Take a peek at this video of Eltham Palace for a sneak preview!

Why Visit Eltham Palace?

Few historic buildings in London pay testament to the passage of time quite as blatantly as Eltham Palace. There’s been an important house on these grounds since Saxon times, and you can still see the medieval hall of 1475, complete with its stunning hammerbeam ceiling in all its glory. 

So far, pretty standard – until you explore the maximalist Art Deco grandeur of the rest of the palace.

For all its history and position as the preferred palace of many historic monarchs from Edward II right up to Henry VIII, until he decided that he liked the palace at Greenwich better, Eltham Palace fell into disrepair, appearing in history under the various guises of a farm, artist’s muse and gentleman’s residence. 

Art Deco Regeneration 

In 1933, the palace was leased by Stephen and Virginia Courtauld – wealthy socialites who set about transforming and extending the palace to create the jaw-dropping Art Deco interiors you can find today. 

They restored the medieval hall, supplementing that building with a much larger series of 1930s structures that together form the palace we see today. Relatively bland on the outside, it’s the interiors – complete with domed roofs and intricate marquetry, that attest the Courtauld vision. 

The couple even built a small jungle-decorated room for their pet lemur Mahjongg (who, incidentally wasn’t very popular with guests due to his habit of nipping them at the ankles under the dining table). It all verges on bonkers and is all the better for it. 

The Gardens at Eltham Palace

Just as striking as the interior of the palace, the gardens at Eltham Palace are worth the trip alone. The Courtaulds took the scope of the existing gardens and set on a project of extending and improving them. 

Weaving mature plants and trees into a new layout with a number of formal and informal  gardens, a larger moat, and other (now lost) features including a swimming pool and tennis courts. 

After the Courtaulds 

Sadly, the Courtaulds didn’t spend long in the finished product – by 1944, tired of the bombing that plagued the palace, the Courtaulds had sold the remainder of the lease to the Army Education Corps who used it as a base until 1992. 

The site has been owned and managed by English Heritage since 1995. 

Practical Information and Map 

Address: Court Yard, London SE9 5QE

Opening Times: Gardens: 10:00 – 17:00. House: 11:00 – 17:00

Website

Looking for More Quirky London Guides?

• Have You Seen This Curious South London Castle?
• This Cemetery Turned Nature Reserve is One of South London’s Most Peaceful Spots
• The Truth Behind the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

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With the Christmas season now very much underway London is turning up the heat on the fun to be had in the pursuit of festive delights. Belts are being loosened at festive feasts across the city, the Christmas lights are out in full, dazzling force and the carol singers are warming up their pipes for the impending concert bonanza. 

We get very excited about all of the above but it’s a special carol concert that’s grabbed our attention. It’s one that’s taking place at a very iconic London location – and not even in it, but on it. 

Tell Us More…

This year you can watch carol singing from on top of The O2 in Greenwich (The Millennium Dome to us oldies). To do so you’ll strap in and climb up the side of the dome where you’ll be greeted at the top by a warm drink, singing by the award-winning Vocal Dimension Chorus and of course, some spectacular views. 

They’re only running this for two days, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, so you’ll want to act fast to get a ticket locked in. Each day has eight climbs running between 4.45pm and  7.15pm so you’ve got a good range of choices for when you go. 

The experience is part of what’s called Up at The O2, a usually carol-free climb to the top of the dome. Each climb is £41pp. 

To book for the carols you just have to select the ‘Twilight Climb’ on the day you want to go and hey presto, you’re in full festive business.   

You can book yourself in here

Up at The O2 Carol Concert 

When: 9th + 10th December. 4.45pm, 5.15pm, 5.30pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 6.45pm, 7.15pm and 7.30pm

Where: Up at The O2, Greenwich 

Tickets: £41 

Website 

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Why are the pubs in Greenwich so great? We can’t say for sure. Is it the area’s maritime and industrial history? The gentle stream of tourism that constantly brings people to the area? Or do the locals just love a good boozer?

Whatever the reason, the pubs in Greenwich are excellent. 

