Greenwich Park is a former hunting park in Greenwich and one of the largest single green spaces in south-east London. One of the Royal Parks of London, and the first to be enclosed, it covers 74 hectares, and is part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site.
Overlooking the River Thames and home to one of London’s most iconic views, Greenwich Park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times.
The park’s 183 acres has something for everyone. Stand on the Prime Meridian, the reference point for the rest of the world, and visit The Royal Observatory.
Follow in the footsteps of England’s kings and queens with a walk through Greenwich’s ancient trees. Visit the tranquil flower, herb and orchard gardens then stop for tea at the Pavilion Café.
Car Park and Drop Off
There are two separate parking areas which offer accessible parking bays. The first is located adjacent to the Royal Observatory and provides 5 accessible spaces. The other parking area, offering 7 accessible bays, is situated near the Pavilion Tea House. Visitors should note this car park is pay and display, however Blue Badge holders can park here for free. Visitors can use this area for up to 4 hours. All of the accessible parking bays provided are on a level, hard standing ground surface.
Access at Entrance
There are multiple entrances into the park. Please note that some of the entrances may be less suitable for visitors with mobility impairments due to narrow or steep approach routes, please see the individual entrance assessments for details. The main entrance from the Greenwich side of the park is St Mary's Gate. The approach to this entrance is level, with the central span being used for vehicle access with wide pedestrian access to either side. The gates through the pedestrian entrances are held open and threshold through the gates is level.
The most accessible entrance from the Blackheath side of the park is the Blackheath Gate. Again the central gate is used for vehicle access, with pedestrian access via wide open gates to both sides. The Park Office, Police Station and closest accessible toilets are all reached via this entrance.
Facilities
Greenwich Park houses the Royal Observatory and associated Planetarium and visitor attractions. The Observatory is located centrally within the park, with adjacent parking available. The vast majority of the collection is accessible via lifts and ramps, with the exception of one exhibit room and the telescope dome which can only be accessed via a spiral staircase. A cafeteria with accessible toilets and baby changing facilities is available. Audio guides are provided from the main information point within the Observatory.
The Cow and Coffee Bean Café is located just inside the St. Mary's Gate Entrance, on the Blackheath side of the park. The café offers a range of farm made dairy ice cream, milkshakes, fair trade tea, organic coffee, cream scones, sandwiches and other treats. The café is self service and there is a small shallow ramp providing access to the entrance. There are accessible toilet facilities accessed via the courtyard beside the cafe and the unisex cubicle has a baby change unit.
The Pavilion Tea House is situated centrally within the park. The restaurant is self service, however staff are always available to assist and provide table service if required. There is an additional upper floor seating area, however all services are provided on the ground floor. A slight ramp of 2 metres in length has been provided at the entrance. Accessible toilets, baby changing facilities and high chairs are also available at the Tea House. There are also a range of refreshments stands located around the park including the Honest Sausage. This is open all year round and is situated close to the Royal Observatory. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available here.
There are accessible toilet facilities located at key points around the park. Some of the toilets, including the baby changing units, require a RADAR Key for access. Accessible toilets are available close to the Blackheath Gate Entrance, in the playground area and at the centre point close to the Royal Observatory. There are also toilet facilities available in some of the various independent cafés and attractions within the park.
There is a children's playground and boating lake located towards the Greenwich side of the park. There is a toilet block with separate male, female and childrens facilities. There is also a unisex accessible cubicle incorporating a baby change unit available. A refreshments stand is available in this area during the summer months only.
The deer enclosure is situated towards the Maze Hill side of the park and is accessed through the flower garden. There are level access routes to a viewing area. Please be aware that the parks collection of Roe and Fallow Deer can be very elusive.
Access to All Areas
The park opening and closing times vary throughout the year. The park always opens at 6am and closes between 6pm and 9:30pm depending on the time of the year. All key areas of the park can be accessed along wide pathways constructed on a firm tarmac or crushed stone surface. There are ample seating opportunities throughout the park. Information boards and location maps are available at all main entry points and at other key points around the park. The maps are at a convenient height with clear text and supporting symbols. There is also directional signage situated at all key junctions throughout the park. Visitors should note that due to the geography of the location some areas of the park have very steep inclines. As a general comment the most level areas of the park can be accessed via the Blackheath Gate Entrance.
