not your everyday run-of-the-mill three-bed, two-bath terrace. No, it’s a property fit for an actual queen–Queen Anne of Denmark, who it was originally built for in the 1600s. Today, we’re lucky enough that the residence is both open to the public and free to visit. 

The house itself is an architectural masterpiece.  Considered the “first fully Classical building in England”, you’ll have to fight to keep your jaw closed as you peruse the iconic points of architecture throughout the museum, including the Tulip Stairs and the Great Hall. Also, the fireplaces are massive! And the stone is beautifully detailed. 

Along with the building, the “awe” continues throughout with some of the most memorable pieces of art to exist in the world, including the Armada Portrait. I was particularly blown away by the ceiling of the Queen’s Presence Chamber. 

HAGS’ Tip: Pick and download an audio tour from their website. There’s so much to see that a guided tour is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out the big hitters. Also, take a toilet break here in the basement before you go to avoid restroom charges in the park. 

COST OF THE QUEEN’S HOUSE: Entry to the Queen’s House is free with paid options for a guided tour. While a ticket isn’t required, booking one ahead of time guarantees entry if there’s an influx of visitors when you stop by. 

TICKETS TO THE QUEEN’S HOUSE IN GREENWICH: You can grab free tickets online, booking a day and time to enter. 

London Queer Art, Architecture, and History: As the backdrop for some royal, aristocrat, and artist shenanigans, it’s not a surprise that the Queen’s House has some queer history tied to it, e.g., Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill. You can hear all about it while touring the property via the LGBTQ+ audio guide “Fierce Royals”. 

Recommended Readings: 

What to Pack for London Greenwich Things to Do Image for Two Sapphic Hags Travel Guide

Stroll Greenwich Park

The exit from the Queen’s House is out the entrance, so as you walk out, turn to your left and then follow the side path next to the building and cut through the colonnades–the large stone-pillar-lined walkway between the House and the Maritime Museum. Follow this back to the sidewalk and turn to the right, walking down past the back of the Maritime Museum. There’s often an ice cream truck at The Cove Playground back there, so stop and grab a drink and sweet treat. From this spot, you can see Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle (giant bottle with a ship inside), so take advantage of the photo opportunity. 

Directly across from the food truck/play area, there’s an entrance to Greenwich Park. There are so many sights to see in the park that you could literally spend all day exploring. Seriously, it spans over 183 acres. One of my favorite spots is the Rose Garden up by the Ranger’s House, which is up the hill towards the parking lot. The Royal Observatory and the Greenwich line/Prime Meridian is also up the hill, but you can see the observatory from where you’ve entered (it’s that large reddish brick building).  

While the Royal Observatory isn’t free–tickets will run you around £24 for adults, you can get one of the best views of London right next to it for free. Head up Prime Meridian Walk to the Observatory and grab a photo at the viewing spot. While you’re up there, follow along Blackheath Avenue down to the Cherry Blossom row and turn right onto that sidewalk through the tree arch until you reach the iron gate entrance to the Rose Garden. This area is usually less populated than the other London hotspots in Greenwich Park, so take advantage of the quiet with a relaxing stroll. 

From here, go back towards Blackheath Avenue and follow it to the right back in the direction of the Observatory. Just after the roundabout, pull over to the right and stop by The Pavilion Cafe for some food and drink to power you through the rest of your day in Greenwich, such as a pizza or burger and fries with a beer, wine, or tea. If you eat at one of their outside tables, you’re sure to meet some new canine friends while you’re there. 

When you’ve finished, head back downhill to your starting point in the park, but instead of exiting, turn right and follow the path until you reach the pond. Grab a snap of the historic Millennium Sundial before renting a paddle boat for a bit of fun. Or, opt to rest waterside for a minute, taking in the views. If you grabbed a book at Greenwich Market, this is a perfect opportunity for a 30-minute reading break before moving on to the next stop on our itinerary. 

HAGS’ Tip: There are a few public restroom options in Greenwich Park, but they also cost around 20p (you pay via contactless). However, you can easily access the toilets at the National Maritime Museum for free, so if you get toilet anxiety (me!), stop in the museum on your way to the next stop and use the restroom. They’re also much cleaner there than many of the other options. 

