London - Greenwich & Blackheath
There is one part of London that doesn't feel like London at all, which is exactly the way its residents like it. It's not on the tube (well, not really – North Greenwich station isn't near to anywhere except the O2); and it lies in what are historically the capital's two most unfashionable directions – east AND south of central London, which was always going to make it somewhat cut off. Yet Greenwich is one of the city's most historic neighbourhoods, home and custodian of the nation's maritime history and perhaps the only London neighbourhood to resonate worldwide to quite such an extent, having lent its name all those years ago to time itself. If Greenwich is historic, Blackheath is suburban, it's centre one of London's most picturesque villages and the streets around representing the capital at its leafiest, most genteel best. Stroll from one to the other up the hill through Greenwich park and over the heath, don’t forget to take a breather and look out over the city and Canary Wharf on the way.
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Best Places to Stay in London - Greenwich & Blackheath
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Things to Do in Greenwich & Blackheath
At the heart of Greenwich is the outstanding architectural set piece of the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Naval College, accompanied on the water front by The Cutty Sark, newly restored since a catastrophic fire in 2007. Most visitors also come to see the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park’s Royal Observatory. The green open space of Greenwich Park is the ideal spot for a pleasant afternoon stroll and also offers fantastic views across the Thames to Canary Wharf. Once you factor in the good selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants, you realise there is plenty to keep you occupied when exploring this part of London.
Pubs and Restaurants in Greenwich & Blackheath
Like anywhere in London, Greenwich has got a massive offering when it comes to food and drink. Around Greenwich Park there are plenty of well established pubs which offer a cosy place to relax in the winter as well as sunny outdoor seating for the summer months. If you're serious about your beer then it's also worth visiting The Old Brewery down on the waterfront which has plenty ales on tap as well as a good restaurant and cafe. Other top restaurants are dotted around the area, with a fabulously diverse range of cuisines: Thai, Italian, Argentinian and French foods are all very well represented as well as tradition British pub grub in places like Goddard's or The Princess of Wales. Greenwich also boasts one of the biggest nightclubs in London in the form of Proud, a vibrant venue situated in the famous O2 arena.
Shopping in Greenwich & Blackheath
Greenwich is host to two markets, the Blackheath Farmers Market, every Sunday, and the Greenwich Market, still set in the original Victorian structure that is its home. The former is a food lovers dream and you'd be mad not to pop in if you're in the area one weekend. The latter runs everyday and is a real institution, while it has downsized a lot in recent years the quirky crafts stands are mixed amongst brik-a-brak stalls where a hidden gem can sometimes be found. There are, of course, some good permanent shops in the area, with a couple of decent music stores and some indy clothing outlets. The legacy of the farmers market can be found in local food shops that sell high quality fresh produce accompanied by Theatre of Wine, a unique little shop that sells wine you won't find anywhere else!