A borough in London that sits on the banks of the River Thames, Greenwich is thoroughly connected to the waves and Britain’s maritime history. Being the home of the Cutty Sark, itself a restored 19th-century ship, the huge National Maritime Museum, and the classical buildings of the Old Royal Naval College, it proudly boasts of its long connections to the violent seas. Then, of course, there’s the Royal Observatory, the site of the Greenwich meridian line, one of the biggest achievements in sailing. Aside from its connections to the waves, the huge O2 arena sits on a peninsula to the north showing the latest comedy shows, music performances, cinema showings and even having boutique shops and a bowling alley to entertain its visitors. Added on top of all that is the Greenwich Market and Greenwich Park that are always full to the brim with locals and enthusiasts looking to relax or simply searching for a real bargain.
The borough is also known for being a trendy paradise with many fine and hipster diners lining the streets to entice visitors of leisure and business. However, it is also known for its startups and new-look businesses that are developing new technologies to make services more efficient, or may well just be another digital marketing agency that calls itself “different”.
As a location where business and leisure can go hand in hand at any time of the day, this is a must-visit for anyone that seeks to have the ultimate London experience.
History of Greenwich
A borough as popular as Greenwich has its history to tell. While it may be part of London now, it was in the county of Kent for hundreds of years, and then the now-abolished County of London from 1889 to 1965. Perhaps its greatest mark in history is in maritime and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich Mean Time.
By the 15th century, the town became the site of a royal palace, the Palace of Placentia. This is where both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were born. As the palace fell into disrepair during the English Civil War, it was replaced by the Royal Naval Hospital for Sailors, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. In 1873, it became the Royal Naval College and remained a military education establishment until 1998. The rooms remain open to the public, whereas other buildings are used by the University of Greenwich.
It even became a popular resort in the 18th century and many grand houses were developed like Vanbrugh Castle in 1717, established on Maze Hill. From there, Georgian houses were constructed above the town centre.
Due to its long association with the waves, Greenwich’s maritime connections were celebrated in the 20th century with the siting of the Cutty Sark and Gipsy Moth IV next to the riverfront. Plus, the National Maritime Museum was set up in the former buildings of the Royal Hospital School in 1934 to give a detailed history of how Britain ruled the waves.
Business Life in Greenwich
Startups and agencies dominate the business proceedings here. They take up old warehouses and Georgian buildings and new developments. Focusing on the tech, services and marketing industries, it is no wonder why so many young professionals are drawn here all the time to pursue their creative and tech-savvy career. And while it may be popular for such things, the market shows off the bustling retail opportunities that can be found here, as do the other shops and restaurants.
Business life here sets off at a tremendous pace every morning as commuters land in Greenwich to start their day, or head out to the centre of London. And while the hours at the startups may be long, all employees and corporate travellers know that there’s a trendy bat around the corner serving their favourite pint, or a show on at the O2 that will make them laugh or rock their head.
Our Greenwich serviced apartments are here as another companion for the corporate travel experience in London. Each one is trendily furnished to complement the hipster and contemporary surroundings, and they have all the essentials required for short and long term stays in Greenwich. Fully fitted kitchens are always here to promote healthy home-cooked meals and the free Wi-Fi enables fast and efficient remote working when it’s needed.
Also, our apartments are in close proximity to the tube stations and bus stops in the area so getting to the office or entertainment venues is never an issue when business travellers choose TheSqua.re.
Benefits of Serviced Apartments
Serviced accommodation is a perfect way for travellers and new residents to acclimatise themselves to a foreign city. Lower rental costs and a range of additional perks and benefits make serviced apartments an ideal alternative to residential rentals in Greenwich. And why? Not only are all legal and contractual aspects, including deposits, agency fees and bills, completely taken care of in-house, but the apartments also come fully furnished, with kitchen fittings, cutlery, furniture, bedding and washing facilities already in place. Every home should be a castle, and TheSqua.re strives to find the right castle to fit every kind of customer, ensuring a hassle-free stay. Welcome home!
Corporate Accommodation in Greenwich
Located in the heart of London, Greenwich provides excellent transport links to the wider capital, making it a perfect destination for those looking to do business in the city. Situated just across the river from Canary Wharf, Greenwich is served by a number of efficient TFL routes, meaning journeys into London’s iconic financial hub take just a few minutes. Flexible, efficient accommodation options for those with a busy schedule, all corporate apartments from TheSqua.re are designed with their guests in mind, and feature fully-equipped kitchens, flatscreen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and much, much more, so even the busiest business resident can unwind after a long day. Make the most out of that business trip and save a profit with TheSqua.re.
Holiday Accommodation in Greenwich
Due to its excellent location and historic local attractions, Greenwich is also a much sought-after destination for those looking for a long-awaited leisure retreat. Close to the city centre, while still retaining a rural English village feel, Greenwich offers plenty to see and do right on its doorstep, ideal for families or solo travellers looking to escape for a few nights. Whatever is on the agenda, holiday apartments from TheSqua.re can accommodate for quiet evenings in and nights on the town, thanks to their home-cooking and entertainment facilities. Plus, the cosy bedrooms allow guests to be well-rested for the next day, ensuring every trip is a memorable one.
