what’s new in 2015 - visitgreenwich.org.uk … · the biggest opening of 2015 is deinitely samuel...
TRANSCRIPT
What’s new
in 2015
visitgreenwich.org.uk
Getting to Greenwich is fun! It’s not very far from the West End
and there are lots of exciting ways
to travel. Speed down the river with
City Cruises, MBNA Thames Clippers
or Thames River Services and arrive
in style, or pretend you’re the driver
on Docklands Light Railway to speed
through the towers at Canary Wharf
and under the river to Greenwich.
Get Two for One entry to all sorts
of attractions if you travel with
Southeastern trains and kids travel
for just £1! Save even more with
GroupSave and Weekender tickets.
However you get here, make it part
of your day out!
Welcome
to our Visitor Guide update. We want to
make sure you’ve got all the information
you need to have a great time in
Greenwich, so we’ve put together some
news about exciting events, openings
and new ways to explore the area. Look
at this along with our Visitor Guide and
you’ll be able to find out everything you
need to know about where to go and
what to see in Greenwich and the rest of
the Royal Borough.
02 Visit Greenwich time after time Festival & Events 03
Greenwich is a great place to celebrate and there’s
a long list of fabulous festivals that take place every
year, many of them presented under the Royal
Greenwich Festivals banner. Here’s some of what
you’ve got to look forward to.
Greenwich Music Time
JuneGreenwich + Docklands International Festival
The most thrilling and spell-binding outdoor festival of them all. Dance, drama, music, street art – all free!
JulyGreenwich World Cultural Festival
A stunning afternoon of dance, theatre, music and circus from around the world, all in the beautiful gardens of the elegant Eltham Palace.
AugustGreenwich Music Time
Outdoor music in the iconic setting of the Old Royal Naval College featuring some of the world’s most exciting musical talents.
Sail Royal Greenwich
Tall Ships return to the Thames at Woolwich and Greenwich for cruises on the river, ship visits and fireworks evenings.
SeptemberOnBlackheath
Live music and food festival on the roof of south east London with classy food and some of the hottest names in music.
Open House London
Greenwich takes part in the capital’s largest annual festival of architecture and design. Over one weekend, buildings of architectural interest, old and new, open their doors for free.
Greenwich Comedy Festival
The best stand-up around. Lots of laughs in a gorgeous Greenwich location.
NovemberRoyal Greenwich International Early Music
Festival and Exhibition
Ever wondered what to do with a Crumhorn? Find out here!
Christmas Lantern Parade
Greenwich gets Christmas under way with this traditional event that begins in the Old Royal Naval College and culminates with Lights On at Greenwich Market.
Annual highlights
Greenwich Comedy Festival
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
Christmas Lantern ParadeRoyal Greenwich International Early Music Festival and Exhibition
Take a look through the Visitor Guide for
more great events and sign up for our
newsletter to keep abreast of 2016 events
including the exciting Royal Greenwich
Festivals programme.
Sail Royal Greenwich
0504 Visit Greenwich time after time Eat & drink
You can see how much
there is to do in Greenwich
in our Visitor Guide but
here are a few extra ideas
we came up with to help
you have even more of
an amazing time. As well
as all the places to visit
and things to do on dry
land you should try a
river adventure.
Tear down the Thames at high speed
with Thames RIB speed boats. Whizz
past the Old Royal Naval College,
blast past The O2 and zip through
the mighty Thames Barrier. It’s a
super-adrenaline fuelled way to get
a unique view of some of the best
views in Greenwich – but make sure
you come back for a proper look!
Take a tour round Meantime Brewery
and find out how London’s favourite craft beer is made, followed by a
tutored tasting of a selection of
Meantime beers. Then take a flight across the river on the UK’s only
urban cable car – the Emirates Air
Line – which offers fantastic views of the river as it winds its way through
the capital and out through the
Thames Barrier.
There’s a lovely long list of
places to eat and drink in
Greenwich in our Visitor
Guide, but we’ve come
across a few more places
we think you’ll like.
