Today we spent the day exploring the attractions that Greenwich had to offer. A short 15 minute train ride and we were there.
Greenwich is a pretty village (I know, another one!) with all the attractions within walking distance of each other.
First stop was the ‘Queen’s house’ (not what you are thinking). Each room housed different themed paintings. For example one of the rooms was dedicated to war paintings, and many of the others were maritime paintings. The queen never actually resided here, but instead the building was used as an ‘artist in residence’ quarters, and at another stage was a school for orphans of seamen.
Following this we climbed aboard the ‘Cutty Sark’ – a Victorian Clipper, famously known for being very fast and carrying her cargo of tea from China to Britain.
Below is some history on the Cutty Sark for all you history buffs!
Time for some lunch – traditional pub food this time – steak pie/gravy and mash for Kim, with the bread and butter pudding for dessert, and chicken and mushroom pie and mash for Sally with sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
We looked around the markets then had a quick look around Trinity College of London. This held particular interest for me, as I sat the majority of my piano exams through Trinity College. As well as music, they now also have dance and theatre associated with them. Unfortunately we could not get in today as exams were going on, but it was lovely to walk through the courtyard and hear strains of piano, cello music and singing floating through the open windows.
Next stop was the Greenwich observatory. It was now getting really hot, but at least part of the walk was on a cool leafy promenade that cut through a park.
Final stop was the National Maritime Museum. Apparently this is one of the biggest in the world. There were three floors. I decided to give this a miss and sat outside in a relatively cool spot, while Kim had a quick look around, then decided we would return on another day to have a really good look.
We found a walking tunnel that took us right underneath the Thames to the other side. It was a strange feeling walking through it, imagining the Thames directly overhead. Luckily it was watertight and had been for a long time!
Traveling Further 