48 hours in Greenwich

[LucyRo]

We are spending two nights in Greenwich with two 4 year olds, staying at the Novotel. Any recommendations for family friendly restaurants &/or activities would be appreciated.

We had a great time here and it was all for free. I'm sure there'll be stuff there for your 2!
Also the observstory was all for free too. At least you won't have wasted any money if they don't enjoy it!

Greenwich Park has a good playground with sandpit (and also observatory and planetarium with some 4yr old friendly interactive bits) and National Maritime museum at the bottom of the park - all free!! Usual chains for eating Pizza Express/Cafe Rouge in Greenwich and if you walk to the top of the park and across to Blackheath Village (ice cream van/donkey rides on way) there are further child friendly pubs, a cafe rouge and a Strada. The Arches Leisure centre is in east greenwich for swimming (has a small leisure pool). Think that will take at least two days - have a great time!

The O2 arena is in Greenwich, there are varios restaurants (Nandos, Zizzis, etc)there plus a cinema.

definitely visit the observatory. You can also pick up a round trip boat ride at greenwich pier into london which might be a bit different for your DCs

Greenwich park is fantastic... I used to spend ages there as a child. Even go and visit occasionally now, some 30 years on.

The museums - National Maritime and Greenwich Observatory are free admission now. The planetarium charges - last time I saw that show it was quite good. Not sure if 4 year olds would like it - depends on if they like space I suppose.

There are also Deer and a pond at the top of Greenwich park.

The Docklands Light Railway will connect you with other places, such as Tower of London. However even if you don't go anywhere specific the DLR in itself is a fun ride for 4 year olds as if you get lucky, they can sit in the front seats (DLR does not have a driver, they are computer driven trains).

There is the Museum in Docklands at West India Quay.

Whilst at Greenwich, do go down the foottunnel. Walk over to Isle of Dogs. Could get DLR back again, or walk back through the tunnel.

Thanks for all the helpful tips. I grew up in South London & can vaguely remember visiting the park (& a bookshop on a boat?) so it will be good to revisit, & the museums sound great especially the Maritime. Are there any Italian restaurants in the area? Thanks again.

Also, if you fancy a trip on the DLR (only a couple of stops), Mudchute City Farm is lovely. A nice selection of animals and a lovely, lovely cafe for lunch/afternoon tea and cake. Have a look here

Italian restaurants tend to be of the chain variety. Pizza Express in both Blackheath and Greenwich, Loco Locale in Blackheath, Strada in Blackheath. There is one fairly good independent in Blackheath that is worth visiting here

Don't know if we'll fit it in this time but the farm looks great - can't believe it's free...thank you!