Car Hire Greenwich

Time and tide have shaped Greenwich, a place where history and modern life meet along the Thames – while housing 30,000 residents. Set near the river’s bend and edged by one of London’s largest royal parks, Greenwich has long drawn attention for its maritime legacy and observatory views. With the A2 and A206 offering direct access, driving here is straightforward and car hire gives you the flexibility to explore the Peninsula and beyond at your own pace. We arrived by car, parking just off Maze Hill, which made it easy to move between the riverside, park and museums without needing to backtrack.

In spring, cherry trees line the park’s southern paths, drawing photographers and walkers alike. Summer is ideal for catching live shows or climbing The O2, especially if you’re combining it with a short drive down from Woolwich. Early parking near Charlton Road tends to offer the best access on busy days.

Attractions In Greenwich

Greenwich offers a wide variety of places to explore, combining centuries-old landmarks with newer attractions along the riverfront and Peninsula. Art, science, green space and design sit within easy reach of one another, making it simple to build a full day of activity around short drives or walkable stretches.

The O2

A popular option with those based in Docklands, The O2 is impossible to miss. Its enormous dome rises up as you drive along the A102 and even from the car park, there’s already music in the air and the scent of something frying.

Inside, we followed a wide, covered walkway that’s always a little cooler than expected—a full-scale indoor street lined with food stalls, outlet shops and occasional buskers. We grabbed a late lunch from one of the Vietnamese stands before heading into the Cineworld for an IMAX showing. Driving here made it easy to time our visit between events and avoid the busiest periods.

Royal Observatory Greenwich

We arrived early and joined the quiet trickle of people making their way up Blackheath Avenue. The air still held a bit of morning chill and just before reaching the gates, we stopped to take in the skyline—Canary Wharf rising through low mist.

Inside, the exhibits pulled us into centuries of maritime navigation but it was the Time Ball we remembered most. At 1pm, it rose and fell in total silence, unnoticed by some around us. A simple moment but one that once dictated global shipping schedules. On-street parking nearby meant we could walk straight into Greenwich Park without needing to circle.

National Maritime Museum

Set just behind the Queen’s House on Romney Road, the museum feels bigger on the inside than it looks. We began in the polar exploration wing and it was colder there—not in temperature but in mood. Stark images, lifeboat fragments and the worn-out soles of expedition boots created a sense of awe.

Further in, the gallery filled with carved figureheads caught us off guard. Giant, colourful faces stared down in the dim lighting. We stopped for tea at the atrium café before heading back to the car—which we had parked just off Nevada Street, well within reach for a relaxed itinerary. The museum opens daily from 10am.

Prime Meridian Line

The Prime Meridian isn’t large or flashy. We almost walked past it, mistaking the strip in the courtyard for a drain cover at first glance. But standing astride it, with one foot in the east and one in the west, had more weight than expected.

Inside the Meridian Building, we lingered over diagrams showing how this exact line came to be. The Airy Transit Circle is tucked behind glass now but you can still sense the precision it once represented. Having the car nearby meant we could move on at our own pace.

Greenwich Peninsula Golf Range

We arrived just after 7pm, parking easily along Tunnel Avenue. The driving range had a relaxed energy—part practice ground, part riverside lounge. Each bay was lit softly and groups of friends were already laughing between rounds.

We ordered drinks from our booth using the tablet system and spent more time watching each other’s shots on the digital tracker than aiming for targets. The wind off the Thames picked up as the night went on but the heaters above kept it comfortable. Locals from Lewisham and the Peninsula seemed to treat it as a midweek social spot. Open daily until 11pm.

Up At The O2

We booked the rooftop climb for the last daylight slot. From the base, the dome seemed impossibly wide. Harnessed and clipped in, the incline was gentler than we expected but the surface flexed underfoot like a trampoline.

At the top, the viewing platform gave us a wide arc of the Thames and city skyline. Driving here made the timing much easier—we could park, climb and be on the road again before the concert crowd arrived. Climb slots run from 10am to 8:30pm daily.

NOW Gallery

The entrance to NOW Gallery blends in with the Peninsula’s glassy architecture but once inside, everything changes. The floor space opened into a quiet, echoing room—part studio, part installation. During our visit, mirrored sculptures responded to movement, reflecting both us and the shifting light from the square outside.

With car access nearby, it’s simple to pop in between other sites—especially if you’re hopping between Peninsula stops. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 6pm.

Nirvana Arts & Design Studios

Hardy Road felt residential, so we nearly missed the low-key sign for Nirvana Arts. Inside, the space brightened instantly. A mix of canvas works, pottery and small sculptures filled the room, set against white walls and exposed wood floors.

We chatted briefly with one of the studio assistants, who told us about a new artist rotating in next month. Parking along nearby side roads made this gallery an easy detour between bigger stops. Weekdays 8am to 6pm.

Greenwich Cherry Blossom

This spot draws a lot of interest from people in Blackheath, particularly in April when the path turns pink. We arrived early, ahead of the main crowd and the ground beneath the trees was already carpeted with fallen petals.

It’s located near the south car park at Greenwich Park—ideal if you’re driving and want a quick, scenic stop without straying too far from your route.

Vanbrugh Hill Artwork

Approaching from Deptford, we stopped to check the map and spotted it on the side of a low-rise house. The mural was abstract, bold, with colour that seemed to pulse in the sunlight. Easy to park nearby and worth five minutes if you’re driving through the area. No plaque, no story—just a splash of art in a quiet spot.

Charlton House & Gardens

We planned a morning outing from New Cross and parked nearby just before opening. Charlton House rises behind a hedge-lined path, its Jacobean brickwork quietly impressive.

Inside, we took a short self-guided tour but the gardens were what lingered. We sat under a pergola with takeaway coffee and watched a gardener trimming the rose beds. Driving allowed us to carry on to other local heritage spots without doubling back. Entry is free, weekdays 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Ending The Day In Greenwich

Driving around Greenwich makes it easy to dip ino cafés and wind down at your own pace. We stopped at Heap’s Sausages on Nevada Street for a quick bite—still one of the best spots for a hot roll. Greenwich Grind, just off Nelson Road, served up strong coffee with a relaxed sit-in option.

If you’re staying overnight, The Pilot near North Greenwich has parking and boutique rooms in a historic pub setting, while Premier Inn Greenwich offers a more affordable, car-friendly base just off the High Road. Greenwich also works well as a base for exploring wider South East London—from Kidbrooke to Lee, everything stays comfortably within reach.