Greenwich

Even its famous Royal Observatory grew out of a need to understand the stars for naval navigation.

Famous boats and buildings
Right on the river bank, in the heart of Greenwich, is the famous Cutty Sark tall-ship tea clipper.

Five minutes away stands the Royal Naval College, originally Greenwich Hospital. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to build a hospital here, wanted to build a palace, and ended up building a hospital that looks like a palace.

In nearby Greenwich Park, with fine views of central London, there is the National Maritime Museum (020 8858 4422) including the main museum building itself, The Royal Observatory and The Queen's House (on which the US White House in Washington DC is based). The Royal Observatory includes the Greenwich Meridian (Prime Meridian) - zero degrees longitude, the start and end point by which all the world's maps are located and the point from which all the world time zones are centred. Here you can stand with one foot in each of the eastern and western hemispheres.

The main National Maritime Museum building contains a huge historical collection detailing Britain's exploits as a seafaring nation including a substantial collection of British and 17th century Dutch maritime paintings, portraits, maps and many important historic documents.

Days out by the river
When you fancy taking a bit of a breather from boat-related affairs, Greenwich is a great place just to nose about in, whether you are looking at the historical buildings, shopping in Greenwich and its famous market, or relaxing in its many pubs and restaurants.

Transport to and from Greenwich is via the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) at Cutty Sark station. There is also a waterbus service linking Greenwich Pier to central London. Slightly further afield, places of interest include The Fan Museum (020 8858 7879), the Thames Barrier, the Millennium Dome, the Museum of Artillery at Woolwich (020 8316 5402), London Docklands Airport and the vast Canary Wharf office development. Greenwich Tourist Information Centre: 0870 608 2000.