Greenwich, the meridian and the Cutty Sark

The royal district of south-east London, a World Heritage Site: the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House, free; the Cutty Sark, the last tea clipper, in dry dock beside the river; and at the top of the park the Royal Observatory, where the meridian runs, temporarily closed for works (November 2026, no reopening date published). Meanwhile, the planetarium operates inside the Maritime Museum. From the top of the park you get the view of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City.

The best way to get there is by boat on the Thames from Westminster or the London Eye, about 45 minutes; or by DLR to Cutty Sark. The Cutty Sark costs £22 for adults and £11 for children; the two museums, nothing. Allow half a day; with children, add the park.