Greenwich Park

Where Time and Nature Meet

Greenwich Park is London’s oldest enclosed Royal Park, a landscape shaped by centuries of royal patronage, scientific discovery, and natural beauty. Covering 74 hectares of rolling lawns, tree-lined avenues, and formal gardens, it forms the green heart of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. From its earliest days as a hunting ground for Tudor monarchs to its role as the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the park has long been a place where history, science, and leisure converge. The park’s hilly terrain rewards visitors with some of the finest panoramic views in the capital, stretching from Canary Wharf and The Shard to St Paul’s Cathedral and the O2.

Views, Gardens and Hidden Corners

The most famous viewpoint lies just outside the Royal Observatory, where the Prime Meridian line divides east from west and the skyline of modern London unfolds across the Thames. A quieter alternative is One Tree Hill, slightly off the main paths, offering a more secluded panorama of the city. Within the park, the Flower Garden presents a classic Edwardian design with lawns, flower beds, and towering cedar and tulip trees, while the Rose Garden near Ranger’s House is a fragrant, romantic retreat in summer. The Herb Garden, Queen’s Orchard, and the former deer park add further layers of texture, and traces of the past – including Roman temple remains and an Anglo-Saxon barrow cemetery – hint at the site’s deep historical roots.

History Under the Trees

Greenwich Park’s story stretches back to Roman times, with later use by Anglo-Saxons and medieval royalty. Henry VIII is said to have danced around the ancient Queen Elizabeth Oak, a now-fallen tree that once stood as a symbol of the park’s royal connections. The park’s most globally significant feature is the Royal Observatory, commissioned by Charles II and designed by Christopher Wren, where the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time were established. Nearby, the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, and Ranger’s House house world-class collections of art, naval history, and horology, all set within the park’s tranquil surroundings.

A Park for Everyone

Whether you’re here for a cultural day out or a simple escape into nature, Greenwich Park caters to all. The large children’s playground, with its maritime theme, is a hit with families, while the boating lake and picnic lawns offer relaxed afternoons. Dog walkers, joggers, and cyclists use the designated paths, and the park’s mix of open spaces and shaded avenues makes it ideal for strolling, reading, or simply sitting and watching the world go by. Rangers and volunteers maintain the gardens and orchards, and the park’s veteran trees – some over 400 years old – provide a living link to the past.

Planning Your Visit

The park is open to pedestrians from 6am year-round, with closing times varying by season, from 6pm in winter to 9pm in summer. Entry to the park itself is free, though some attractions within it, such as the Royal Observatory and certain exhibitions, require tickets. The park is well served by public transport, with nearby stations at Greenwich, Maze Hill, and Blackheath, and several bus routes stopping close to its gates. Facilities include cafes, toilets, picnic areas, and accessible paths, making it suitable for families, seniors, and visitors with mobility needs.