Greenwich has been my home from the moment I was a teensy tiny little person, roller-skating my way through Greenwich park and looking wide-eyed at the majestic Cutty Sark tea clipper each and every time I saw it.
Located in South-East London, Greenwich is widely known for its Royal heritage and intriguing history, carved in the cobblestone backstreets and packed in the local museums. People from all over the world come here to eat food, see art and potter around for a lazy afternoon.
In Greenwich, there is something to discover in every pocket, from thriving restaurants to sporadic pop-ups. Of course there’s Greenwich Market, ideal for the aforementioned lazy afternoon spent ambling around admiring obscure jewellery and intricate pottery. As a lover of all things literature, I often find myself gravitating towards the bookstall where I’m instantly plunged into prose and verse, becoming less and less aware of the hustle and bustle around me as Orlando hops through time (calling all Virginia Woolf readers!) The book selection is vast and can cost you as little as 70p, so you’re bound to find something amid the variety.
Then I like to spend my time in Waterstone’s Cafe to unwind. The cafe is peaceful and the perfect setting for thinking with a warm cup of coffee or a pot of tea and a slice of lemon drizzle. You’re also surrounded by ALL of the books in case you didn’t find anything in Greenwich Market (books + cake = the dream).
A quick saunter across to Greenwich Park is next on the agenda, where I grew up and spent my summer holidays running around in the beautifully scented rose garden and climbing grand old trees that tell intriguing stories of the past and what they’ve seen just by their detail. Now, it’s the ultimate cure for hangovers, fatigue and other adult-related issues far from childhood. The park is also great for lounging, exploring the deer and wildlife or watching the sun set from the Royal Observatory, an incredible view that people from all over the world come to visit and admire every day.
I cycle along the Thames path from one end to the next on those sunnier or crisper afternoons, something I’ve enjoyed since I could cycle without stabilisers or the need to hold onto my parents for extra support. The path along Greenwich is full of surprises and winding routes. I love popping into the Cutty Sark pub for a bite to eat along the way, a local pub that resembles a cosy fairy grotto. Their roasts are exceptionally delicious and the Georgian architecture is pleasantly cosy, especially during a chilly afternoon by the fire. Grab a newspaper and enjoy a glass of their mulled wine, but always make sure to get a window seat because the view never gets old and I don’t think it ever will – like most views this side of the river.
The cobbled streets that lead from the Cutty Sark pub into the town centre offer a throwback to Victorian England. Somehow, the rich and interesting history of Greenwich has remained etched in our architecture and surroundings. I often stroll through these backstreets and find them especially enchanting at night, inventing stories and imagining past scenarios that could have happened; expanding on stories we were told as children on school trips and inventing new characters in the tale.
Unfortunately, the nightlife in Greenwich isn’t entirely thrilling, unless you begin your night in the very early evening. Start in a restaurant or a local pub like The Pelton Arms, where there’s usually a gig popping off, and make your way over to New Cross or Peckham to continue the night if you’re up for some groovin’. I personally enjoy Peckham Springs for its versatility: here you can sit in the outside area for a chit-chat or move on over to the latest pop-up exhibition for a sneaky snoop around – all within convenient distance from good ol’ Greenwich.
Whether you’re on a trip to London or you’ve been living here for a good 10 years, Greenwich is a must-see destination. Go here if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and leave your phone behind if you’re seeking a complete detox. Bring along that book you’ve been meaning to finish for the past 4 months, or leave that behind too. Just breathe, relax and enjoy this beautiful part of London. After all, we’re only in zone 2!
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