There’s a wonderful atmosphere and
great food and drink at the Richard I,
a pub that’s been at the heart of the
community in Greenwich for many
years. If you’re looking for the place
that locals go, this is it. Or dash down
the river to The O2 and dip into
Busaba Eathai, a modern Thai eatery
that specialises in one course dining,
devised to feed you with no fuss –
delicious too!
For all you wine buffs, and who isn’t a fan of the beautiful grape, South
London Wine School run regular
tastings at The Mitre next to St Alfege
church. You’ll need to book ahead for
this one, but it’s definitely worth it! Or you could relax in a restaurant next
to Greenwich Pier with views across the
river to Docklands and beyond. Browse
the tried and tested menu at Frankie
and Benny’s and watch the sun go
down over the water!
06 Attractions Entertainment 07
You will never be
short of things to do
in Greenwich where
exciting exhibitions
and attractions spring
up all the time!
The biggest opening of 2015
is definitely Samuel Pepys: Plague, Fire and Revolution at
the National Maritime Museum,
from November 20. It’s a
blockbuster exhibition charting
the colourful, talented and
sometimes scandalous life of
Britain’s most famous diarist,
who witnessed some of the
most momentous and dramatic
events in history. Make sure
you see it!
Elvis has not left the building
and is staying at The O2 until
January 2016. Elvis at The
O2: The Exhibition of His Life chronicles the rise of the rock
‘n’ roll icon and shows how Elvis
impacted on popular culture
around the world through his
music, movies and personal
style. We’ve been, it’s great,
you should definitely go.
And while you’re there, on
Greenwich Peninsula, drop
into the fabulous NOW Gallery,
a new public space for
contemporary art and design
where exhibitions change
regularly and reflect Britain’s thriving and inventive art
and design community. It’s a
beautiful building filled with beautiful things.
There’s far too much to see and do in
Greenwich to only stay for a day and
there’s plenty to do in the evening, so
stick around and stay for the night. Take
a walk with Lantern Ghost Tours where
you’ll hear about the Cutty Sark curse,
ghosts of jilted lovers unable to move
on and Royal Family members whose
dabble with the occult has left their
spirits to linger.
Or experience a unique perspective of London’s captivating
night sky - including the reflections of The O2 and the awe-inspiring lights of Canary Wharf during a night flight on the Emirates Air Line. The cable car flies across the river Thames for extended 25 minute round trips as the sun goes
down over the city, until the end of September. Special
video and music selections will make your sunset session
even more special. If you’re here later in the year, there’s
no need to go home when the evenings draw in - there are
amazing night time views on its regular service until 8pm.
Then stop for a frosty glass of craft beer at Meantime
Brewery’s Beer Box, just a few metres away from The O2
and North Greenwich underground entrances. Greenwich
Peninsula just grew up.
NOW Gallery
FLOATING FLYING - Exploring Phoebe English’s exhibition with an evening of live music accompanied by aerial hoop contortion from Lily Raptor from Chivaree Circus.
08 A place to stay Attractions 09
Spend your time well in Greenwich
and stay over for a night or two.
We have a great selection of
quality accommodation in the
main part of our Visitor Guide,
but there are a few more places
we think you’ll definitely want to
keep in mind.
Sunborn London is a glamorous yacht hotel
moored in Royal Victoria Docks, just across
the river from The O2. This is somewhere you
can combine the privacy and exclusivity of an
ocean-going yacht with the quality and
comfort of a top-class hotel. It’s pretty classy.
So too is the InterContinental London The O2,
right next to the most popular entertainment
venue in the world. The 453-room hotel, which
opens in late 2015, features a health spa, two
restaurants, a club lounge, main bar and a sky
bar with 180-degree views over Canary Wharf
and the River Thames. There is also a 3000
square metre open-plan ballroom, the largest
pillar-free ballroom in Europe. That’s a lot of
room for a lot of dancers!