Whether you’re looking for a great gastro pub, a trendy art space, or a historical boozer by the water, these are the pubs in Greenwich you should stop by for your next pint.

The Best Pubs in Greenwich

Cutty Sark Tavern

The Cutty Sark Tavern is one of the best pubs in Greenwich if you’re looking for a view of the river. The huge, period windows of the bar look across to the water, and if you sit outside you get either a great view of the O2 or of the far shore. 

The pub is, of course, named for one of Greenwich’s longest-standing attractions, a clipper called The Cutty Sark. 

If you’re new to Greenwich, here’s the lowdown on the famous boat: it was the fastest ship of its time, and is now a museum. Every London child visited the Cutty Sark on a school trip at some point. 

You’ll be pleased to know there’s no ships biscuits on the menu at the Cutty Sark Tavern, though. Instead, there’s a menu of good pub food, like fish and chips and sausages and mash, with a few lighter options thrown in, and even multiple vegan dishes! 

Of course, you can have that with a rum cocktail if you insist on pretending to be a sailor. 

Meantime Tasting Rooms

Home of Meantime beers, this Greenwich brewery offers both tours and a tasting room. 

The tasting rooms offer some outdoor seating and plenty of space inside, in a large industrial-style room that borrows US brewery aesthetics. That extends to the menu too – with chicken wings, beer-based sauces, and burgers flying out of the kitchen all day. 

The staff at Meantime are great, and will chat to you for as long as you like about the beers on tap, so don’t worry if you aren’t already an expert! 

If you want to learn more, though, why not take a tour of the brewery? A tour and tutored tasting costs £20, which includes the beers you’ll be talked through and taste. Pretty good deal really.

Richard I

This Young’s pub is a solid Greenwich favourite. And it should be, it has been the local boozer for everyone on and around Royal Hill since 1923!

The Richard I is a good old pub. It has a quaint two-bar setup, but a refurbishment about five years ago means it doesn’t have the sad and care-worn vibe of many old-man pubs (hey, we know old-man pubs have their place. But this isn’t one). 

One of the biggest draws of the Richard I at the moment is its lovely covered, heated beer garden, where you can drink pints and eat decent pub food… without any parts of you falling off due to frostbite and/or exposure to rain. 

Davy’s Wine Vaults

Okay, so this one is less a Greenwich pub and more a Greenwich wine bar, but we’re pretty sure you’ll forgive us for that when you hear more.

Davy’s Wine Vaults has been watering locals (and probably quite a few sailors from afar, too) since 1870. These days, carefully restored period features are highlighted by carefully balanced decor. It is all, in a word, classy. 

With two bars and a terrace, there’s plenty of space at Davy’s Wine Vaults for events and functions, but it’s also a great place to grab a bite and a drink if you’re in the area. Along with an extensive wine list, Davy’s stock a large number of speciality gins, so remember to check those out when you visit. 

Sail Loft

The Sail Loft is certainly one of the biggest pubs in Greenwich, but apart from that, it might not have a lot going for it if it weren’t for its location. Honestly, this Fuller’s pub would feel sort of soulless, a post-work drinks place at best, if not for its view.

And what a view! The pub is in a new, plate-glass building, so two full walls are made up of windows. As it’s on the curve of the river, you get a view of the water and the North bank pretty much wherever you sit.

The Sail Loft is a perfect spot to take visitors, as it’s right on the Greenwich tourist trail, with a well-stocked bar, decent food and the aforementioned fantastic views. The pub is also dog friendly, with water bowls and treats always available, so bring four-legged guests along too.

Trafalgar Tavern

One of the best dog-friendly pubs in Greenwich, the Trafalgar Tavern also happens to be a Georgian gem. 

This historic pub was once frequented by Charles Dickens, and despite upgrades like a huge roof terrace and more outdoor dining on the jetty, the pub retains an historic air. That’s helped along by the paintings, artefacts and collections dotted about the place of course.

