A Day Exploring Maritime Greenwich
Morning
Start the day from Westminster Pier, because the best way to arrive at
Greenwich
is by boat. The journey takes 50–60 minutes and there are terrific river sights on the way. The old tea clipper
Cutty Sark
is undergoing restoration until 2010 but the visitor centre
is worth a visit. Step into the nearby Greenwich tourist information
centre to get your bearings.
Behind is Greenwich Market, which is liveliest on weekends. Grab a
coffee here, and then explore the surrounding streets, full of antique
and other charming shops. Turn into Wren’s Old Royal Naval College, walk
around the Grand Square, and then down to the river. Take a break for
some lunch and a pint at the old Trafalgar Tavern on the far side of the
Naval College overlooking the river.
Afternoon
After lunch, make your way back up to the
National Maritime Museum
, Queen’s House and the Royal Observatory Greenwich,
which is on the hill behind. Spend a couple of hours exploring the
fascinating museum, the largest of its kind in the world, then make your
way to the Observatory. This is the home of world time, and stands on
the Prime Meridian. You can be photographed with one foot in the eastern
hemisphere and one in the west. Return to Central London by boat, DLR
or rail from Greenwich.
Best of the Rest
Brixton Market
This
colourful market lies at the heart of London’s Caribbean community. The
atmosphere is lively, with music stalls pumping out a variety of
sounds, and the scent of aromatic ethnic foods. Look for secondhand
vinyl, fresh produce and bargain fabrics. Open 8am–5pm Mon–Sat.Electric Avenue to Brixton Station Road SW9
Tube Brixton
Battersea Arts Centre
One of the main fringe theatre venues in the capital, with a huge programme of activities.
Lavender Hill SW11
Train to Clapham Junction
020 7223 2223
The Bush
This off-West End theatre is one of London’s premier showcases for new writers.
Shepherd’s Bush Green W12
Tube Shepherd’s Bush
020 8743 5050
Merton Abbey Mills
An
arts and crafts village on the River Wandle, with an old watermill,
pub, restaurant, shops and weekend craft market. Arts festival in the
summer.Merantum Way SW19
Tube Colliers Wood
Wetland Centre
In
this major bird sanctuary by the Thames, there are different recreated
habitats to explore, as well as a Discovery Centre .Barnes SW13
Train to Barnes
Open 9:30am–6pm daily (winter: 9:30am–5pm)
Admission charge
Wimbledon Common
Start
with a visit to the windmill, and then try not to get lost roaming the
1,100 acres. The Crooked Billet and the Hand in Hand on the south side
are pubs to head for.Wimbledon Common SW19
Train to Wimbledon
Wimbledon Stadium
Have a night at the dog track, where you can urge on your favourites from the stands or one of the restaurants.
Plough Lane SW17
Tube Wimbledon Park
Races 7:30–10pm Tue, Fri, Sat
Admission charge
Firepower
An
exciting museum at the historic home of the Royal Artiller. Hundreds of
exhibits as well as a spectacular multi-media display.Royal Arsenal, Woolwich SE18
Train to Woolwich Arsenal
Open 10am–5pm Wed–Sun
Admission charge
World Rugby Museum
At Twickenham Stadium, the national home of rugby. A Mecca for rugby fans, a visit includes a tour of the stadium.
Rugby Road, Twickenham, Middlesex
Train to Twickenham
Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat, 11am–5pm Sun
Admission charge
Eating and Drinking
Thai Square Putney Bridge
A
brilliant view of the river from this smart, innovative glass
restaurant makes it a good spot year-round, and the Thai menu is
excellent.The Embankment SW15
Tube Putney Bridge
020 8780 1811
Chez Bruce
Stylish yet relaxed, Chez Bruce serves excellent modern European food. Service is impeccable and booking is essential.
2 Bellevue Road SW17
Train to Wandsworth Common
020 8672 0114
The Glasshouse
The food is exciting, modern European at this relaxed restaurant.
14 Station Parade, Kew, Surrey
Tube Kew Gardens
020 8940 6777
No disabled access
The Gate
Probably
the best vegetarian restaurant in London, The Gate is worth hunting
out. The gourmet menu changes regularly, and the meals are hearty and
inventive. Closed Sundays.51 Queen Caroline Street W6
Tube Hammersmith
020 8748 6932
No disabled access
Carpenter’s Arms
It may look like an old boozer but the food here is hearty fare made with well-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
91 Black Lion Lane W6
Tube Stamford Brook
020 8741 8386
Inn at Kew Gardens
A lovely hostelry with great pump ales and moreish gastro food. It’s also perfectly located beside Kew Gardens.
292 Sandycombe Road, Kew TW9
Tube Kew Gardens
020 8940 2220
The Green Room
A
thoroughly modern venue in an old-fashioned part of town. Great
cocktails at the stylish bar, simple but good Anglo-French food in the
restaurant.45A Goldhawk Road W12
Tube Goldhawk Road
020 8746 2111
Esarn Kheaw
Authentic
Thai food, with all the usual favourites as well as more unusual dishes
such as mud fish sweet and sour soup. Expect liberal use of chilli and
spices.314 Uxbridge Road W12
Tube Shepherd’s Bush
020 8743 8930
The Dove
With
the smallest bar in Britain, a warm fire, good local beer and a
riverside terrace, this is as close to a perfect pub as you can get.
Good bar food is served lunchtime and evening.19 Upper Mall W6
Tube Hammersmith
020 8748 9747
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