The Peninsula Restaurant InterContinental London The O2
Eltham Palace and Gardens
Experience the decade of decadence at Eltham Palace, as you are transported back to the 1930s (just in time for cocktail hour). Created for millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, Eltham Palace is part showpiece of Art Deco design and 1930s cutting-edge technology, and part medieval royal palace. Bring your family and make yourself at home, try on clothes, play games, listen to music and stroll in the fabulous gardens, as a guest of the Courtaulds.
Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5QEenglish-heritage.org.uk/elthampalace020 8294 2548
Opening times Apr-Sep: Sun-Thurs 10am-6pm 1 Oct-25 Oct: Sun-Thurs, 10am-5pm 26 Oct-1 Nov: daily 10am-5pm, 2 Nov-14 Feb: Sun only, 10am-4pmSee website for further details.Ticket prices £13 adult, £7.80 child, £11.80 concession, £33.80 family, English Heritage member - free
Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust is a new charity and looks after Charlton House, Greenwich Heritage Centre, Tudor Barn Eltham and a number of memorials. The Trust’s aim is to care for and make accessible the heritage of Greenwich and bring it alive through exhibitions, guided tours, walks and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Charlton House, Charlton Road, London SE7 8REcharlton-house.org 020 8856 3951Greenwich Heritage Centre, Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 4DXgreenwichheritage.org 020 8854 [email protected]
Opening times Please see websitesFree admission
NOW Gallery A new public exhibition space for contemporary art and design at Greenwich Peninsula. A permanent, free gallery which features a programme of unique three-month commissions from established and emerging artists, designers and creatives.
The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 OSQnowgallery.co.uk [email protected] 020 3770 2212
Opening times Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Free admission
visitgreenwich.org.uk/shop
Looking for a Greenwich momento?
Accommodation 1110 Eat & Drink
Busaba EathaiA modern Thai eatery offering a communal, single-course dining experience devised to feed you with minimum fuss.
Unit 2.02, The Avenue, The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
[email protected] 020 8305 5958
Opening times Mon-Thurs 12noon-11pm Fri-Sat 12noon-11.30pm Sun 12noon-10pm
The Even Keel Cafe at Cutty SarkBook a special afternoon tea at The Even Keel Café, including entry to Cutty Sark. Enjoy homemade scones, cakes and sandwiches, along with a pot of Cutty Sark tea, underneath the magnificent copper hull of the ship.
Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HTharbourandjones.com/[email protected] 8293 9484
Opening times 10am-4.45pm daily Ticket price from £19.95 per person
Frankie & Benny’sSituated near Cutty Sark in the heart of Greenwich, across from Canary Wharf, this Frankie & Benny’s restaurant boasts breath-taking, beautiful riverside views from the upstairs terrace and bar area!
Greenwich Promenade, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT
frankieandbennys.com [email protected] 020 8305 2345
Opening times Mon-Sat 9am-11pm Sun 9am-10.30pm
Richard 1stLocated on the historic Royal Hill, a stone’s throw away from the centre of Greenwich. Welcoming neighbours and tourists alike to enjoy delicious food, great drinks, a
wonderful atmosphere and friendly service.
52-54 Royal Hill, Greenwich, London SE10 8RTrichardthefirst.co.uk [email protected] 020 8692 2996
Opening times Mon-Fri 12noon-11pm Sun 12noon-10.30pm
Sunborn LondonThe impressive 108-metre floating hotel incorporates 135 spacious guest rooms plus the elegant Lands End Restaurant, Sundown lounge bar, Elemis Spa and events suite, with expansive views of Canary Wharf. Rooms offer guests a luxurious retreat with indulgent furnishings and great views that lead on to a private terrace or balcony. The hotel’s proximity to the world-famous ExCeL London, which hosts hundreds of international events and conferences each year, makes it an ideal base for a visit to Greenwich and Docklands.
Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XLsunbornlondon.com [email protected] 020 3714 8111
Number of rooms 135 Prices From £120
InterContinental London The O2The InterContinental London The O2, open from Winter 2015, will be the home of 453 luxurious appointed bedrooms and suites, as well as three bars, two restaurants, spa and extensive meeting space.
