Greenwich Pensnsula offers a different experience 

While Greenwich Peninsula sits immediately next to Maritime Greenwich, it offers the visitor a completely different experience.

This one-time industrial heartland of South-East London is witnessing an ongoing regeneration and renaissance that has already created a thriving cultural and residential hub.

And yet, each year some 10 million people visit Greenwich Peninsula, with most of them not realising just where they are. Including Ann and myself in the past.

The vast number are there for The O2 and, with North Greenwich tube on its doorstep, go no further than the three minute walk from the top of the escalator into the arena.

But look just beyond The O2 and on finds Greenwich Peninsula, which has a great deal more to enjoy, either as part of a visit to The O2 or in its own right. 

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/

 The Peninsula Masterplan

The regeneration of Greenwich Peninsula is driven by the 'Peninsula Masterplan', which lays out a long-term vision for the area.

This has already seen the area emerge as a 'dynamic, sustainable and vibrant community' with new homes, bars and restaurants and a range of public spaces and leisure and entertainment facilities.

We arrived at Greenwich Peninsula via an eight-minute trip on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and took The Tide walkway through part of the Peninsula, then into The O2 to the InterContinental London - The O2, our hotel for the stay.

The Tide

The Tide is an elevated riverside linear park and walkway that embraces public art and epitomises what is being achieved around it.

Along the 1km route one comes across 17 public art installations and sculptures including six by Damien Hirst.

As the area develops still further, so The Tide will extend to become a 5km walk through Greenwich Peninsula.

NOW Gallery

NOW Gallery is a dynamic free exhibition space that has rolling exhibitions focussing on contemporary art, fashion, photography and design.

https://nowgallery.co.uk/

Special Events

A series of seasonal events take place throughout the Peninsula, with a highlight the annual Urban Village Fete every May.

This is when Greenwich Peninsula lets its hair down, with live music, makers' markets, street food and classic village fete entertainments.

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-on

Design District

The purpose-built Design District, which is London's first, dedicated hub for the creative entrepreneurs and young startups.

Design District is a collection of 14 eclectic buildings, designed by eight different architects whose remits were to 'create a dynamic and diverse architectural landscape'.

When designing Design District, each architect was charged with building in natural ventilation, high ceilings, north-facing lights, and pedestrian movement, to create 'a healthy and happy workplace'.

The creatives who now work here add a real vibrancy to the visitor experience.

Dining

Within the Design District one also finds some great places to dine, particularly before or after a visit to The O2.

We had a tremendous lunch at Bureau restaurant, which offers sumptuous European cuisine, and Canteen Food Hall & Bar, a street food and drinks hub within its 'bubble'.

Here you will find food and drink vendors serving international options, while more bars and restaurants are to be found next to The Tide, close to the riverside

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-here/food-and-drink

Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park

The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park is four acres of freshwater urban wetland that is a habitat for an array of wildlife.

It is a spot for birdwatching, walking the trails and enjoying the wildflower garden.

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-here/greenwich-peninsula-ecology-park

IFS Cloud Cable Car

We also took a take a trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car at Greenwich Peninsula, which is the UK's first urban cable car.

Doing so provides a unique aerial link across the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks and offers panoramic views of the river below along with The O2 and ExCeL London.

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-here/ifs-cloud-cable-car

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-cable-car/

Demon with Bowl

Next to the cable car is the astonishing Demon with Bowl, a large-scale 'headless' bronze sculpture that is part of Damien Hirst's fictional Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable series.

Standing at just over eighteen metres, it is a copy of a smaller bronze recovered from the wreckage, this was the rest of a disembodied bronze head excavated in the Tigris Valley in 1932.

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/whats-here/demon-with-bowl-by-damien-hirst

So well worth the effort

With all that there is all for the visitor to do and see at Greenwich Peninsula, it really is worth checking out on any trip to Greenwich and/or The O2.

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/

On top the world's most popular entertainment venue

The O2, which dominates Greenwich Peninsula, is the world's most popular music and entertainment venue.

Originally known as the Millennium Dome it was the flagship project for the UK's Millennium Celebrations in 2000.

Transitioning into The O2 and reopening in 2007, it stages an almost continuous schedule of concerts by the biggest names in the music and comedy industry along with sporting events.