COST OF GREENWICH PARK & THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY: Entry to the park is free, but the Royal Observatory costs £24 for adults and £12 for children. Public toilets in the park are 20p

TICKETS TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY: Buy tickets ahead of time online or in-person. Tickets include an audio guide. 

Queer Symbology in London Parks: While I couldn’t find any historical documentation directly related to the lesbian, sapphic, or general queer history of Greenwich Park, I’m sure numerous historic LGBTQ+ individuals have enjoyed the park during their lifetime–I imagine Anne and Sarah loved a good sapphic-leaning stroll. Greenwich Park is (unintentionally) home to numerous plants that hold queer symbolism, including violets, lavender, pansies, and roses. 

Recommended Reading:

Stop By the Old Royal Naval College

You can exit Greenwich Park at multiple points along that same sidewalk that runs parallel to the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House, but the goal is to head back to Romney Road–the road where you entered the grounds of the Maritime Museum. 

If you wrapped up your park exploration at Boating Pond, take the exit right next to it that takes you to Park Vista street, walking north along the iron fence next to the Queen’s House. Follow this across the intersection where Romney Road becomes Trafalgar Road so that you end up on Park Row. Here, you’ll walk down as if you’re going to the water until you get to a large gate opening on your left–turn here and feast your eyes on the larger-than-life architectural feats of the Old Royal Naval College

The grounds of the college are open to the public, and you’ll catch both tourists and locals hanging out on the lawns and enjoying the river views that run right next to it. There’s also a chance you’ll catch some filming of a new movie or television show as it’s the top heritage filming site in all of the U.K. Believe me: Once you’ve visited the Old Royal Naval College, you’ll quickly be able to identify it every time you turn on the TV. 

The exterior architecture is sure to impress, but if you want even more, you can visit the inside of the college by purchasing a general admission ticket, which includes access to the world-famous Painted Hall. It’s totally possible to enjoy the landmark for free by sticking to the outside, but this is one checkbox I’d recommend considering the additional cost. If not during your Greenwich day tour, then check out one of the events, like a Silent Disco–I’m a huge fan of these! Alternatively, you can take a virtual tour online

HAGS’ Tip: If you want to explore the Painted Hall but are on a tight budget, plan your visit for the first Sunday of the month–the tickets are reduced to £5!

COST OF THE OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE: Entry to the grounds is free, but to access the Painted Hall and a few other interior areas, a general admission ticket is required–runs about £19 with reduced prices available for qualifying individuals.

TICKETS TO THE OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE: Tickets are available in advance via their website, or you can book on the day at the Visitor Centre. FYI: Tickets are limited to a certain number of visitors, so if you wait for the day, there is a risk that no more tickets will be available. 

QUEER NAVAL HISTORY IN LONDON: Throughout history, there were a lot of same-sex relationships amongst sailors in the Royal Navy. Unfortunately, any such sexual relations between male sailors were not only illegal but punishable by death from 1627 to 1861, with the most famous maritime case involving Captain Edward Rigby of the Royal Navy back in 1698. Even after the death penalty was lifted, being openly gay in the Navy was illegal until 1994 and in the full extent of the armed forces until 1999 (basically, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era for the U.K.). 

Recommended Reading:

Hang Out Riverside by the Cutty Sark

Okay, we’ve reached our final stop of our self-guided Greenwich day tour. Wherever you’re at on the college grounds, turn to face the River Thames and walk towards it until you get to the sidewalk right before the iron fence, then turn left. Follow the walkway until you see a giant Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-style ship hanging out on the concrete. Say “hello” to the Cutty Sark

Built back in 1869, the historic sailing ship is praised as being one of the fastest ships during the 1800s and is the last surviving tea clipper (ship type) in the world. The Cutty Sark in London is massive! I haven’t been inside yet, but just walking around the exterior, it makes an impression! If you want to see the inside, a ticket purchase gives access to both inside the boat–cargo, cabins, main deck–as well as underneath the ship

Even if you opt not to go in (we didn’t), you can walk around and take pictures from the sidewalk surrounding it. This is also a great spot to enjoy the river. Additionally, if you’re taking the Uber Boat, the Greenwich Pier is right next to the Cutty Sark. The entrance to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is also right next to it if you’re heading to the Isle of Dogs and/or Canary Wharf. 

Hope you found how to spend a day in Greenwich with our itinerary!

Image for Greenwich 1-day Itinerary Map Travel Guide - Things to Do in London by Two Sapphic Hags Travel

What’s Free in Greenwich?

