Greenwich Park

Overview

Greenwich Park is a breathtaking, deeply historic Royal Park stretching across a steep hillside in South East London. It offers stunning Thames views and sits directly on the Prime Meridian Line.

Highlights

• The Royal Observatory: The historic astronomical observatory perched dramatically on the top hill, famously the exact location of the Prime Meridian (Longitude Zero).
• The View: Looking down to see the incredibly graceful symmetry of the Old Royal Naval College, perfectly framed against the dramatic modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
• The Deer Park: A quiet, beautifully enclosed sanctuary established in the 16th century, still holding a peaceful roaming herd of elegant fallow and red deer.

History

It is officially the oldest enclosed Royal Park, dating back to 1427. It was universally loved by the Tudor monarchs, serving as the royal playground where King Henry VIII supposedly introduced his beloved deer, and where both Mary I and Elizabeth I were born.

Visitor Tips

• The Meridian Line: While it costs money to firmly stand exactly on the official metal line inside the observatory courtyard, the actual line extends right out into the public park for free.
• Market Combination: Combine the hill walk perfectly with a visit to the brilliant covered Greenwich Market located right directly at the bottom.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.