Blackheath and Greenwich: 10 reasons to visit
Blackheath's 211 acres of common land tell the story of England over the past millennium. The Royal Hundred Hides, traditionally one hide is enough land to house and feed a family, lead south to Greenwich Park and its history.
Over the centuries, Blackheath has been a gathering point for celebrations and revolts: Henry V congratulated his archers after their victory at Agincourt in 1415. Henry Vlll was less jubilant after meeting his fourth wife, Anne de Clèves, deceived by Holbein's flattering portrayal of his future wife. "I don't like it," he bluntly told Thomas Cromwell.
Wat Tyler rallied the peasant revolt of 1381 on the 211 acres of moorland and Henry Vll defeated a Cornish rebellion in 1497.
Eltham PalaceIt was first a medieval mansion, then it became a Tudor palace. At the time, the palace was an escape to the country for the royal monarchs, albeit actually located in Greenwich. In the 1930s, the interior design of the palace was given an Art Deco touch by its owners.
Today, the 19-acre site with its moat and gardens is maintained by English Heritage which hosts many events, such as jousts, to celebrate the heritage of the site.
The birthplace of English golfWhen James V from Scotland came to London to become James 1 from England, he missed his golf. Blackheath's wide open spaces allowed it to strike the first golf ball ever struck in England in 1608.
Goffers Road, which crosses the moor, celebrates Blackheath's golfing tradition. By prior arrangement, the Blackheath Golf Club Golf Museum can be visited.
The Clarendon Hotel, BlackheathThe elegant Georgian facade of the Clarendon Hotel represents another page in Blackheath's history. The population grew richer through trade with a growing British Empire, which began on the Thames, and built great houses for itself.
With stunning views over Blackheath, the comfortable Clarendon Hotel makes an ideal base for exploring Blackheath and Greenwich. The garden or the Goffers lounge, celebrating the golfing heritage, are restful places to recharge your batteries after a day of exploration.
The Meridian Restaurant, celebrates its location on the line of longitude between the eastern and western hemispheres, and offers a varied menu. After Covid -19, the Clarendon takes orders in the evening for breakfast, ensuring that hot and fresh breakfasts are served promptly.
After providing more than 2,500 nights of accommodation for NHS staff at nearby Blackheath hospital, the Clarendon had to develop rigorous safety protocols, long before the government issued any guidelines.
Gourmand BlackheathOutdoor tables, with views of the moor, are very popular. Zero Degrees, a micro-brewery, producing a remarkable mango beer, has the most tables for its bar and restaurant.
Everest Inn, with a Nepal-inspired menu and an award-winning chef brings bold Asian flavors to Blackheath. The film of Nepal and the Himalayas momentarily diverts the guests from the charms of Blackheath.
The Ivy Cafe brings the renowned brand of The Ivy to Blackheath with informal dining. Sleek surroundings, attentive service, and a menu full of favorites mean booking well in advance is essential. Finally, The Copper & Ink Restaurant, run by Tony Rodd, former Masterchef finalist, demonstrates that Blackheath is emerging as a destination for foodies.
Greenwich ParkAs the lungs of London, the Royal Park is not just a place where locals can cycle, jog, take an exercise class or have afternoon tea. In addition to the carefully maintained gardens, it is home to a variety of wildlife.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Greenwich, the heart of the British Empire and world trade, was a power. A spectacular view of the UNESCO heritage site, the River Thames and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.
The Cutty SarkBuilt for speed in 1869, this clipper, with 15 miles of rigging and 0.7 acres of sail, was designed to bring Shanghai's first tea crop to London. The demand for tea was increasing in Victorian England and the rewards were rich: at current values, the Cutty Sark's hold filled with tea was worth £ 18.5million.
Remarkably, with such richness, the Cutty Sark was never attacked. The only time a shot was fired was when the crew threatened to mutiny, which is not surprising given their exhausting work and cramped accommodation.
The Old Royal Navy SchoolThis splendid building stands on the site of the former Royal Palace in Placentia, where Henry Vlll was born and where Queen Elizabeth 1 honed her archery skills on the ice when the river was frozen over. The inhabitants claim to be able to see, at low tide, the remains of wood from the original pontoons of the palace.
Designed by Christopher Wren and built between 1696 and 1712, the Old Royal Naval College is the architectural masterpiece in the heart of Maritime Greenwich.
The works of art in Painted Hall are often described as the British answer to the Sistine Chapel. Artist James Thornhill took 19 years to complete the commission and was rewarded with a payment of £ 6,685 - and a knighthood.
Thames Clippers and the TideFrom Greenwich Pier, the fast Thames Clipper takes the short trip, passing the O2 to the Greenwich Peninsula.
Immediately, visitors can take a high-level plank ride that includes sculptures by Anthony Gormley and Damien Hirst.
Another option is to purchase a Roamer Day Ticket that takes you back west to the heart of London, passing iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament and the Globe Theater. Currently, boats run every 30 minutes with frequent stops allowing travelers to get off at their leisure.
Emirates Cable CarStanding 90 meters above the Thames, the Emirates Cable Car offers views east to the Thames Barrier and east to the Canary Wharf skyscrapers and beyond.
Crossing two rivers, the Thames and the Lea, a commentary plays on the history of the region. It tells the story of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Thames Tunnel, opened in 1843, with 50,000 people each paying a penny to pass through the world's first underwater tunnel. There are reminiscences of a pilot who could once sail by the smells of the Thames and more recently of an athlete inspired by the London 2012 Olympics crowd.