Another great option for elevated pub food, the Trafalgar Tavern is a popular spot for eating oysters, buckets of whitebait, and an excellent selection of puddings. The drinks menu is also good, with a selection of craft beers that includes offerings from the excellent Brixton Brewery. 

Pelton Arms

Okay, so the Pelton Arms is an old-man pub. If you ignore the pizza menu, anyway.

A beautiful tiled exterior lets you know exactly what you’re in for, and inside you’ll find the expected (and beloved) old Guinness ads, booze-branded mirrors, rag-tag selection of team photos, dartboard, and open fire. 

This is what most Brits think of when they imagine a pub! Except, now with added pizzas. Don’t worry though, they serve roasts on a Sunday. 

The Gipsy Moth

The Gipsy Moth is a great Greenwich pub housed in a grade-I listed building in a stellar location. If you’re drinking al fresco, or sat by the front windows, then you get a great view of the Cutty Sark. You can pass the time watching packs of kids on school trips, and slightly bemused tourists come and go for hours!

The Gypsy Moth is also a great spot for a pub lunch in Greenwich, perfect if you’ve been exploring the park and the Maritime Museum. 

Pub favourites like homemade scotch eggs and excellent roasts are joined on the menu by classier fare, like a Calabrian charcuterie board. That sounds like something for everyone. 

The Ashburnham Arms

The Ashburnham Arms is one of the best pubs in Greenwich, but that’s partially because it’s off the beaten track. Or, off the tourist trail at least. 

In fact, tucked into the Ashburn Triangle just off Greenwich High Road in a Victorian brick building surrounded by residential properties, the dog-friendly Ashburnham Arms is the definition of a local boozer. 

The garden at the back is a welcome surprise, and the food is great. Does Ossobuco belong on the same menu as a jalapeno cheeseburger? The jury is out on that, but both look pretty good nonetheless. 

The Old Brewery

You’d be forgiven for not noticing this Greenwich pub – after all, it is located inside the Royal Naval College. But if you’re looking for somewhere fun, buzzy and stylish, then get yourself to The Old Brewery.

Inside, the decor is millennial meets nautical. With a splash of industrial from the old brewing and distilling equipment. Yes, it’s a choice. And kind of hard to imagine. But honestly, it’s very much Instagram worthy!

The food, too, is old meets new. Summed up well, in fact, by the following bar snack: a lamb, rhubarb and chevil scotch egg, with harissa yoghurt. You see?

Finally, the bar is well-stocked, with a particular focus on gin and gin cocktails. If that’s not your thing, though, they have a decent wine list and a fair few craft beers available. 

The Old Joinery

The Old Joinery is potentially the coolest pub in Greenwich. This is to be expected of course, as it’s housed in an old industrial building (a joinery, in fact), plus it’s an events space, home to attached studios, and is regularly used as a filming location. 

A huge garden area makes The Old Joinery a great choice for summer drinking, and the venue will soon be open again for gigs, theatre and art exhibitions. 

Food-wise, the usual menu is pizzas and burgers, very good ones, with many to choose from, but food trucks and pop-ups also visit from time to time.

The Old Joinery is a fantastic choice of Greenwich pub for a big group when the sun is shining, and if you check what’s on during any given weekend you’re unlikely to find yourself disappointed. 

disappointed. 

The Hare and Billet 

If you’re looking for pubs with food in Greenwich it might be worth stretching your legs across Greenwich Park and heading over to The Hare and Billet. 

The place is a textbook definition of a gastropub. Pastel colour schemes, exposed brick and modern touches are drenched in sunlight, as is the extensive floor plan – most of which has been given over to dinner tables. 

The food is essentially modern British cooking and elevated pub classics. If you’re looking to have a quiet pint in a gloomy historic boozer, you won’t find it here. But if some good-quality cooking is what you want you’ll have it in spades. 

The Coach and Horses 

Located just off Greenwich Market, The Coach and Horses is never usually anything less than packed at the weekend and, as such, has a great atmosphere about it. Even off the weekend days, you’ll likely find the place one of the busier boozers in this guide. 