1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0TWiclondon-theo2.com [email protected] 020 8757 7771
Number of rooms 453Prices From £289 + VAT
Greenwich Tourist Information
Centre is the ideal first call
when you’re planning a
visit to Greenwich and the
surrounding area.
2 Cutty Sark Gardens, London SE10 9LWvisitgreenwich.org.uk [email protected] 608 2000
Opening times
Daily 10am-5pmClosed 24-26 December
Stay in touch…
/VisitGreenwich
/VisitGreenwich
/groups/visit-greenwich
/VisitGreenwich
/greenwichlondon
Transport, Tours & Talks
Thames LimoThames Limo is a luxury charter vessel, originally a Venetian water taxi specially commissioned to operate on the Thames,
accommodating up to 8 guests. The boat with its distinctive Union Jack hull cruises at a speedy 30 knots.
thameslimo.co.uk [email protected]
0770 458 2000
This guide has been made possible with the permission of Flickr members: James Evans, Sayuki Talbot, Steve Gray, Quad Medical/DTV, Jim Ringland, Khedara Ariyaratne, Andrew Reid, Hannah Young. Photography: fitcreative.ltd.uk, ©Reginald D Hunter. Design: fitcreative.ltd.uk
Abbey Tours & ExperiencesAbbey Tours & Experiences, a London based coach tours company, is running a new Greenwich shuttle service. The hop on, hop off service gives visitors easy travel between Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, Meantime Brewery and Greenwich Peninsula. Visitors can buy an all-day ticket for unlimited travel at Greenwich TIC, Meantime’s Beer Box at Greenwich Peninsula and via the Visit Greenwich website visitgreenwich.org.uk/shop
Opening times Sun-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm
Ticket price £5 adult, £3 child, £13 family (2 adults, 2 children)
General enquiries abbeytravel.com/abbey-travel-tours 020 8312 9514
12 Transport, Tours & Talks
Talk Tourism Ltd Explore Greenwich with our expert yeomen guides of the Old Royal Naval College. Providing complete packaged bespoke days out in Greenwich
created for groups. Including transport, accommodation, lunch and entry to attractions.
talk-tourism.co.uk [email protected]
020 3137 1109
London Planner magazine London Planner is the official monthly guide to visiting London, packed with information on things to do, what to see and where to eat in London.
Available throughout London and the UK. Pick up a free copy at Greenwich Tourist Information Centre or download it at visitlondon.com
South London Wine School A wine school running fun and informal tastings. No previous experience necessary just an interest in wine and a thirst to learn more! Sessions include evening tastings, Saturday courses with lunch, food and wine events and spirit tastings.
The Mitre, 291 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, London SE10 8NA
southlondonwineschool.com [email protected] 020 8787 5395Opening times Please see website
Ticket prices Please see website
Lantern Ghost ToursDiscover the darker side of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Hear of drunken sailors sent to “Shanghai”, the Cutty Sark Curse, ghosts of jilted lovers who cannot move on and much more…
ghost-tours.com [email protected] 020 7127 5213
Opening times Every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30pm, starting near the entrance to Cutty Sark. Private Tours also available.
Ticket prices Please see website
Thames RIB ExperienceThese 12 seater speed boats will give you the ultimate adventure experience on the river Thames. Choice of experiences includes The Rib Blast, a thrilling 20 minute ride past The O2, through the Thames Barrier to the beautiful historic Greenwich and back again.
thamesribexperience.com [email protected] 020 3245 1177
Opening times Please see website
Ticket prices Please see website
SoutheasternSoutheastern runs train services between London, Kent and East Sussex. If travelling from central London, it is just 10 minutes from London Bridge to Greenwich by train. Make the most of great value Off Peak travel with a choice of tickets including Advance tickets (online only), Weekender, GroupSave and Kids for £1. Did you know, you can also get 2for1 entry to a number of Greenwich attractions when you go by train? Visit the website for timetables, ticket prices, special offers and to buy tickets.southeasternrailway.co.uk/offers-and-destinations