Today I decided to make a quick half-day trip to Greenwich to make the most of my Sunday. The weather map told me London was going to be thundery with torrential rain all day, but I decided to ignore it and go out anyway, otherwise I might not have the opportunity for at least another week. My aim was to avoid the underground and to try the Elizabeth Line for the first time, which was quite I was looking forward to.
The journey got off to a good start. I left my place nice and early and got to Paddington Station around 10am. At first, I couldn’t find the Elizabeth Line and had to ask several times around the station. If a regular visitor to Paddington Station like me can’t find it easily I wonder how the tourists manage. Or maybe I was having a slow day. I went into ‘tourist’ mode myself, and asked a few TFL staff, as if I was a first time visitor. They were very helpful, and I found myself heading to the Elizabeth Line in no time at all.
Disembarked at Canary Wharf, and headed to Docklands Light Railway (DLR). This took a few minutes, and when I arrived at the station I was puzzled to see how empty it was. As I reached the empty platform, I realised that I hadn’t paid attention to the announcements that there were no trains to Greenwich.
I felt a bit deflated, as I was not sure how far away I was, and wondered whether it would become a burdensome goose chase as has sometimes happened to me when I got lost in London. However, I persevered and headed back out spotting a bus stop opposite the station. The first bus I saw said ‘Rail Replacement’ so I hopped on and asked the driver if this was OK for Greenwich. A very helpful TFL worker standing by the driver advised me to travel to Island Gardens stop, which was luckily the final destination of the Rail Replacement bus. He then directed me to Greenwich Foot Tunnel, which ends up by the Cutty Sark. This was perfect for me and I was extremely grateful for the helpful directions.
The tunnel involved a walk down a spiral staircase, about a 5 to 7 minute walk then back up a spiral staircase at the Cutty Sark. It was used by many people and felt safe. At the time I was using it (around 10.45am on a Sunday) the ‘no cycling’ signs were being obeyed, and I was very impressed with the efficiency of the route.
Arriving at the Cutty Sark entrance was very exciting for a first-timer like me. I always love seeing the river and being near water, especially in London, and the air felt so different. It also comes with a great view of London City. I headed towards the high street as I wanted to go to Greenwich Park, and popped into a handily located M&S for a sandwich and drink. Greenwich Park was up the road and I found it really easily (just off King William Walk).
At this point I felt deserving of a coffee and was pleased to find a lovely outside terrace at The Parkside Cafe and Terrace, which is positioned on two levels at the National Maritime Museum inside the park. Both the cafe and terrace was lovely and quiet, and I ordered a latte for £4 and sat outside whilst planning my next move.
I decided to head to the Royal Observatory so that I could see the wonderful view and stand on the Prime Meridian. I made a slight detour to take a photo of Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle (one of the most photographed pieces of art in London) and then headed up the hill.
The walk to the Royal Observatory is uphill but not too long a distance and I soon reached it. I realised that I had been lulled into a false sense of security thinking that no-one was around after my nice quiet cafe visit as everyone was here! I found the Greenwich clock but didn’t see the meridian line. I made a note to find it next time and arrive super early so I don’t have the navigate the crowds.
There was a notice somewhere saying that here at the Royal Observatory you will see the best views of London and they are not wrong. The panoramic view is magnificent, incorporating the London Eye, The Shard and many other well known landmarks of the London cityscape. The clouds provided a dramatic backdrop for this city scene.
I milled around the Royal Observatory area and had my sandwich while pondering on where to go next. I had in mind to return via Maze Hill Station but first I wanted to explore a bit more. I headed in the direction of a sign that mentioned woods, and found myself reading about Queen Elizabeth’s Oak. It took me a bit of asking around to find out as I had missed the piece of information telling me it was lying on its side. It fell down in 1991! I saw some other amazing trees, and at one point felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, which is a great achievement for a city park.
I decided to abandon my idea to head to Maze Hill Station when I spotted The Queen’s Orchard, which I had a little wander round. It is a working orchard, and we are kindly reminded not to pick anything as there are vegetables and other plants being grown.
I followed the park around until I found my original entrance, passing a children’s playground on the way. I took the route back through the foot tunnel but was disappointed it was full of cyclists disregarding the signs not to cycle. As the tunnel is already so crowded it is not pleasant having a cyclist whizzing towards me. Hopefully the next time I visit I’ll be able to get closer to Greenwich without having to use the tunnel.
I took the D7 bus to Canary Wharf and found the Elizabeth Line back to Paddington. A good trip for my first trip to Greenwich. I got a useful scope of the main landmarks and I have made a note of what to do for next time.
Pocket Adventures 