National Maritime Museum & Royal Observatory

Greenwich in London is the home of the largest maritime museum in the world. It embraces the traditions, the smells and the sounds of the sea that washes its feet and includes some of the most classically beautiful buildings in Britain. An ever-changing range of exhibitions and initiatives brings sparkle and expectancy to the life of the Museum. In the Neptune Court alone there are twelve galleries. The panelled Library could have been taken from an Oxbridge college, with its magnificent collection of maritime books dating back to 1420, and research facilities. For children: on the second floor (3 Level) children will have lots of fun and perhaps won't like to leave soon, as there they can try many interesting things on their own.

The Observatory is the point where Longitude 0 is located. You can see the official marker where the east and west hemispheres meet. There are exhibits on astronomy and on the history of the discovery of longitude and a multitude of other special exhibits in the Observatory. The views are pretty good too.

Greenwich is a World Heritage site as well, combined with the Naval college and Queen's House. The Cutty Sark is on the waterfront and there is a lovely market, the Fan Museum and some lovely pubs and restaurants.

Directions:
Docklands LT or British Rail to Greenwich or the river cruise to Greenwich. Shuttle busses that will bring you to the top of hill or you can hike up through the park.

Admission is now free to the Observatory, Queen's House and the Naval Museum.