a free view down the river
A royal park on a hill with a free view straight down the Thames to Canary Wharf, the meridian line and maritime Greenwich below.
Free to visit · Greenwich · Cutty Sark (DLR) · SE10 8QY
Opening: Daily · dawn to dusk
Greenwich Park is the oldest of the royal parks and the best free view in southeast London. Climb the hill to the Royal Observatory and the whole city lays itself out below you, the river curling past the masts of the Cutty Sark and on towards the towers of Canary Wharf.
The Observatory building and its museums are ticketed, but the bit everyone comes for, the view from the hill and the courtyard where the Prime Meridian line is marked, costs nothing. Stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west for free.
Below the hill, maritime Greenwich is a free wander in its own right, the old naval college, the painted hall, the riverside and the famous foot tunnel that takes you under the Thames and out the other side. Make a half day of it and spend nothing.
Getting there: A short walk uphill from Cutty Sark DLR or Greenwich station, or arrive by the riverboat for the scenic version.
Best time to go: Late afternoon for the light down the river, or a clear morning before the day trippers reach the hill.
Insider tip: Skip the busy main path up to the Observatory and cut up the quieter side of the hill by the Wolfe statue. Same free view, half the crowd, and the whole river reveals itself at once as you reach the top.
Official site: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/greenwich-park
More free day trips from London · Free things to do in London