The pub has been a popular watering hole since 1780 (no joke) and has a nice local feel to it. They show sport which adds to the crowds on match day and do a great menu of seasonal British pub food. 

Of that menu, we submit that the best day to eat at The Coach and Horses is a Sunday – the day they lay on a very good roast. 

Pubs in Greenwich: Practical Tips 

• One of the nicest things about exploring these Greenwich pubs is that you can string together a great pub crawl. Starting or finishing at The Cutty Sark will put you on to hit The Trafalgar Tavern, The Gypsy Moth and The Sail Loft – a lovely route that skirts the waterfront and some of Greenwich’s top sites.  
• If you’re looking for the historic pubs that Greenwich is known for have The Gypsy Moth, The Pelton Arms and The Coach and Horses on your radar. 

Pubs in Greenwich: Map

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East London is set to pop off with the 2023 edition of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival – a killer arts and theatre festival that straddles both sides of the river and lasts a whopping two weeks. Best of all? It’s free!

If you’ve not been before the GDIF is run by Festival.Org who are the UK’s top outdoor arts production company. They’re behind a bunch of other big outdoor arts and culture festivals that generally use monumental art and public theatre by a diverse range of international talent to bring people together in the public forum. 

The upcoming Greenwich and Docklands fest is no different. Here’s what’s going on. 

What Can You Expect? 

As we mentioned before there’s a good mix of theatre and public art. The highlights include…

Cygnus 

Royal Victoria Dock 

31st August – 3rd September

Cygnus is an art installation that’s running through part of the festival. It involves a family of swans that are illuminated into bright reds and blues as they mill about on the water of the local dock. It looks very very pretty. 

Sliding Slope 

Royal Docks 

2nd + 3rd September, 1.30pm + 6.45pm 

Sliding Slope is a pretty stunning piece of dance that gets four performances over the first weekend of September. It’s all about the 1953 North Sea Flood and as such is performed on top of a house that’s been submerged to the roof in the Royal Docks. 

Dancers do their finest on the sloping roofs in what’s surely a pretty good metaphor for society’s attitudes to our own climate crisis. 

Ancient Futures

The Moorings, Thamesmead

27th + 28th August, 2pm + 6.30pm

This curious piece entitled Ancient Futures tells the story of a group of aliens that come to earth bringing their own take on African culture with them. 

The result is a dance party that you can be a part of featuring some really talented musicians. Grime’s Afrikan Boy will be dropping new music and collaborating with poet Oneness Sankara in a show that blends west African culture and sci-fi in what’s sure to be a pretty interesting way. 

RoZéO  

Tide Square

9th + 10th September, 3pm + 6.30pm

One that we’re really excited (and slightly bemused) about is RoZéO. This performance sticks three performers on the end of ten-ft-long poles and lets them create a ritualistic set of movements that’s said to be incredibly calming. 

We’re not sure how relaxed we can be watching a bunch of people bob around ten ft above the ground but we’re sure they’ve got this under control. 

Open Lines

General Gordon Square

25th August, 7pm 

Open Lines is a one-off show of some good ol’ high wire walking. Strung up at frankly nerve shattering heights is Tatiana Mosio Bongonga, a world-famous tightrope walker. Alongside performances from acrobats she’ll be making a crossing of the wires once and only once, right over your head. 

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival: Practical Information 

When: 25th August – 10th September 2023
Where: Greenwich and the Docklands
Website

Tickets: It’s all free! 

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Greenwich is one of London’s loveliest neighbourhoods, with its glorious history, grand buildings and huge park. Even better – Greenwich is also home to oodles of delicious food! 

With such a mind-boggling array of eating spots, it’s no wonder that you’ve found your way here in need of some help! 

So here it is, just for you, our guide to unmissable Greenwich restaurants – the ones you need to visit right now.

Best Restaurants in Greenwich  

Goddards at Greenwich 

£

A Greenwich restaurant or a Greenwich icon? 

All we know is that Goddards has been feeding the people of London piping hot pie and mash since 1890 and for that, we salute them.

