Chilling in Greenwich and Blackheath
Famous for being the centre of world time, Greenwich is where the term GMT comes from (ie Greenwich Mean Time). That’s because time is coordinated from the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
But leafy Greenwich is also a popular spot for those who enjoy a spot of maritime history. The area plays homage to sailors of the past in the form of the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College and the actual clipper ship, The Cutty Sark.
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Activities in Greenwich when it rains
If the Capital's weather isn't treating you too well, head to Greenwich Observatory. The Observatory is a big draw, and not just to watch the dome open and the UK’s largest refracting telescope zoom into action. You can watch and listen to theatre shows about astronomy here, and zoom in on the planets at your leisure. And talking of theatre, the O2 is in Greenwich so catch a concert within walking distance of your holiday home.
It’s market perhaps isn’t as large as Camden’s, but Greenwich Market is definitely popular and a tourist draw. It’s also one of London’s oldest markets and the source of many a fantastic find in the antiques and vintage sections. Oh, and it’s undercover too – so you won’t get wet on one of London’s many rainy days.
Up the Creek is a comedy club which has spawned many a famous comedian, including Russell Brand and Sarah Millican. For a bit of historic and cultural sight-seeing pay a visit to Eltham Palace. This mansion, complete with moat and decked out in Art Deco grandeur, has 19 acres of wonderful garden greenery to wander around.
Greenwich on a sunny day
Head to Greenwich park for a walk on a sunny day, enjoy the rose garden in the West side of the park, hire a pedal boat and have a secret chat with a friend, and if you need to keep your little ones entertained, there is plenty to explore in the children play area.
Travel from Greenwich
North Greenwich tube station sits on the Jubilee line and is just one ride away from Canary Wharf. It’s 20 minutes into Bond Street and 25 minutes to St Paul’s Cathedral.
But Greenwich is also a stop on the Docklands Light Rail (DLR) and which can take you around a variety of nearby towns and areas for exploration purposes.
For a more dramatic and leisurely form of transport, go by boat from Greenwich Pier into the centre of London in a mere 20 minutes.
Then again, if you have plenty of time on your hands you can also walk under the Thames into the Island of Dogs via the Greenwich foot tunnel. This 1217-foot-long tunnel was opened in 1902 and sits 50 feet under London’s famous river. We all agree here that’s it’s definitely worth a look.
Where to eat in Greenwich
Goddards is where you will get your traditional pie and mash dish, with so many different flavours to choose from. You can even get jellied eels, if that appeals.
Staying with a meat theme, Heap’s Sausages is great for brunch any day of the week. Upmarket fayre can be sampled at Champagne + Fromage and where, yes, cheese is the star ingredient in any dish.
Where to drink in Greenwich
For traditional ale in historic and cosy surroundings, go for Richard the First, The Trafalgar Tavern and The Old Brewery. For cocktails try Belushi’s and for staying out until breakfast on Sunday morning there is always The Venue.
Stroll to Blackheath for a wonder around
If you’re looking to slow down the pace of life to a gentle trickle but still want all that the city of London offers, then why not think about exploring Blackheath? This gorgeous, tranquil little part of South London offers the very best of town and country, ringed in Georgian houses with the sprawling heath in front and the village with its little shops and restaurants behind. What’s not to love? The best part is that you’re just a stone’s throw from Central London.
Sitting just seven miles from the centre of London and boasting a quaint village-like feel, Blackheath is, understandably, a popular area for tourists who are looking for quieter stays.
There are beautiful period properties and contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments in this sought-after location. Check vacation rental options here – you will find them cheaper than in other touristy places of Greenwich, although you can also find a choice of luxury dwellings with high ceiling and period features including fireplaces and cornice work.
Places of interest in Blackheath
With a nice selection of restaurants and pavement cafes, Blackheath offers a sociable, community atmosphere. There are also plenty of parks around and The Conservatoire offers classes and entertainment for those of a dramatic and musical bent.
Thanks to a number of independent shops and small boutique chains, shopping has become something of a past-time in the area.
Things To Do in Blackheath:
Blackheath is a wonderful place for a bracing stroll during a frosty winter, or to when lapping up the sunshine come summer. It even has its own kite festival which attracts around 15,000 people per year. So if you love kites you’re sure to love this!
Blackheath is also home to one of the UK’s first established golf courses, reputed to be one of the best in the country. So, whether you’re a veteran or just starting out, you can be sure that this course is one to make your sporting friends and colleagues envious!
For all you lovers of retail therapy, Blackheath village is the perfect place to indulge. It’s also home to many charity shops which are stacked full of bargains, given the area’s upper class clientele. On Sundays, head to the farmer’s market, held in Blackheath station carpark.
Things To Eat:
Blackheath’s appetite for a more refined lifestyle also means the area boasts some impressive restaurants. At Locale, you can indulge in a la carte lamb, seafood, duck and more - as well as delicious cocktails to take the edge off a chilly autumn evening.
At Hand Made Food, you can enjoy a sumptuous range of dishes using seasonal produce from local farms, accompanied by bread that’s fresh from local bakers! This is one spot that’s very popular with locals, and after a trip here it’s easy to see why.
For those with a taste for decadent British cuisine, head over to The Ivy Cafe Blackheath for breakfast, lunch or dinner and an elegant menu of mouthwatering options, no matter what time of the day you’d like to dine.
Travel to and from Blackheath
Whilst the area itself may be a little lower key than many of London’s sprawling urban hubs, this certainly doesn’t mean that it lacks transport options to and from the city’s key areas. Blackheath station runs directly to London Bridge as well as Charing Cross and Waterloo, making onward connections a breeze. If you need to get to Canary Wharf, you can also jump on the DLR at nearby Lewisham to whisk you off to the office.
Blackheath and Kidbrooke rail stations take commuters to Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street via London Bridge. Westcombe Park station has lines to Cannon Street and London Bridge.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Canary Wharf is just one stop away from Blackheath at Lewisham.
And another thing…
Blackheath was indeed a 200-acre Heath at one time. Now it’s the location for the A2, taking drivers from London to Dover. At one point the road was frequented by highwayman Dick Turpin.
Back in the 14th century the Heath was the meeting point for 100,000 anti-poll tax rebels who marched on to London and parliament. Today the Heath is filled with dog walkers, kite flyers and the odd rock concert.
Bonus tip!
If you are looking for a free parking then head to St Johns park - a residential street just minutes away from Greenwich park where you can park your car totally free.
