Let’s go and explore Greenwich, an attractive area of east London that will charm you with its history, its cultural vibrancy, and quality of life. Registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it was the royal district for several centuries when the United Kingdom was known for its maritime power. Today, it houses the National Maritime Museum and the Naval College.

Although Greenwich is well-served by the Jubilee Line and the DLR, one of the best – and without doubt most enjoyable – ways to get there is by boat. You can catch one from various points along the Thames: from Battersea (a quick option by taking an Uber Boat), Westminster, or Tower Bridge.

The journey will give you a fabulous outing on the Thames and stunning views over several iconic landmarks of the capital, such as Westminster and Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the Canary Wharf business district. Nothing better than a full immersion in London before disembarking at Greenwich Pier, where we can start exploring.

Wander through its large covered market with stands offering street food from around the world and visit the Cutty Sark (a 19th-century tea clipper and now a museum dedicated to the history of British maritime trade). Enjoy strolling around the 70-hectare park and savour its tranquillity. From the top of the hill, the views over London’s business districts are breathtaking: Canary Wharf, the City, and the famous O2 Arena entertainment venue.

Greenwich Park also houses the Royal Observatory, which now hosts a museum of instruments used in astronomy and navigation. It is crossed by the famous Prime Meridian of Greenwich, a reference meridian and imaginary line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres at a longitude of 0 degrees, serving as the starting point for worldwide time zones.

Greenwich is a well-known student district thanks to its university, but it is also increasingly appealing to families. Nestled by the Thames, it offers a pleasant quality of life and excellent connectivity to the City (15 minutes to Canary Wharf and 20 minutes to Bank with the DLR). It boasts good primary and secondary schools, including James Wolfe Primary School, St. Ursula Convent School and Blackheath High School, a girls’ only school. Additionally, if you want to improve your English, you can take classes at the Oxford International English School. Slightly south of Greenwich, in the Blackheath neighbourhood, Grenadine School is a French school offering support to children on Saturday mornings.

In terms of real estate, you’ll find a mix of classic Georgian houses and contemporary riverfront apartments. Overall, prices tend to be more affordable than in some parts of central London, although some areas of Greenwich have seen significant price appreciation over the years. In recent years, there has also been the emergence of many modern residential developments. Some of these developments, like Union Wharf, Greenwich Peninsula, or Royal Arsenal Riverside, to name a few favourites, give stunning views over the Thames, luxury amenities, and command increasingly higher prices.

Just a few steps away, the neighbouring Deptford district is becoming increasingly popular. Known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan market, and its quality of life (close proximity to the Thames and Greenwich Park), there have been many more attractively priced real estate developments.

The Southeast of London is truly booming!

Convenient commutes to and from Greenwich:

  • London Bridge: 10 minutes (train)
  • Canary Wharf: 15 minutes (DLR)
  • Oxford Circus: 20 minutes (Underground)
  • Liverpool Street: 25 minutes (Overground)

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