One of the best things about London is that so many museums and galleries are free. In Greenwich, this sentiment is true as well, offering plenty of things to do for free, including:

  • Greenwich Market
  • National Maritime Museum 
  • Queen’s House
  • Greenwich Park

Additionally, the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College are free to enter, but there are costs to explore certain indoor landmarks. 

Sapphic Travel Guide: Explore Greenwich UK

There are so many affordable and free historic sights to see and things to do in Greenwich that it’s surprising that it’s not at the top of everyone’s to-see list when visiting London. By taking the guesswork out of the process with a fully laid out one-day itinerary for the area, I’m hoping that Hags can help change that. Our queer travel guide outlines exactly how to spend a day in Greenwich, making it easier to explore London without the stress. 

So, did you follow our Greenwich tour guide? I want to know what your favorite stop was. Did you find anything I missed? Let me know over on TikTok or Instagram–drop a DM or leave a comment. <3

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FAQ About Greenwich London

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Greenwich in London, UK.

Travel Disclaimer: Conditions related to safety, laws, healthcare, entry requirements, and LGBTQ+ acceptance can change rapidly and may vary by region. Always check official government sources and local regulations before traveling.

Without a doubt! We LOVE Greenwich, and it offers so many opportunities for exploration. Whether you want to try new foods, see historic sites, or hangout park-side, there are so many things to do in Greenwich for all budgets and ages.

There isn’t a direct tube line to Greenwich, but you can grab the Jubilee line to North Greenwich Station, which takes you to the Greenwich Peninsula by the O2. From there, grab a bus over to Maritime Greenwich where all the main attractions listed on our What to Do in Greenwich itinerary are located. Buses 108, 129, and 188 all make stops through that area, but it’s also possible to take the DLR, Thames Clippers/Uber boat, and national rail to a station nearby.

The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operate multiple water taxis an hour to Greenwich Pier, which is conveniently located right next to the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval Academy. You can catch the boat from multiple points along the Thames, including Battersea Power Station, London Eye (by Waterloo), London Bridge City, Westminster (across from the London Eye at Westminster tube station), and Tower piers.

How long the boat ride to Greenwich Pier takes is based on the starting point. For example, getting on the Uber boat at Westminster Pier can take around 45 minutes to get to Greenwich. Tower Pier is closer, so only takes around 20 minutes, while London Bridge City Pier to Greenwich is about 25 minutes. The total length of time is impacted by weather, like fog and wind, as well as how busy the pick-up and drop-offs are at each pier along the way.

Greenwich is the “Home of Time”. As the location of the world Prime Meridian–where 0 degree longitude is marked, it divides east and west hemispheres and is where Greenwich Mean Time, which took place at Royal Observatory. 
Greenwich is also an UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its incredible collection of historic attractions, like the Cutty Sark and the Queen’s House. There are also ruins of the Tudor-favorite Greenwich Palace (aka Palace of Placentia) that date back to the 1400s, which was the birthplace to King Henry VII, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.

The ball drops at the Royal Observatory up on the hill in Greenwich Park. It’s called the Greenwich Time Ball, which is literally a large red ball on the pole of a weather vane on the roof of the historic building. Every day at 12:55 p.m., the ball rising process begins–first to the middle and then to the top at 12:58 p.m. At 1 p.m., it drops.

There are so many things to do in London, that determining how to spend a day in Greenwich can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve outlined a complete 1-Day in Greenwich itinerary to help guide you with your plans.

Check out each stop to see what you like, what you don’t, and what you want to add, then make adjustments to suit your specific travel goals. For instance, I didn’t include any pubs on the stops, but there are some great locations to stop by for a meal and drink, like Trafalgar Tavern and Cutty Sark–both of which offer excellent views of the Thames.

Absolutely! The area is incredibly walkable, so much so that the entire of our 1-day Greenwich itinerary is on foot. If you’re new to the area–or the city of London, then download the Citymapper app for the easiest walking directions.

You only need two to three hours to get a good introduction to Greenwich. While our our how to spend a day in Greenwich guide is set over six to eight hours, but it’s completely possible to narrow down your selection based on your specific interests. Simply review the itinerary, decide what you want to do the most–pick roughly three stops, then cut the others so that you piece together your chosen options into a custom half-day Greenwich itinerary.

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