Where to Stay in Greenwich
There are a number of notable neighbourhoods within and near the borough of Greenwich that offer great accommodation within easy walking distance of many of the top sights and attractions in the area. Areas such as Blackheath and Maze Hill are great for their proximity to the green spaces of Greenwich Park, while North and Central Greenwich are better connected to the rest of the city via nearby transport links. North Greenwich is also a popular destination for those looking for some entertainment at The O2, and with recent redevelopment projects occurring around this neighbourhood, apartment rental prices can be marginally cheaper than in other local areas.
Facts About Greenwich
Known for its seafaring and scientific tradition, Greenwich has a history dating back to the 10th century, when it is first referred to in a Saxon charter as ‘Grenowic’. Now visited by millions of people every year, the borough has a history and legacy in keeping with much of the rest of wider London. Here are some of our favourite facts about Greenwich and the area around it:
- Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated so in 1997), mainly due to its unique Palladian architecture.
- The O2 Stadium, formerly the Millennium Dome, is the largest single-roof dome in the world.
- Visitors can cross over to the Isle of Dogs via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, a pedestrian tunnel that runs underwater for 1,215 feet, and is 50 feet at its deepest point. The walkway sees over 1.5 million pedestrians every year.
- Greenwich is the birthplace of three famous British monarchs: Henry VIII, who was born at the Palace of Placentia, and his daughters Mary I and Elizabeth I.
- The buildings that make up the Old Royal Navy College doubled for the American White House in the film ‘Patriot Games’, thanks in part to its white brick design.
- There are three ‘secret tunnels’ running under Greenwich Park. Built as water mains for the Royal Hospital, it is believed they were once considered as local air raid shelters during World War II.
- Greenwich is the birthplace of Universal Time (hence Greenwich Mean Time) and the nautical lines of longitude, and was used by ships all over the world to synchronise their chronometers.
Cost of Living in Greenwich
A relatively opulent location in a historic part of London, property prices in and around Greenwich tend to be quite high. With rental prices ranging from £800 to upwards of £2,000 per month, serviced accommodation becomes an increasingly viable option for extended stays given the many benefits and perks that come alongside longer-term tenancy periods.
Unfortunately, there are few savings to be found in day to day expenses. Weekly travel passes (for Zones 1-2) can run to upwards of £35, while the cost of dining out can range from £15 for a meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant, to £55 for a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant. The reasonably low price of local groceries and TheSqua.re’s fully-equipped kitchens do however mean that eating in is always an option for those looking to save some pennies, and medical costs will be next to nothing thanks to the UK-wide NHS. Residents may need to pay for private or cosmetic surgery or dental care, but these will still be minimal. Money can also be saved on local entertainment, including theatres and cinemas, with inexpensive ticket prices and membership options available.
Things to Do in Greenwich
From paid day trips to fun freebies, there is plenty for new and returning visitors to see and do in Greenwich. Whether travelling solo or with the family, these are just a few of the top sights and attractions to help guests make the most out of their leisure time.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Greenwich?
Here are just a few of the many opportunities for entertainment and enjoyment to act as the cherry on top of any stay:
- Visit the Royal Observatory and explore how scientists first mapped the seas and the skies.
- Climb aboard The Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper.
- Go shopping or take in a concert at The O2 Arena.
- Discover more about Britain’s seafaring past at the National Maritime Museum.
- Head to the Queen’s House for a regal day out of art, architecture and royal history.
- Explore the Old Royal Naval College, an architectural masterpiece designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
- Jump on the Emirates Air Line and enjoy 360-degree views of London from the sky.
- Unwind with a visit to Greenwich Park, the city’s oldest royal park.
- Take a Thames Clipper up the river for a unique look at riverside London.
Q. What are some free things to do near Greenwich?
Wanting to save some pennies on those day-to-day activities? Here are some great ways of passing the time in Greenwich without breaking the bank:
- Explore the free galleries of the National Maritime Museum for epic stories of exploration and endeavour.
- Visit the Queen’s House to see the famous Armada portrait of Elizabeth I.
- Enjoy one of London’s best views from the summit of Greenwich Park.
- Walk the Thames Path to Westminster for an in-depth tour of the riverside.
- Watch the Time Ball drop at the Royal Observatory.
- Window shop at Greenwich Market.
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do near Greenwich?
For families with children, or simply the young at heart, there are a number of fun days out we would recommend:
- Travel through space at the free Astronomy Centre Galleries.
- Get hands-on at Ahoy! Children’s Gallery, where polar exploration, pirates and more are brought to life.
- Explore the Cutty Sark’s unique activities and exhibitions aimed at younger children.
- Straddle the world at the Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the west and one in the east.
- Get up close and personal at the Sea Things gallery in the National Maritime Museum.
- Enjoy the soft play of Big Little Fun, colourful mascots included.
