Andrea Larotella, senior travel trade manager at Royal Museums Greenwich tells us why it makes a great group day out, from storied history to hard-to-beat views.
What stands out about working for Royal Museums Greenwich?
With four completely unique attractions, Royal Museums Greenwich offers a wide range of options and services for group travel. There is always something new happening at the sites, from our exciting Pirates Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum to traditional afternoon tea served beneath the hull of Cutty Sark.
What are the highlights of a visit for groups?
Based on your interests, budget, and time available, we offer a range of full and half-day itineraries for groups. All our sites are within easy walking distance of one another, and with easy transport links to central London and plenty of coach drop-off stops nearby, Greenwich is the perfect destination for a group day out away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Private group tours are available at all our sites, so visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history of Greenwich.
When is the best time of year for a visit?
There really is something on offer year-round. In summer, large green spaces are available near the Queen’s House, where you can enjoy unmatched views of the River Thames from the iconic 19th-century colonnades. The Maritime Museum’s Parkside Café is the best spot to admire the beautiful autumn colours of Greenwich Royal Park over a warming meal. At Cutty Sark, afternoon tea is the perfect way to warm up on a winter’s day after exploring the ship.
If I had to choose one, it would be spring when the cherry blossom trees near the Royal Observatory are in bloom, providing one of London’s best photo opportunities for our visitors.
What can groups discover during a visit?
The Royal Observatory is one of the world’s most important historic scientific institutions, while the National Maritime Museum holds the largest collection of maritime artefacts in the world, such as Nelson’s famous Trafalgar Coat.
For art lovers, the Queen’s House contains a world-class art collection, including Elizabeth I’s 1588 Armada Portrait, and our visitors can even experience first-hand what life was like onboard the fastest ship of the late Victorian era, Cutty Sark.
How do you help groups organise a visit?
We have a dedicated travel trade and groups sales team ready to help you plan your group’s perfect day. We can recommend tailor-made itineraries and advice on travel and parking.
We can also provide you with any images and information that you need to help promote your tour. On-site familiarisation visits and product training, either at your offices or online, are also available upon request.
We have many expert guides at your disposal, so even larger groups can be accommodated, and we can design different routes around and between the sites so everybody can enjoy their visit at the same time.
What is something that stands out about Royal Museums Greenwich?
All our sites are located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, making a day out here feel like walking through a piece of preserved history. This is best seen from the Royal Observatory at the top of Greenwich Park, where you can also take in the best view London has to offer!
For anyone that’s never been before, what would you say to tempt them into a visit?
Despite being just an eight minute train journey from London Bridge, a visit to Greenwich is like visiting a beautiful heritage city all of its own. We offer a variety of cultural and historic landmarks, and our entry tickets offer unbeatable value for groups with day pass tickets to all of our sites.
For more information about Royal Museums Greenwich visit www.rmg.co.uk.