Made fresh on the premises of this family-run establishment in Greenwich Market, with mouth-watering fillings that range from minced beef through to chicken and ham through to vegan and gluten-free, Goddards is obviously doing something right. Not sure if we can quite bring ourselves to get the side of jellied eels but, you know, each to their own…

Sticks n Sushi 

 ££

Dishing up everyone’s favourite Japanese fare, this is the perfect spot for lunch in Greenwich. It’s also the place to get your fresh maki rolls and sushi and your freshly grilled yakitori sticks any time of day!

Served in a relaxed, vibrant space in Greenwich Market, we love Sticks n Sushi’s Nordic-inspired airy, white interiors. There’s a nod to Japanese tradition with large sharing tables, though if you don’t fancy being social, you can choose a smaller table where you don’t have to mingle.

Champagne + Fromage 

££

Cheese. Champagne. What more can we say? 

Only that with beaucoup de alfresco seating, a champagne list as long as your arm, and a selection of artisanal cheeses that range from mildly fragrant to deliciously stinky, Champagne + Fromage is a little piece of delicious France in Greenwich Market. 

Just to add that extra ‘je ne sais quoi’, besides the champagne and cheese, there is a range of classic French fare to sink your teeth into, including cassoulets, confits and saucisses.

Rivington Grill 

££-£££

Serving up classic neighbourhood eatery with a side of hearty meat and seafood dishes, the Rivington Grill is not only in the heart of Greenwich, but has a place in the hearts of local residents, especially on a Sunday when the roast is on the menu.

You’ll find timeless British dishes that are lovingly prepared with responsible-sourced fresh ingredients from local suppliers. 

The two-floor dining space is also home to a bar with stool seating – which you’ll need to use while you choose one of the 120 gins that are on offer for that cheeky G&T. 

There’s also a lovely garden terrace from which to enjoy all the deliciousness.

Craft at O2 

£££

Spread over three floors, Craft at the O2 is a ‘New British’ restaurant and as modern as they come. 

Occupied by a cafe, a cocktail bar and a restaurant, floor to ceiling windows, contemporary glass and metal light fixtures, crushed velvet (yes, they will frown on you for rubbing your face on it, sorry) and popping colours fill a relaxed and sophisticated space.

This is food that has been really thought about; all the ingredients are British, sourced from farmers that chef-owner Stevie Parle is buddies with, treated lightly and with reverence, and prepared in a variety of (old but) modern ways like curing, smoking and fermenting. 

 Pho Street 

 £

Sticking with Vietnamese (because yum) Pho Street is the perfect spot for lunch in Greenwich, with its slurpable soups and tasty banh mi sarnies.

The simple yet delicious dishes are freshly prepared from old family recipes and the menu is packed with authentic eats, whether you fancy a bowl of pho, a bun salad or a stuffed bao bun. There’s also excellent bubble tea to take away. 

Located centrally close to the Cutty Sark with prices that offer great value, you can’t really go wrong!

Zaibatsu 

 £

A delightful little Japanese fusion establishment, Zaibatsu is right on the edge of Greenwich by Maze Hill Station. While it may not look like much from the outside, what’s inside this restaurant will make both your stomach and your wallet happy – it is well known for its tasty food and excellent value.

Dig in to fresh nigiri and sashimi – the sets offer great pleasure and great value – or go for one (some) of the cooked dishes, which include delights such as tempura, teriyaki and flavour-packed ramen. 

The Pavilion Cafe 

£

Famed for a weathervane that depicts Lord Nelson looking through his telescope, it’s only right that The Pavillion Cafe makes its home on some high ground for the admiral’s surveying. That’s exactly where you’ll find it: perched at the top of the hill, right next to the observatory in Greenwich Park. 

Food wise, you’ll be tucking into a menu of pizzas and burgers that won’t disappoint. Arrive a little earlier in the day and you’ll have free reign over a breakfast menu too – probably some of the better food they serve here. 

The Hill 

££

One of Greenwich’s most popular spots for dinner is The Hill. They’ve cornered a good bit of the area’s dining buzz for a menu of Mediterranean cuisine that’s flared with the Latin influences of its owners. 