Places to Visit in Greenwich
An important location in British history, Greenwich naturally plays host to several sites of special historic significance, and is frequented by millions of tourists every year. For any travellers looking to fill some hours in the spare time, there are plenty of great things to see and do locally. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Royal Observatory Greenwich - overlooking the River Thames, this observatory played a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation, and, because the prime meridian passes through it (an attraction in itself), it gave its name to Greenwich Mean Time.
- The Cutty Sark - built in Scotland in 1869, the Cutty Sark is one of the last surviving tea clipper ships in the world, and is now a popular museum.
- National Maritime Museum - this popular museum charts the history of Greenwich and Britain as a seafaring nation, with fascinating exhibitions for all ages.
- The O2 Arena - an entertainment venue hosting concerts and sporting events from some of the world’s top performers, with capacity for up to 20,000 people.
- Eltham Palace - an unoccupied former royal residence, Eltham Palace is a large manor house and stately grounds now managed by English Heritage.
- Old Royal Naval College - this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the architectural centrepiece of Maritime Greenwich, and was a former Royal Hospital.
- Queen’s House - built between 1616 and 1635, this former royal residence is now a museum for art, architecture and history.
- Greenwich Market - open seven days a week, this hidden gem boasts a food court and is a great spot for lovers of antiques, and arts and crafts.
- Emirates Air Line - a suspended cable car link across the Thames, this one-kilometre gondola provides stunning views of the whole city.
- Greenwich Park - a former hunting park, Greenwich Park is one of the largest single green spaces in southeast London, perfect for getting away from it all.
Places to Eat in Greenwich
Whenever quiet nights in are not on the agenda, residents can get out and explore the many fine restaurants and eateries in the Greenwich area. Away from their fully-fitted kitchens and home-cooking duties, they will find a vast range of cuisine catering to all tastes, and with so much choice available, it can sometimes be hard to narrow a selection down.
Here then are a few places to eat in Greenwich we would recommend to any traveller:
- Rivington Greenwich.
- Efe’s Meze.
- Pho Street.
- The Hill.
- Café Rouge.
- Buffalo American Grill & TexMex.
- Bianco 43.
- Greenwich Tavern.
- Heap’s Sausage Café.
- The Gipsy Moth.
Street Food in Greenwich
Street food is also an option in the area, with the likes of Greenwich Market offering takeaway stalls and food huts to many a curious traveller. For a true street food dining experience however, we would recommend visiting some of the regular markets around Central London, such as Model Market, Street Food Union, Vauxhall Street Food Garden, and the Southbank Centre Food Market. Adventurous guests can even get out to Stratford Westfield’s Food Hall for a true range of national and international cuisine. Delicious!
Shopping in Greenwich
Though less well-known as a shopping destination compared to the likes of Stratford, Covent Garden and Oxford Street, the borough of Greenwich still offers plenty of opportunities for retail therapy to both long term and short term residents. There are many high street chains and local ware sellers providing a great selection of fashion, food and technology close to home, and any of the most popular shopping hubs in the city are still just a short tube journey away for those who are unable to find that specific purchase.
Some of the best places to shop near Greenwich include:
- King William Walk - the primary ‘high street’ in Greenwich, featuring a number of familiar chain brands, as well as independent coffee shops and retailers.
- ICON Outlet at the O2 - a stylish retail centre featuring a range of eateries and notable clothing and accessory stores.
- Greenwich Clocktower Market - an open-air flea market for vintage goods, antiques and crafts.
- Greenwich Shopping Park - a busy shopping complex with brand name retailers and eateries, plus late hours and a 24/7 fitness centre.
Transportation in Greenwich
With 11 Underground lines covering 270 stations, London’s public transport network is thorough, all-encompassing, and an icon the world over. Residents of Greenwich will be able to traverse the many boroughs of the capital with ease, and several major overground terminals, such as Kings Cross, Victoria and Waterloo, open up further options for getting out and exploring the wider country and even continent of Europe, with Eurostar services from St. Pancras International. Greenwich is served by several Tube stations, among them North Greenwich (Jubilee Line), Cutty Sark (DLR) and Greenwich (DLR and National Rail). These stations are arguably the most efficient ways of travelling around the city, and Day Travelcards can be bought (accepted through Zones 1-5) for around £20.
Naturally, there’s nothing more readily associated with London than its famous red buses. A great way of sightseeing while commuting, these red buses can be simply boarded with a Contactless Payment Card, Travelcard, or Oyster. Fares cost just £2 (£5 for a day of bus-only travel), and with 700 routes, including 52 night services, travellers can always be sure of getting back to their serviced apartment at any time day or night. Riverboat services also depart regularly from Greenwich Pier; also operated by TFL, this can be a novel, if slightly less speedy, way of getting around, but does offer stirring views from the water.
Weather in Greenwich
Due to its generally temperate climate, the weather in the UK can often be difficult to predict, and Greenwich is no exception. Temperatures in the city can easily drop to below freezing during the coldest months, while summers in July and August can be dry and balmy, with temperatures ranging into the high twenties and above. This does not mean however that there is no chance of rain, so wet-weather gear is essential packing at all times of year. We recommend visiting in September, as this month usually offers warm, balmy days with cool and comfortable evenings, allowing travellers to make the most out of their stay.