There is also a plethora of permanent entertainment including a cinema, ten pin bowling, indoor skydiving and the hugely popular MAMMA MIA - The Party.

Outlet Shopping at The O2 brings together dozens of food and drink outlets and the Icon Outlet, with discounts on luxury and high-street brands.

Up at The O2

While millions get to The O2 every year, only a very, very few of them get to climb over the roof.

Up at The O2 gives the chance to do just this in small groups and provides amazing views of London with the chance to spot landmarks up to 15 miles away.

One can book a ticket to climb during the day, when the sun is setting over the Capital or at twilight when nighttime London sparkles and glows all around.

Up at The O2 supports wheelchair users and climbers with medical conditions to enjoy the experience.

Ann and I climbed The O2 in December, taking a twilight route up one side to the summit and back down the other.

This had the bonus of there being a snow globe at the summit.

It was a truly unique experience, and I never use this word lightly.

We start with a briefing and video at what is called 'basecamp' before getting into our climbing gear, boots and harness.

And then it's off, with me wondering just how physically strenuous this was going to be.

It was fine and, with us loop chained to the central wire, absolutely safe.

We take it slowly, with regular stops along the way to admire the view and London landmarks pointed out by our trusty guide.

Getting to the summit there is a break on the large circular viewing platform before the walk back down.

There were then handshakes all round for the achievement.

This was 90 minutes we will never forget, and I would highly recommend everyone going Up at The O2 at least once.

https://www.theo2.co.uk/

https://www.upattheo2.co.uk/

The InterContinental London - The O2

The InterContinental London - The O2 is chic, modern, stylish and right next to The O2 itself.

By Ann Mealor

It provides a great base for a short break to Maritime Greenwich and Greenwich Peninsula.

Easily accessible by tube, Docklands Light Railway and the scenic Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the InterContinental London – The O2 is ideally placed for exploring Maritime Greenwich and Greenwich Peninsula.

As you would expect from a prestige, international hotel brand, staff were very efficient and check in was swift and smooth.

Our room

Our room, a junior suite, had a comfortable sitting area where we sipped our morning coffee, and an evening glass of wine as we took in the spectacular nighttime views over The O2 and London beyond.

Soft, fluffy dressing gowns and slippers were in the spacious bathroom along with a selection of finely fragranced Bal D'Afrique toiletries.

Wining and dining

The hotel has plenty of places to eat and enjoy a relaxing drink whilst taking in the riverside scenery.

The nautically themed Clipper Bar is elegant and stylish whilst the more casual, European, Market Brasserie serves dishes using fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the rooftop garden.

The Eighteen Sky Bar, a swish, roof top cocktail lounge offers a stunning panoramic vista across the city and the 2 AA Rosette, Indian inspired Kinaara is ranked as one of the capital's top restaurants.

Breakfast

We tucked into a fabulous breakfast each morning in the Market Brasserie.There was so much on the buffet, we were spoilt for choice!

Fresh fruits, yoghurts, juices, smoothies, cold meats, smoked salmon, mackerel, cheeses, crusty breads, bagels, hot dishes (eggs, bacon, tomatoes, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, sausages etc), delicious pastries, cereals and more including fresh honeycomb which I loved, were all temptingly displayed.

The serving team were excellent, keeping dishes well stocked and removing empty plates quickly from the tables.

All was well presented and looked fresh and appetising.

After such a hearty breakfast, nothing else was needed until the end of the day, and it all tasted so good it was a shame not to go overboard and make the most of it.

However, we did spend each day walking off our mid-morning banquet exploring Greenwich Peninsula and Greenwich itself.

On our return, each evening there was complimentary warming mulled wine in reception - a very nice touch, which I for one, appreciated.

All one would expect

As well as a fully equipped 24-hour gym, the hotel has is a luxury spa with an award winning, heated, 17m swimming pool lined with comfy loungers along with a large jacuzzi, a wood lined sauna, steam room and relaxation room with help yourself herbal teas and snacks.

There is also a range of rejuvenating facials and soothing massages on offer.

https://iclondon-theo2.com/

AllWays leading to Maritime Greenwich and Greenwich Pensinula

Download your copy of the full pdf version of AllWays leading to Maritime Greenwich and Greenwich Peninsula.

 More information :

https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/