Greenwich is best known for the role it has played in the standardisation of world time through Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which was created based on the observations of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

The observatory was originally commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II to help solve the issue of measuring longitude, which was crucial for successful navigation of the seas. The historic maritime links in Greenwich are equally visible.

'Maritime Greenwich' is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with several places of interest and is host to the Greenwich and Docklands Festival in July.

The recently refubished Royal Greenwich Observatory has plenty of interesting and interactive exhibits along with a 120-seat state-of-the-art planetarium, which is well worth a visit. The 'Prime Meridian' (also known as the Greenwich Meridian or International Meridian), which marks zero degrees longitude, also passes through the Royal Obsevatory.

The National Maritime Museum houses over 2 million items including many from the historic voyages of Captain Cook and Horatio Nelson.

Originally designed designed in 1616, Queen's House was completed in approximately 1635 and was the first classical building to be erected in Britain. The House is now used to display many of the portraits and paintings from the National Maritime Museum and is considered one of the most important architecual landmarks in London.

Designed by Christopher Wren and built between 1696 and 1712, this former Royal Navy training centre and hospital and is a baroque masterpiece of English architecture and is now home to the University of Greenwich.

The Cutty Sark is a clipper ship built in 1869 that had been preserved as a museum ship, although it was recently ravaged by fire in May 2007. Plans for another restoration have not yet been finalised. It is also a prominent point during the course of the London Marathon.

Take a walk under the River Thames to the Docklands area north of Greenwich.