The Greenwich to Blackheath walk offers a fantastic way to take in Greenwich’s main sites, some wonderful panoramic views of London, as well as the opportunity to stretch your legs over one of London’s Royal parks and open heathland.
Distance 3 to 4 miles.
When you arrive via boat at Greenwich Pier you are immediately pitched into the centre of this historic location.
Right in front of you stands the Cutty Sark, the famous tea clipper ship. Built in the 1860’s clippers were designed for their speed and ability to bring tea back from China as quickly as possible.
The ship has been open to the public in Greenwich since the 1950s.
After catching fire in May 2007, it has been fully restored and is again open to the public to inspect and admire.
Refreshments along the River Thames;
If you are hungry there are plenty of places to eat. As you leave the pier, you can turn left (eastwards, downriver) and follow the pathway that hugs the riverbank.
You’ll see the famous Old Royal Naval College to your right, which is now part of the University of Greenwich.
Within five minutes you’ll read the Trafalgar Tavern, a famous Greenwich pub. Here you can enjoy a bite to eat and the drink as you take in views across the river. You’ll be able to see the iconic O2 dome, the concert venue which was originally built to celebrate the millennium in 2000.
Alternatively, from Greenwich Pier you can walk in the other direction. This path eventually takes you back along the river to central London. Long before then (after about five minutes), there are two modern pubs Oystercatcher and The Sail Loft that offer riverside eating and drinking.
Greenwich Market
If you head beyond the Cutty Sark you’ll reach the historic centre of Greenwich. Here you can take in the hustle and bustle as tourists and locals mingle and saviour the shops and cafes on offer. Greenwich Market is well worth a visit.
First established in 1737 this atmospheric enclosed market space offers visitors the opportunity to browse arts, crafts, antiques and memorabilia.
There’s also the chance to savour street food from every corner of the world.
The National Maritime Museum;
If you walk through the market bear left and head for College Way, the road that runs parallel to the river. On both your left and right you’ll see the wonderful buildings of what was the Old Royal Naval College.
The building on your left now hosts the University of Greenwich. To the right is the National Maritime Museum which documents and charts the UK’s famous naval tradition. The Queen’s House is also worth visiting. This famous building was sighted on the grounds of the old Royal Greenwich Palace. It was designed by Inigo Jones and completed in 1635. It was the first building designed in the classical style to be built in England.
The Royal Observatory and Greenwich Park;
Behind the National Maritime Museum you can see Greenwich Park.
To enter the park you can walk round the main Museum building over the columned walkway. Alternatively, you can head back down College Way and enter the park at St Mary’s Gate along King William Walk.
At the top of the hill, almost in the middle of the park, stands The Royal Observatory.
You can walk through the park taking the path that climbs up to the entrance of The Observatory. The building was commissioned by Charles II and designed by Sir Chrisopher Wren. In 1720 it was named Flamstead House.
Next to the Observatory you can see the famous Meridian line. Greenwich Meantime and the meridian have been internationally recognised since 1884. And here you can see where, according to the Meridian, the east and west side of the globe divide.
Next to the Observatory there’s an impressive and imposing view back down over Greenwich. Immediately in front of you is the business district, Canary Wharf. The sights of central London can be seen to left.
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The statue in front of you is of General James Wolfe, a Greenwich resident who famously defeated the French army at the Battle of the Plans of Abraham, otherwise known as the Battle of Quebec in 1759. Wolfe died at the battle but his victory secured Britain’s control of Canada.
If you turn away from the magnificent view you can see a tree lined avenue which is called Blackheath Avenue stretching to the southern edge of the park.
Almost immediately to your left is The Pavilion Cafe, and a great place for refreshments.
The Park is 183 acres and is one of five Royal Parks in London. It’s worth spending some time strolling around the park. On the right hand side there are tennis courts and even a cricket pitch. Behind these you’ll find a traditional English rose garden.
Near the top of the left hand side of the main avenue there’s a pond and extensive flower garden which was first planted in the 1890s.
There’s even a wilderness area in the far left corner which is a 13 acre deer park. It’s closed to the public but there are several viewing points to watch and see the deer.
Blackheath;viewv
You’ll notice that the park is walled but you can leave via the main entrance at the end of Blackheath avenue.
As soon as you leave you enter a large open heathland.
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This is Blackheath which has been open, common land since medieval times. It was the sight of many famous rebellions against royal authority, mostly famously the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 against taxes imposed by King Richard II.
Golf was first introduced to England on Blackheath in 1608. Today, it’s famous for being the starting point for the annual London Marathon.
From the gates of Greenwich Park you’ll see the spire of All Saints Church, less than half a mile away.
Wondering towards and then around the church, you’ll be drawn down into Blackheath village, now a fashionable London suburb that hosts an array of shops, cafes and restaurants.
After wandering around Blackheath you can head back over the Heath and through the Park back down to Greenwich where your ferry awaits you at Greenwich Pier.
For further reading see;
Greenwich