Greenwich Park – The Oldest of the Royal Parks

Greenwich Park Is Part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, Home to Prime Meridian Line:

Greenwich Park, London © Travel Signposts..

Greenwich Park was originally the grounds of a royal palace.  Since the land was inherited by Henry V’s brother in 1427, generations of monarchs have taken an interest in the park and built their manors and palaces on the site.

Situated on top of a hill, Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park in the U.K. This 74-hectare park is part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site which is home of the Old Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line. Nearby is the National Maritime Museum.

On a clear day, Greenwich Park affords views across the River Thames to the Docklands and central London. Because of its high position overlooking the Thames, Greenwich Park had always been a strategically important site to the various invaders. Near the Maze Hill Gate are remains of important Roman buildings, the Danes occupied Greenwich several times in the early 11th century and the Normans turned the area into a large manor.

For nature lovers, Greenwich Park is an outstanding place to visit. Its large grassland enclosure is the oldest of London’s deer parks and has been home to the Red and Fallow Deers since the Park was enclosed in 1433. Its secluded woodland and ancient trees are a sanctuary for wildlife.

Greenwich Park is used for sporting events such as cricket, tennis, putting and rugby. The Park is popular with walkers and joggers and cycling is allowed on designated cycle paths.  During the London 2012 Olympics Greenwich Park will host Equestrian, Paralympic Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon events. A cross-country course and main arena for 23,000 spectators will also be constructed in the Park for the duration of the games.

Greenwich Park is on the south bank of the River Thames in south east London.  The park is open from 6.00 a.m. for pedestrians and 7.00 a.m. for traffic all year round.  For visitors planning to spend a day in the Park,  the Pavilion Tea House and other refreshment outlets serve a selection of food and drink.

A pleasant way to travel to Greenwich is on the Thames riverboats from Westminster, Embankment or Tower Piers. Other transport options include:

By Tube: Alight at North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line, then catch the 188 bus to Greenwich Park gate.

By Train: Connecting trains depart from Cannon Street, Waterloo, London Bridge and Charing Cross and go to Greenwich, Maze Hill and Blackheath.

By the Dockland Light Railway:
–  Cutty Sark station – walk through Greenwich Market and you will reach St Mary’s Gate and the Circus Gates of the Park.
–  Greenwich station – follow the signs to the Park.

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Greenwich Park Map:

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