Fact Sheets & Video - England

The place where Time began...

Situated on the River Thames, Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site renowned for historic landmarks such as The Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line, Longitude 0 degrees. Just 20 minutes from the city centre, Greenwich is so close to central London yet remains a place of appealing contrasts.

One of the more aesthetic ways of getting there is on a City Cruise along the River Thames from Westminster. Recognised for its cultural heritage, the laid-back borough of Greenwich includes everything from inspirational architecture and tranquil parklands to futuristically designed river barriers and breathtaking views of London. Not forgetting the characteristic locals and bustling street markets!

The Royal Observatory is one of three main physical sites of NMM (National Maritime Museum) and was designed in 1675 by Christopher Wren, on the order of King Charles II. Initially it was used by the Astronomer Royal to study the stars as a means of calculating longitude and so became the birthplace of modern technology plus a mecca of discovery. The Observatory became significant in 'perfecting navigation and astronomy' and for Britain's expanding maritime trade and empire. As all technical innovations were dependent on the Observatory, even Peter the Great came to Greenwich in an attempt to put Russia ahead of the times rather than remain behind. Today, visitors can take a fascinating journey through time at The Royal Observatory and have the rare opportunity to, literally, stand in the western and eastern hemispheres at the same time.

Greenwich is also the place where visitors and locals alike have the opportunity to snag an original and tasty Honest Sausage. Located at the Royal Park in Greenwich, these tasty sausages could almost be London's answer to Krispy Kreme doughnuts!! Not surprising when the UK spend over $600 million a year on sausages alone.

Maritime Greenwich is providing one of the host venues during the 2012 Olympic Games. Equestrian events will take place in Greenwich Park, where spectators will enjoy events against the backdrop of the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. Nearby, on Greenwich Peninsula, the gymnastics, basketball finals, badminton and rhythmic gymnastics competitions will be held.

For something more futuristic, The Thames Barrier, located at Woolwich (near Greenwich), was built to stop the River Thames flooding. Completed in 1982, it is considered a unique and incredible feat of engineering that stretches a third of a mile across the River Thames. It is one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world, protecting 125 square km of central London.

Further Information:

London, UK

British Airways fly return to London from

$2405 east coast

www.ba.com

Prices correct at 22/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

The Radisson Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Rooms from $348 a night including breakfast

0011-44-20-7388-4131

www.radissonedwardian.com/grafton

Prices correct at 23/5/08. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.

The Royal Observatory

Open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. Closed 24 - 26 December.

Entry is FREE

T: +44 (0)20 8858 4422 (Museum Switchboard)

http://www.nmm.ac.uk/server/show/nav.2857

City Cruises

One-way trip from Westminster Pier to Greenwich costs around $16 per person and return is around $21 per person. Children half-price.

T: +44 (0)20 7740 0400

www.citycruises.com

Visit Britain

www.visitbritain.com.au