Having a Mean Time at Greenwich

On Saturday the weather was reasonably good (it was not raining) so we headed out to Greenwich for a look around. Getting out to Greenwich is unique as you go on the Docklands Light Railway, a train meets monorail meets tram concoction that services most of Londons eastern areas that are near the Thames. The DLR runs at numerous levels, sometimes you are on the ground or underground, but most of the time you are traveling four or five stories above ground as you weave in between buildings. The other unique thing about the journey is that everything is automated (there is no driver). This provides you with a great view as you pass through Canary Wharf on your way to Greenwich.

The Docklands Light Railway at Canary Wharf

We got off the DLR just before Greenwich and took the pedestrian tunnel that runs beneath the Thames to Greenwich. The tunnel was built a hundred odd years ago and there was the odd wet patch where the hundreds of tonnes of muddy Thames water was beginning to push its way through the joins. It was a unique experience and a nice way to get to Greenwich.

Walking through the Thames Tunnel

On Sunday the London marathon was taking place so Greenwich was being transformed in order to host the hundreds of thousands of runners and supporters that would be passing through the area. We were quite hungry after our walk under the Thames so we went to a classic pie shop for lunch. A hearty pie, mash and gravy only set you back 2.50 which for London is pretty good. We opted for some takeaway pies and headed for the big park that dominates Greenwich.

The view of London from the Observatory at Greenwich (Click to enlarge)

After eating lunch in the park we headed up the hill to the observatory where time and the points of latitude and longitude are measured. The view from the top of the hill was very good and provided one of the best views of London (without paying a fortune for a ride on the London Eye). The Observatory itself was overcrowded with tourists so we only stayed long enough to take in the important things before heading down the hill to the Maritime Museum.

The Meridian at Greenwich

The Maritime Museum made what could have been a very dull subject interesting by not trying to pack too many things or information into their displays. There was a good mix of maritime history from early explorers to present day environmental challenges. The museum is undergoing a bit of a transformation and in a few months it looks like it will be even better. After going through Germany where museums cost a fortune to enter it was nice to be able to enter for free. After checking out the museum we headed through a few local markets before jumping on the DLR back to London Bridge. The other exciting thing we did was book tickets on the Eurostar to Paris. The Daily Telegraph had a promotion for half price tickets so it is not costing us a fortune and unlike our trip to Germany we are traveling at decent times of the day. We depart London on the 10th of May and will be spending a few days in Paris before coming back to London on the 14th.