Greenwich - Sightseeing, London Areas

Greenwich

There are not too many defenders of the Millennium Dome around these days. But if nothing else it has served to place the spotlight on what is undoubtedly a place for the future.

To get there is easy thanks to the Docklands Light Railway, six stops south from Canary Wharf.

Until now Greenwich's main claim to fame has been that the world sets its clocks by their time. In the Royal Greenwich Observatory a simple line on the floor defines where east meets west and The Prime Meridian, a hypothetical line joining the north and south Poles, also signifies Greenwich Mean Time from which all other time zones are measured.

The National Maritime Museum is home to the world's largest maritime historical reference library, as well as a wealth of nautical exhibits and artefacts. In the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is the Painted Hall, a front runner for the title of finest dining hall in the world. Here, after the Battle of Trafalgar, the body of Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson was laid prior to his State Funeral at St Paul's Cathedral.

Down on the waterfront the Cutty Sark, last of the great tea clippers, enjoys a new existence as one of London's most popular attractions seen across the world every year as the London Marathon winds its past this historic ship.

At The Greenwich Gateway, next to the Tourist Information Centre in Cutty Sark Gardens, a welcome to visitors to the town is given, backed up by an exhibition on historic Greenwich. This is an excellent place from which to start your time in Greenwich.

A fine array of places to eat and drink offers history, as at the Trafalgar Tavern in Park Row, contemporary chill at Time, in College Approach, or traditional at The Admiral Hardy, also in College Approach.

Shopaholics will find plenty to intrigue in The Central Market, Greenwich's answer to Petticoat Lane, with an emphasis on vintage clothing. More trendy is Frockbrokers, an independent boutique, The Emporium, Essential Music in Creek Road or Decomania in College Approach specialising in 1920s - 1970s furniture.

Make no mistake about it, with its ease of access, waterfront location and sense of history Greenwich is the place that no self-respecting visitor can afford to miss.

Nearest Underground stops: Cutty Sark - for Maritime Greenwich DLR