Greenwich: Where Time Begins and the World Meets the Thames
Greenwich is one of the most fascinating and picturesque places in London, full of history, science, and the beauty of the River Thames. Every time I come here, I feel connected to the whole world—because Greenwich is the home of the Prime Meridian, the place where east meets west and "Greenwich Mean Time" (GMT) is set. It’s a perfect mix of elegant parks, scientific wonders, royal palaces, and friendly markets—always a highlight of any London adventure!
Royal Observatory & Prime Meridian
The Royal Observatory sits on top of the hill in Greenwich Park. Here you can stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western—on the famous 0° longitude line! Inside, discover the "home of time": historic telescopes, a real astronaut suit, and the clocks that changed the way the whole world tells time. On a clear day, the views from the Observatory across London are simply breathtaking!
Maritime Heritage and River Life
Greenwich is also home to the dramatic Cutty Sark, a record-breaking Victorian tea clipper ship you can explore both above and below decks. At the National Maritime Museum, discover stories of ocean explorers and brave sailors. The grand Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, has painted ceilings that truly amaze.
Green Spaces, Markets, and Local Flavours
Don’t miss a walk in Greenwich Park—one of London’s oldest and most beautiful royal parks with hundreds of deer and secret gardens. Down the hill, the Greenwich Market buzzes with street food, crafts, vintage finds, and music. You can even take a Thames Clipper boat for an unforgettable ride back to central London.
Did you know?
• The Prime Meridian at Greenwich sets the standard for all time zones on Earth.
• The Cutty Sark was the fastest ship of her time, sailing between England and China.
• The Painted Hall is called “the Sistine Chapel of the UK.”
• An amazing foot tunnel runs under the Thames, so you can walk beneath the river from Greenwich to the other side!
• The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its blend of science, navigation, and royal history.
Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase |
Translation / RU Explanation |
| Prime Meridian |
Нулевой меридиан — линия отсчёта востока и запада |
| Observatory |
Обсерватория (научное здание с телескопами) |
| Longitude |
Долгота (географическая) |
| Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) |
Среднее время по Гринвичу |
| Clipper (ship) |
Клипер, быстроходное парусное судно |
| Deck |
Палуба |
| Naval |
Морской, военно-морской |
| Maritime |
Морской (о торговле, науке, истории) |
| Painted Hall |
Росписной зал (главная достопримечательность Naval College) |
| Market |
Рынок |
| Foot tunnel |
Пешеходный тоннель |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Объект Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО |
Questions for Discussion
- Would you like to stand with one foot in each hemisphere on the Prime Meridian?
- Which would you visit first: the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, or Greenwich Market? Why?
- Why do you think Greenwich became so important for science and history?
- Would you enjoy travelling by boat along the Thames? What would you hope to see?