Greenwich Visitor Centre
The Greenwich Visitor Centre in Greenwich in south east London provides an introduction to the history and attractions in the Greenwich World Heritage Site. It is located in the Pepys Buildings near to the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Hospital. Admission is free.
The Centre explains the history of Greenwich as a royal residence and a maritime centre. Exhibits include:
- The history of the Palace of Placentia.
- Models of Christopher Wren's original designs for Greenwich Hospital.
- Six of the carved heads originally intended to decorate the exterior of the College's Painted Hall.
- Exhibition displays about Maritime Greenwich and its connections with the sea and exploration.
- "By Wisdom as much as War" - an exhibition about the history of the Royal Naval College during the years it occupied Greenwich Hospital (1873-1998).
The following attractions are located in the World Heritage Site:
- Cutty Sark
- Fan Museum
- Greenwich Hospital (Formerly the Royal Naval College, this is the centrepiece of Greenwich and one of the grandest buildings in England; it is not a hospital in the modern sense.)
- Greenwich Park
- National Maritime Museum
- Queen's House
- Ranger's House
- Royal Greenwich Observatory
The Greenwich Visitor Centre contains the Greenwich Tourist Information Office, which offers practical advice on bookings, accommodation, travel and so on. There is also a cafe and a gift shop.