That means you’re just as likely to find starters of ceviche alongside dishes of prawn spaghetti and ravioli. The result is a relaxed and homely restaurant that cares more about getting good food in front of you than it does about serving up a menu that sticks to the rule book on choosing a cuisine to cook from. 

The Golden Chippy

£

Good fish and chips is one of those things that can be hard to come by in London. One of the very best spots to get the classic British dish though, can be found right here in Greenwich.

Don’t just take our word for it. The Golden Chippy sat at number one on Tripadvisor’s best restaurant guide back in 2016, beating even the Michelin-starred spots to the finish line.

Perhaps it’s the crispy batter, perhaps it’s the way you can opt to have your fish cooked on the grill if you want to keep it healthy. Perhaps it’s all down to the happy-family service. Either way, there’s something pretty special about The Golden Chippy. 

Banh Mi Leo

£

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The Old Royal Naval College has announced plans to start tours of what is, usually, a publicly inaccessible dome. The tours, which will begin in September, are part of a celebration of the life of Christopher Wren, the man who designed it – the dome, not the tour. 

Why now? Well Wren died in 1723, making this year the 300th anniversary of his death. The man needs little introduction, he only rebuilt pretty much all the churches in London after the great fire, and St. Pauls. We’ve written about him in depth here. 

Here’s what you need to know about the dome and tours…

The Dome Itself

The dome you’ll be able to see the inside of is the one on the chapel of the Old Naval College. It’s not as grand as you might imagine; there’s no decoration or flair. In fact, the dome’s insides are basically just beams and wonky staircases. 

That’s interesting for its own reasons though. You’ll be able to see how a master architect plans for an enormous dome to endure hundreds of years when it’s supported primarily by wood – which it has by the way. The dome was completed in 1712. 

You’ll also just have some pretty stunning views from the top. That’d be views of Greenwich, the Naval College campus – which is pretty beautiful too – and right across the river to central London, Canary Wharf centre stage. 

An Exclusive Tour

If you’re big into exclusivity you’ll obviously have the privilege of being somewhere not many people get to go. That’s true even with the tours in action; each tour will take six people max, plus an expert guide. 

The tours will cost you a pretty penny though. Each one is £48. Not cheap considering the tour only lasts 45 minutes. The tickets do include entry into the Painted Hall though – quite a sight in itself and one that would usually cost you £15. 

If you fancy looking round the dome, book yourself in here, and be quick about it. These tickets are sure to go fast. 

Old Royal Naval College Dome Tours: Practical Information

Address: Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN

Website

Tickets: £48 (includes entry into the Painted Hall) 

When: From September

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Architectural buffs and Instagrammers alike will delight in The Queen’s House in Greenwich, the first wholly classical building in England. 

Designed by architect Inigo Jones, The Queen’s House was initially intended as a residence for Anne of Denmark, Queen Consort to King James I. 

Unfortunately, Anne died in 1616, well before the building was finished. Construction was paused until 1629 when it resumed, this time as a residence for Queen Henrietta Maria, Charles I’s wife and was completed in 1635. 

It’s one of the city’s lesser-known gems, despite being home to an important art collection that features, at its pinnacle, Elizabeth I’s striking Armada portrait. 

The Tulip Stairs

Delve yet deeper into The Queen’s House to find The Tulip Stair, so called because of the intricate motifs on the iron railings (though these are in fact, fleur de lys – the emblem of Henrietta Maria’s family, not tulips at all). As the first cantilevered spiral geometric staircase in the UK, the Tulip Stair is an architectural feat. 

Jones was strongly influenced by the work of the 16th century architect Andrea Palladio, taking the classical designs and concept of a self-supporting spiral staircase with no central column espoused by Palladio to incorporate into his own work on The Queen’s House. 

Instead of a central support, Jones’ mason Nicholas Stone came up with an innovative solution whereby steps were interlocked, each providing the next with support.

Interesting as that is, the staircase garners more attention for its looks – light flooding the stairwell from the centralised window and the elaborate ironwork, it’s an elegant piece of architecture that still enchants visitors today. 

