I’m surprised it has taken me this long to write a post about Greenwich Park. Especially considering I wrote one about Enfield’s Grovelands Park and Charlton’s Maryon Wilson Park before this, and I have only visited those parks once with Cara. With an observatory, deer, Roman ruins and an old Royal Oak tree, there’s something for everyone. However, for Cara, it’s all about the kids play area.  

Date Visited: Sunday, 30th September 2018 – but usually once a month.

Location:  Greenwich Park, London SE10 8EJ

Getting There: There are numerous entrances to Greenwich Park, however, the children’s play area is towards the Trafalgar Road / Maze Hill side. You can access the park from Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich or Maze Hill railway, or various buses. 

Cost: Free. Only expenses might be for food, drinks and snacks. 

Review of Greenwich Park: 

Greenwich Park is our closest, large park that contains more than just one swing set. The children’s playground is easily accessed from the Trafalgar Road side of Greenwich Park, and is fenced off for safety. There are various levels of climbing equipment, something to suit every age. Cara started off on the baby equipment when she was old enough to walk, but has since gained enough confidence to climb on all but two of them due to some of the ropes being above her reach. Besides the climbing equipment, you will also find:

  • 8 sets of swings (4 toddler seated, 4 regular seated) so we never have to wait too long to have a ride
  • A large sandpit with water play
  • A few small wooden cubby-houses, sheep and a tractor for role play
  • Some balancing objects, like wobbly boards and balancing beam

There is also a small shop that sells drinks and ice-cream, and toilets available within the playground area. There’s also plenty of grassy space if you decide to set up a picnic. 

Cara enjoys running from one activity to the next, stopping by the sandpit for a bit. It’s a very clean park but it can get quite busy during peak summer season. We tend to visit the park in the morning and then grab some lunch before heading home. You know it’s a good day out when she falls asleep without too much fuss.

Other attractions:

If you do get bored of chasing your child around the park, then feel free to take a break and visit some of the other attractions within a 10 minute walk of the playground. 

  • Royal Observatory and Planetarium – it does cost money to enter, but where else can you take a photo of yourself on the Prime Meridian?
  • Greenwich Market and Cutty Sark – visit one of the fastest sailing ships of its time, the Cutty Sark (extra cost for entry) or take a stroll around Greenwich Market to pick up some food and knick knacks. 
  • Old Royal Naval College – during summer, we enjoy sitting on the grass near the college and hearing the students practising their music. There’s also the Painted Hall Ceiling (at an additional cost) to admire.
  • National Maritime Museum – if the weather is poor, then you can visit the museum instead. It has a dedicated kids play area on the ground and top floors.
Tips
  1. Bring a sand bucket and shovel for the sandpit. You can also share the ones that have been left behind by other children. You may wish to pack a spare change of clothes as well as it can get messy.
  2. If the weather is nice, bring a picnic blanket. You can visit Greenwich Market (or M&S) in the town centre to collect some food and drink before settling down at the park. Alternatively, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

More details: Greenwich Park

Ratings:

Burn Time: 5 out of 5 – you could spend the entire day here with the family and still not see everything.
Value: 5 out of 5 – can’t beat free! 
Overall: 5 out of 5 – when the Sun’s out, there’s no better place to spend time with the family.

Cara on the way to Greenwich Park Enjoying park time