If you’ve got a goal to visit all of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there would be four London stops on your list. Let's focus on an East London gem, Maritime Greenwich.
World Heritage Sites are places of cultural significance considered important for more than just their home country, but for the world. We’ve got four proud entries into the list of World Heritage sites here in London:
- The Palace of Westminster
- Maritime Greenwich
- The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
- The Tower of London
This World Heritage Day, we’re focussing on Maritime Greenwich, a pivotal site in the history of exploration that brings the spirit of adventure to its local community.
According to the Operations Director/Lettings Manager for Foxtons Greenwich office, Divyesh Bhanderi:
There is a wealth of stunning period architecture in Greenwich, interwoven with the area’s proud naval history. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a fusion happening between the historic and modern, as a swath of glamorous new builds have been introduced along the river. Greenwich is vibrant and exciting with cosy pubs and an exceptional market. Here, you’ll never be bored.
Journey through space and time
The National Observatory, the Maritime Museum, the Queens House and Greenwich Hospital, Old Royal Naval College and the Prime Meridian…
There’s a lot to discover when it comes to Maritime Greenwich. This World Heritage site is more of a collection. Each building it includes has significance in the history of exploration - through land, sea and the night sky.
Start at Greenwich pier, so you can pass by Cutty Sark, the last British Tea Clipper. From there, you’ve got the beautiful grounds and masterful architecture of the Old Royal Naval College, with its focal point of the grand Queen's House, and the history and art of the National Maritime Museum to explore.
Through St Mary’s Gate, we recommend you climb the hill in Greenwich Park. After pausing to admire the incredible view of London, explore a series of buildings dedicated to some of the most pivotal advances of science and exploration. In the Royal Observatory, you can stand on the Prime Meridian – which provided the world’s measurement of longitude and established Greenwich Mean Time.
A life of learning near a World Heritage Site
Live in Greenwich, and you'll have plenty of options for how to spend each sunny weekend. Besides the art, culture and science to discover in Maritime Greenwich, there's also a picturesque row of shops on Royal Hill, Greenwich Market and its food stall court, riverside pubs with beautiful beer gardens. On a rainy day, you might prefer to wander the Maritime Museum, take in a show at Greenwich Theatre or film at one of Greenwich's multiple cinemas, or stargaze at London's only planetarium.
Property: Greenwich's residential property is an excellent mix of historic Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing and impressive modern developments along the riverside.
Transportation: Greenwich is connected to the City and Docklands by the Elizabeth line, Jubilee line and DLR. You could also take a river bus down the Thames.
Education: Families with children and university students flock to Greenwich for the excellent opportunities. See our guide to Greenwich schools.
Learn more about Greenwich: see our up-to-date data on Greenwich house and rental prices; our Local Life guide; or a guest guide from DesignMyNight to food and drink in Greenwich.
Read on: Greenwich is also featured in our articles Cheapest areas to rent by region, London's most lovable parks and Best homes for dog walks.
