The distinct character of Greenwich really does it make it feel like a small village within the city of London and plenty of free stuff to see and do too!

So near to central London - only 20 minutes from the city centre - Greenwich is a place of contrasts, from awe-inspiring architecture, tranquil open spaces and breathtaking views to cozy pubs and bustling street markets.

Georgian and Victorian architecture dominates in the town centre which spreads to the west of the park and Royal Naval college. Much of this forms a one-way system around a covered market, Greenwich Market and the art house Greenwich Cinema. Up the hill, from the centre there are many streets of Georgian houses, including the world's only museum dedicated to fans, the Fan Museum.

In 1997, Maritime Greenwich was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Home to The Cutty Sark (a clipper ship) has been preserved in a dry dock by the river. A major fire in May 2007 destroyed a part of the ship, although much had already been removed for restoration. Its future has yet to be decided.

Near the remains of the Cutty Sark, a circular building contains the entrance to the Greenwich foot tunnel, opened on 4 August 1902. This connects Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs on the northern side of the River Thames. The north exit of the tunnel is at Island Gardens, from where the famous view of Greenwich Hospital painted by Canaletto can be seen.

National Maritime Museum

The world's largest maritime museum detailing stories of discover and endeavour from Britain's past. On display the uniform coat worn by Nelson when he fell at the battle off Cape Trafalgar, with the fatal bullet hole still clearly visable. Other highlights include the guilded Prince Frederick's barge built in 1732 for the eldest son of King George II and used for royal occasions on the Thames until 1846 is a treat for the eyes. Steer a ship into port using state-of-the-art simulator, which can also make you slightly sea sick.

Queens House

Completed around 1638, once a richly furnished summer villa for Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, it is now an elegant setting for fine art and entertaining and displays the history of Greenwich in paintings and changing displays. Highlights include the Great Hall tiled in 1635 marble floor and grand gallery, the design reflects Renaissance ideals of classical proportion and harmony.

The Tulip Stairs were the first spiral stairway in Britain with no central support column and are so called because of the flower design on the handrail. Overall the Queens House is not something worth paying for but does deserve a look since it won't cost you anything to visit.

Royal Observatory

Built for the purpose of finding longitude at sea, the Royal Observatory is home of Greenwich Mean Time and the famous Prime Meridian of the World.

Admission to the National Maritime Museum, Qeen's House and Greenwich Royal Observatory is free (2009). Charges apply for planetarium shows and some special events and exhibitions.

Greenwich Park

Covering 74 hectares (183 acres), Greenwich is the oldest Royal Park, situated on top of a hill, visitors enjoy sweeping views across the River Thames to St Paul's Cathedral and beyond. The park is part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, host to the Prime Meridian Line and the old Royal Observatory, as well as having the National Maritime Museum.

Greenwich London 2009 © Joe Mendonca

What's best about this part of London is the open spaces and parks, its proximity to the river and the many things on hand to do, and when there is a sunny day (rare in the UK) its also the perfect place to chill in the warm sunshine and have a picnic with friends.