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Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park and stretches 74 hectares (183 acres). It is part of the World Heritage Site with the National Maritime Museum close by, making it a perfect place for a picnic after a morning visiting the Prime Meridian Line and the Old Royal Observatory.  Its sits on a hill top allowing visitors to appreciate the picturesque views across the River Thames, all the way to St Paul's Cathedral and beyond.  The park is rich in wildlife being a Grade 1 listed landscape and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.

Back in 1433 when the park was a deer park, the park was mainly covered by common land with trees such as scrub, oak, birch, gorse, broom, heath and thorns. However in the 17th century tree-lined avenues and open areas were created to formalise the park all of which survive today. Todays flora and forna consist of an exquisite collection of mature trees and long grassland, perfect for butterflies, spiders and the 70 species of wild birds that can be seen over the year.  

The Park's facilities include a bandstand that hosts summer concerts, a children's play area with entertainment in the summer months, three cafes - The Tea Pavilion,
St. Mary's Gate Cafe and The Honest Sausage, refreshment kiosks, tourist
information points and toliets. 

                                                                      Greenwich Park overlooking Docklands - Photo by David Burgess

Opening hours: Dawn to dusk all year round.

Nearest tube: Cutty Sark

By Jessica Worthington -Little  (For the kids see  www.Thameswatch.org )

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