Among the 32 boroughs in London, one lies along the Southbank of Thames and is truly the hidden gem of London.
It has an under-water tunnel that you can traverse from one side to the other under the Thames.
It has a mind-blowing Painted Hall, quite literally painted with images spanning 40,000 square feet of walls and ceilings, depicting 200 kings, queens and mythological creatures, situated not in a gallery but the Old Royal Naval College. Opposite the painted hall, there is the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, commonly known as simply The Chapel.
There is a gourmet market with the most multicultural, authentic food, and probably the best Ethiopian food you'll ever find.
There is, not just another pub with great beer and live music, but one of the best gastronomy extravaganza and the friendliest owner who would sit with you and have a drink and a laugh.
It is home to the majestic Cutty Sark, the record-breaking tea clipper - purpose built for the tea trade with China in late 19 century, which ended up travelling the globe and visiting every major port in the world.
It has a beautiful park, In fact, one that was favoured by the Romans more than 1500 years ago as we know from the remains of a Romano-Celtic temple.
Fast forwarding to about 500 or so years ago, Duke Humphrey, the youngest son of King Henry IV, built a mansion and got permission from his dad to enclose 200 acres of land and gave birth to what is now known as.......
Greenwich, You probably have guessed it.
After sustaining a fair bit of wear and tears from the change of hands in the following years, Charles II had the ambition to create a grand park and royal palace that rival anything in Europe, until, money ran dry. He even invited Andre Le Notre, the architect of Versailles to lay out the blueprint of the park's layout.
Royals and nobles continued to reside in the park, including John Flamsteed who was Britain's first Royal Astronomer appointed by Charles II in attempt to catch up with the French, who, apparently had worked out better navigation method led by the moon and the sun at the time.
Flamsteed devised the Greenwich Mean TIme (GMT) by installing the best pendulum clocks and set them to the local time. Whenever the sun crosses the meridian at Greenwich, it would be the Greenwich Mean Time.
The park today still radiates elegance, serenity, and history. It is no longer exclusive to the royals but for everyone to enjoy all year round.
In warmer months families and friends gather at the park, whereas cooler months there are very little crowds. Whichever month of the year, you'll be greeted by fluffy squirrels.
Greenwich is one of the most under the radar destination in London, and is never flooded with tourists.
Be sure to add it on your itinerary if you're into history, science, food, nature, or just want to relax in the park.
Whether just for a few days or longer, I'm happy to plan out your trip and give you all the locals' tips from my one year living and working in London.
Leave us a comment below 👇 or get in touch now.
Comments