Ghost Stories 

It’s easy to imagine why people would claim old buildings like Queen’s House are haunted – the empty rooms and aged furniture, perhaps a tormented soul in the family tree. Few have actual picture evidence to prove it. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the story of the haunting at Queen’s house is a creepy one. 

It happens surprisingly recently for a tale of haunting, the year 1966. Our protagonists: a retired Canadian reverend and his wife, a one Mrs. R W Hardy. They were in the UK on holiday, poking around the sites of Greenwich. 

The Reverend had heard of the famous Tulip Stairs and, struck by their beauty, snapped a photograph. It wasn’t till much later when the couple developed the photo that they noticed the presence of a ghostly figure in its frame. 

The figure appears to be chasing a second, and possibly third, spectral shape up the stairs. The Reverend and his wife were steadfast in their claims that when they took the picture, the stairs were completely empty…

An Investigation into Paranormal Happenings 

This encounter inspired paranormal investigation bureau, The Ghost Club, to come in and investigate. They donned rubber-soled shoes, took notes and shone torches, even syncing watches to ensure accurate recordings, settled in for the night hoping to make contact with a séance.   

Nothing came of the investigation and the case was eventually closed. There are no ghosts on the Tulip Stairs. 

But then how does that explain the 2002 sighting from this unnamed Gallery Assistant who saw a figure “gliding across a balcony, dressed in an old-fashioned, white-grey dress and passing through a wall…” 

Practical Information and Map For Visiting The Tulip Stairs

Address: Queen’s House, Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF

Website

Opening Times: Every day 10am – 5pm

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The stunning Museum of the Moon will return to London from December 13th 2022 – 5th of February 2023, and its setting will be equally spectacular. 

In case you missed it last time, the exhibition features a giant moon in a 1:500,000 scale that recreates the true surface of the moon from 120dpi NASA imagery. 

It all sounds very fancy, but that basically means that the image is super-high resolution and that each centimetre on the model represents 5km on the real moon. The sculpture is lit internally and looks just beautiful, often suspended from the ceiling in an equally enchanting location. 

What to Expect

Although the exhibition calls itself a museum, it’s probably more like a gallery. The focus is more on the display than learning. You’re likely to find people lying on the floor gazing up at the giant structure. 

This time around, the moon will be hung in the Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, a space that’s as intricately painted ceilings are as impressive as the moon is beautiful. 

But the best part of what happens when the moon comes to town is that its chosen venue hosts a series of events with the moon as a backdrop… And this time is no different. 

The Old Royal Naval College has a good run of events coming up – kicking off with a cocktail party and finishing with a celebration of the lunar new year in late January. As well as a Christmas party with Santa in attendance, a well-being session and a dinner party that sees the Painted Hall used in one of its original capacities. 

You can find more info and book tickets here

Museum of the Moon: Practical Information

Address: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London SE10 9NN

Tickets: Adult £12.50, Children get in free. 

Website

Museum of the Moon: Map

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You must have seen one of those things. They look like the vacuum bit on a Dyson and you get inside it with some goggles on and pretend to skydive.

Some might also say that you also look like you’re getting sucked up by a giant hoover. 

Well there’s one of those coming to London. It’s opening in the O2 arena on the 15th of December and it’s going to be totally rad, dude. 

iFly London: The Details 

The indoor skydiving experience comes from iFly (nothing to do with Apple), a company from America that makes and runs these indoor skydiving machines. 

They’ve since gone global and now have three locations in the UK. Where? Manchester, Milton Keynes and Basingstoke.But what does it matter if it doesn’t happen outside of London? This is the centre of the world. 

iFly’s newest venture will be their first in London and London’s first. 

Each “flight” session lasts sixty minutes and includes some rigorous pre-flight training – you can’t just jump straight into this thing.

Once all trained up, you’re ready to go and experience the magic of hurtling towards the ground with only some silk and strings to save you from certain pancakedom, without any of the risks. 

