Greenwich

Greenwich (pronounced GRENICH) is accessible via the Docklands Light Railway or by boat on the Thames. This area is a welcome relief from the hustle of London but can have it's own fair share of traffic on a nice day…

There are a few places to visit in Greenwich:

• Cutty Sark - Go onboard (and under) this tea clipper permanently here in dry-dock. Wander around above and below decks. Great views of the river. Right beside the Cutty Sark is the Gypsy Moth IV used by Sir Francis Chichester to travel around the world - single-handed.

• Greenwich Foot Tunnel - Walk under the Thames over to the Isle of Dogs (perhaps to visit the Island Gardens – taking the Docklands Light Railway back to London – great way to see the area). Very historic tunnel.

• Greenwich Park - Great place for a walk, lots of open space.

• National Maritime Museum - Just reopened after a significant renovation.

• The Royal Observatory (Old Royal Observatory) - Really worth a visit, this is a small museum located at the top of the hill in Greenwich Park which traces the history of timekeeping. See the various instruments used to allow mariners to find Longitude. Stand on THE line at 0 longitude.

On weekends there are any number of markets in the village of Greenwich itself. Even without the markets there are a number of antique and book stores in addition to a number of restaurants. During my recent visit I found that Tai Won Mein Noodle House serves a very good Japanese 'fast food' meal right close to the Cutty Sark at 49 Greenwich Church Street (020) 8858-1668 (if you do not like sitting beside people as you eat – give this a miss). There are two pubs that are highly spoken of right on the river to the east side of the Naval College (one was voted the best pub in London a few years ago).

The Millennium Dome will be opening later this year but questions are still being raised as to what it will contain. What has been resolved are the prices which promise to be extremely steep (around about £20 per person). It certainly is hard to miss.