Greenwich Park

London's Oldest Royal Park

Where else in the world can you sit in the 'back garden' of a King's palace. With a foot in each hemisphere, setting your watch to world time and watch a thousand years of history before you. Looking across the major sights of London and the River Thames. 

Looking down on the Queens House, National Maritime Museum , Royal Naval College & across the River Thames to Canary Wharf & Docklands. The Queens House is said to be the model used for the White House in Washington DC, USA - Home of US Presidents.

Photo ©1996 Graeme Webb

Greenwich Park was the first Royal Park to be enclosed (1433). There have been deer in the park since the 15th century. On the site of the Royal Naval College (shortly to become part of Greenwich University) was Greenwich Palace, home to the Tudor monarchs.

Looking down the Meridian Line to the site of the Millennium, Exhibition. On the site of the old Gas Works (gasometer in background, centre, right). At high tide large sea-going vessels can be seen going up to the Pool of London.

Photo ©1996 Graeme Webb

There is a bandstand where brass bands play on summer Sunday afternoons. A whole programme of events runs throughout the summer. Full details can be obtained by phoning: +44 [0]20 8 858 2608. There is also a cafe close to the Greenwich Royal Observatory where you can eat inside or outside.

Looking down on the boating lake where children can hire boats and canoes for a twenty minute trip around this scenic corner of the park. Children's playground is close by. Maze Hill railway station is a short walk from this corner of the park. Wren's twin towers of the Royal Naval College are an impressive landmark & reference point.

Photo ©1996 Graeme Webb

Outside the Blackheath Gate, at the northern end of the park, there are donkey rides for the children. Or stroll across the vast expanse of Blackheath to watch every shape of kite being flown.

Park Opening Times:

Pedestrians:

Summer months: 5am (BST)
Winter months: 6am (GMT)

Cars:

All Year: 7am

WARNING: Experimental through-traffic ban from Wednesday 5 March 1997

• Cars banned from 10am until 4pm (10:00 -16:00) Monday's - Friday's
• And ALL WEEKEND and BANK HOLIDAYS
• Blackheath Entrance remains open for visitors to the Park
• Greenwich Entrance closed for road traffic during ban periods

Park Closing Times (all traffic):

Royal Parks Official Web-Site