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Naval College Gardens

A tranquil riverside garden in Greenwich, framed by the Old Royal Naval College and offering views of the Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf across the Thames.

4.5

Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, Naval College Gardens is a peaceful green oasis framed by the grand architecture of the Old Royal Naval College and the River Thames. Laid out in the 19th century, the gardens offer wide lawns, mature trees, and elegant pathways perfect for a quiet stroll. Visitors enjoy views of the riverside, the Cutty Sark, and the Canary Wharf skyline across the water. With benches, seasonal planting, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to unwind between visits to Greenwich’s major attractions.

A brief summary to Naval College Gardens

  • 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, London, SE10 9LW, GB
  • +442082694747
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the gardens at their quietest, with soft light perfect for photography.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel to Island Gardens for a different perspective on the river and skyline.
  • Use the gardens as a peaceful route between the Cutty Sark, Old Royal Naval College, and Greenwich town centre.
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Getting There

  • DLR

    Take the Docklands Light Railway to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich station. From there, it’s a 3–5 minute walk along the riverside path to Naval College Gardens, passing the Cutty Sark on your way.

  • Train

    Arrive at Greenwich station on Southeastern services from London Bridge or Cannon Street. From the station, follow signs for the Old Royal Naval College and the river; Naval College Gardens are a 5–7 minute walk along King William Walk and the Thames Path.

  • Riverboat

    Take an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Greenwich Pier. From the pier, walk a few minutes along the Thames Path to reach Naval College Gardens, with the Cutty Sark and Old Royal Naval College clearly visible along the way.

  • Walking

    From Greenwich town centre or Greenwich Market, follow the riverside path west along the Thames for about 5–10 minutes to reach Naval College Gardens, passing the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College entrance.

Naval College Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Clear Skies

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Discover more about Naval College Gardens

A Historic Riverside Retreat

Naval College Gardens occupies a prime stretch of riverside land in central Greenwich, directly opposite the Old Royal Naval College and just steps from the Cutty Sark. Originally laid out in the 1870s as part of the Naval Hospital grounds, the gardens were designed to provide a dignified, open space for staff and patients, with long axial paths and formal planting. Today, they retain that sense of order and calm, with wide lawns, mature trees, and well-kept flowerbeds that change with the seasons. The gardens are part of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting within a landscape shaped by centuries of naval and royal history.

Design and Atmosphere

The layout is simple yet elegant: broad pathways run parallel to the Thames, offering uninterrupted views of the river and the modern skyline of Canary Wharf. The space is largely flat and open, making it easy to navigate, with scattered benches where visitors can sit and watch the river traffic. Tall trees provide shade in summer, while in winter the bare branches frame the architecture of the Old Royal Naval College and the masts of the Cutty Sark. The gardens feel both formal and relaxed, a place where locals jog, tourists pause for photos, and families enjoy a moment of green in the middle of the city.

Views and Connections

One of the garden’s greatest strengths is its setting. From the riverside path, you can see the Cutty Sark’s distinctive copper hull and rigging, the domes and colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College, and the modern towers of Canary Wharf across the Thames. The Greenwich Foot Tunnel entrance lies nearby, linking the gardens to Island Gardens on the north bank and offering a unique way to experience the river. The gardens also serve as a natural connector between Greenwich town centre, the Cutty Sark, the Old Royal Naval College, and the Thames Path, making them a practical and pleasant route between major sights.

Visitor Experience

Naval College Gardens is a place to slow down. It’s popular with walkers, runners, and those simply looking for a quiet spot to sit with a coffee or a book. The atmosphere is peaceful, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds thin out. It’s also a favourite with photographers, who capture the contrast between historic architecture and modern skyline, or the play of light on the river. While there are no major facilities within the gardens themselves, the surrounding area offers plenty: cafes, restrooms, and visitor centres are all within a few minutes’ walk, making it easy to combine a visit here with time at the Cutty Sark or the Old Royal Naval College.

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