Great Britain - London, Easy Side Trips (Greenwich & Windsor)

Even without a car there are countless easy side trips to take from London, all of them worthwhile. Of course if visiting the countryside, a car is best, but traveling from one town to another by train or bus is easy and relaxing.

Passing Under the Tower Bridge on Way to Greenwich

Greenwich is part of greater London and a breeze to visit. We took the boat from downtown and it was half the fun. On the way the boat passes under the iconic Tower Bridge and by the notorious Tower of London. We took the rail back to save time.

Once in Greenwich visitors are welcome to board the Cutty Sark clipper ship, visit the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, and the Old Royal Naval College, enjoy a picnic in a park, or simply take a pleasant stroll.

Cutty Sark

Launched in 1869, the graceful Cutty Sark was the world’s last operating clipper ship. With favorable conditions, she could travel up to 300 miles a day. She traveled all around the world until the mid-1920s when sailing vessels were replaced by the faster steamer ships. She found her final resting spot in Greenwich where she welcomes visitors daily.

The National Maritime Museum houses all kinds of objects relating to the sea. It is a perfect family museum with lots of interactive exhibits for the kids.
 

Royal Observatory

King Charles II founded the Royal Observatory in 1675 for the purpose of improving navigation. The observatory is situated on the prime meridian (0^o longitude) and is famous for being the point from which all time is measured. Lovers of astronomy will appreciate the displays and children will have fun with the Weller Astronomy Galleries’ interactive exhibits. The Peter Harrison Planetarium is also part of the observatory.

Traditional Pubs Abound in Greenwich

Founded in 1692, the Old Royal Naval College originally served as a charity hospital to care for sick and injured naval officers. From 1873 to 1998 the building was used as a naval officer training college. Since 1998, when the Royal Navy ceased to use the building, it has been opened to tour.

For lunch Greenwich is packed full of pubs, or the Greenwich Market offers up a bounty of goodies for assembling a picnic in a beautiful park setting. Greenwich is interesting and well worth at least a half day.

Windsor Castle

A little further out, but an easy trip by train, is the town of Windsor. The main attraction here, of course, is Windsor Castle, the official home of the royal family.

The imposing castle is said to be the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. On exhibit are Queen Mary’s Doll House, the Drawings Gallery, the China Museum, and opulent State Apartments.

St. George’s Chapel

The word ‘chapel’ is a bit of a misnomer when describing the beautiful, Gothic-style St. George’s Chapel. The chapel is larger than most churches and is home to fine stained-glass windows, exquisite carvings, and many royal tombs.

Pretty Areas Near the Castle

The castle’s grounds and gardens are lovely to roam and the changing of the guard can be viewed at 11:00AM Monday through Saturday, April through July and on alternate days the rest of the year. 

The castle is great to visit, but the town with its pedestrian shopping and dining area is charming as well. 

A walk away from the town center offers scenic streets and pretty parks. Windsor is truly a most pleasant day's outing.