If you’re still too chicken to give it a go, there’s a 360-degree viewing platform where you can watch your loved one’s faces blown out of shape by all that wind. 

And the whole spectacle will be caught on high-definition camera, so you can take the memory home with you. 

Looks like each session gives you a couple of flights, and each flight lasts longer than an actual free-fall skydive does. 

Not bad for value for money, but what’s the coolest thing about this whole very cool experience? You can also do it in VR. 

We’re sold. 

iFly: Practical Tips and Map

Tickets 

Tickets are on sale here. Although it doesn’t open until the 15th of December, they are already taking advanced bookings. 

We recommend getting a ticket if you’re serious about getting on this, no doubt it will be highly popular. 

Tickets start from £69.99 and rise depending on how many flights/photographs you want, or if you want to do it in the VR world. 

Getting there 

You can take the tube to North Greenwich station. That’s on the Jubilee line. 

Alternatively hop on a boat and be ferried down the river. Get off when you see the giant white dome. The stop is North Greenwich Pier.  

Map 

The post London Is Getting a Brand New Indoor Skydiving Experience appeared first on London x London.

*sponsored by City Cruises*

Get ready to whizz along the water and see London from a new perspective, hopping on one of City Cruises’ River Thames sightseeing rides is the perfect way to spend an afternoon – or evening – in the capital.

Interested? Here’s what you need to know.

Sightseeing Cruises

Think you’ve taken a brilliant Thames cruise? Think again. 

City Cruises has knocked it out of the park with their offering – their captains provide a wonderful commentary on the history of London and the dazzling sights, and you’ve also got the choice between sitting in the spacious open upper deck or relaxing in the indoor saloons.

Keen to pack in some serious sightseeing? We recommend opting for the 24-hour Hop On/Off River Pass. You can join the boat tour at any of the four piers (located at Greenwich, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Westminster), and have full access to the boats all day.

24-hour tickets cost just £22 for adults and £14.75 for kids, though the family pack (£44) covers 2 Adults and 3 Children. A pretty good deal, we think – a day of Tube tickets really can rack up!

An Epic Thamesjet Speedboat Ride

Ready to channel your inner James Bond? City Cruises’ thrilling Thamesjet Speedboat is one of the most exciting experiences in the capital right now. 

Over the course of 50 minutes, you’ll get to enjoy some of London’s top sights (Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, to name a few) as you set off on an adrenaline-pumping ride across the Thames.

Better yet, the immersive commentary will place you right at the heart of a high-speed MI5 mission. 

The Festive Season 2022

Is it too early to get excited for Christmas? Maybe. But City Cruises has got a stellar line-up of festive offerings that you don’t want to miss out on, so it’s worth thinking ahead.

Between the 1st and 18th of December, City Cruises is hosting a bunch of fabulous Christmas Lunch and Dinner Party cruises. 

Climb aboard and enjoy hours of festive activities as you enjoy a tour of London’s top landmarks. And, if you opt for the evening cruise, you’ll even get to tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner followed by an on-board DJ and plenty of space for dancing. 

If you fancy something really special, the Christmas Day events are sure to impress. 

Choose between a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise, complete with a four-course dinner, carols, and music, or the Christmas Day Sightseeing Cruise, which sees you chow down on mince pies and mulled wine as you pass by the capital’s top attractions.

Or, if you’re channelling your inner Scrooge and can’t quite bear to entertain Christmas thoughts right now, round off the year with a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Cruise. 

We can’t quite think of a better place to see in 2023 than atop the River Thames, a glass of bubbly in hand.

City Cruises: Practical Tips

• If you’re going to be visiting London’s top landmarks, it’s a great idea to purchase the 24-hour pass that gives you unlimited access to the boat rides. This makes it easy to visit Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, and plenty more in one day.
• We cannot stress enough: Book ahead. These experiences are incredibly popular and get booked up well in advance. We know it seems early to be thinking about Christmas, but leave it until November and you’re guaranteed to be disappointed.

City Cruises: Map

The post City Cruises London: Spot London’s Iconic Landmarks From the River Thames appeared first on London x London.