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Greenwich Museum, Observatory & Park

London Walk

County/Area - London

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 2.3 miles / 3.7 km    Ascent - 200 feet / 61 metres

Time - 1 hours 20 minutes    Grade - easy

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Greenwich Museum, Observatory & Park
Click image to visit gallery of 15 images.

This is not so much a detailed walk description but more about providing an idea for enjoying the outdoors close to the heart of London. The start is Greenwich Pier (grid ref. TQ383779) which has regular service from the centre of London. Alternatively you can catch either Docklands Light Railway or National Rail trains to reach Greenwich.

Prior to starting the walk you might have a look at Cutty Sark which is moored close by and usually identified by the crowds of visitors taking a loo. To start the walk, head downstream along the Thames Path, adjacent to the River, with the river to your left. On your right are the fine buildings of Greenwich University. At the end of these building turn right and continue across a road to enter Greenwich Park.

The first objective is the Royal Observatory which can see ahead on the hillside. Admission charges apply for entry. After exploring the Observatory move on south towards the Blackheath Gate. From here you get a good view south across the suburbs to the south of London. Turn around and bear half right to take Bower Avenue with the flower beds to right worth exploration.

Reaching the first major junction of paths, turn left, and walk diagonally across the park towards the rear of the National Maritime Museum. From here it is a straightforward return back to the start. Taking into account the various attraction in the vicinity, it is easy to spend at least half a day or more visiting this area. Do choose a fine day as the Park is open with very little shelter from the rain.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1471 Thames Path - Cutty Sark to Tower of Londoneasy6.0 miles
Walk 1470 Thames Path - North Greenwich to Cutty Sark easy2.5 miles
Walk 3084 Limehouse to Little Venice by the Regent's Canal easy/mod9.0 miles
Walk 1882 The Limehouse Cut from Bow Lockseasy2.0 miles
Walk 2651 The City of London from Hays Galleriaeasy3.5 miles
Walk 1412 The Monument to Trafalgar Square via Southwarkeasy4.0 miles
Walk 1442 St Paul's Cathedral to Green Parkeasy5.6 miles
Walk 1310 Chancery Lane to Trafalgar Squareeasy4.0 miles
Walk 1570 Westminster to Green Park via St. Paul'seasy/mod5.5 miles
Walk 3013 Trafalgar Square circulareasy3.0 miles

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Walking in London

Walking in LondonA guidebook to 25 walks in London's green spaces and nature reserves, covering both the city centre and Greater London area. Taking in woods and forests, parks and heaths, canals and rivers, the guide includes a wealth of information about some of the species you might encounter as well as the history and conservation of these areas.
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