A Summer Tuesday in Greenwich…

Yesterday, after a Monday spent at home waiting for a washing machine man who never came (don’t ask), I decided that we were most definitely NOT spending another whole day at home, and that we would stretch restless legs and head over to one of my favourite places in The Big Smoke, Greenwich. Along with my Mum (hi, Mum!), we all ventured over via the DLR (always a bit hit with training-loving F) for a pootle about.

I can never put my finger on what it is about Greenwich that I love so much- the slightly olde worlde feel, the great pubs/cafes/shops, the view of Canary Wharf, The Cutty Sark, the grandeur of the old Naval College… I could go on and on. Adam and I love it so much, that we’re actually ending up here for the evening reception of our wedding next June, where our guests will mill about under the big old ship, whilst waiting to board our party boat (oi oi!), that will spend the evening cruising The Thames.

After a stroll around the river front and watching the eclectic mix of boats chug up and down the river, we headed to the ‘Discover Greenwich’ Museum. Despite having frequented Greenwich many times, we had never actually been in here, but i’m glad we have now, as there is lots for little ones to do, as well as the usual history-fest for keen adults.

Freddie and Sasha spent a good while playing with some ‘wooden’ (actually foam, but look so much like wood, I’d love to know where you could buy some of these!) building blocks, put out for younger children so the could pretend to be budding Christopher Wrens. My two obviously had no idea who this bloke was, but were giving him a run for his money with a few, er, ‘creations’! What’s great about the museum is it’s officially free to get in, although they encourage a donation of 50p, which is TOTALLY reasonable. There is also a selection of naval-themed dressing up gear from older children, plus a lit up River Thames running through the length of the museum, which seemed to please F!

After we had to drag Freddie away from here kicking and screaming ( I wish I was kidding), we headed to the main market to have a quick browse before lunch.

I love the real mix of handmade items on sale, mingling with second hand treasures and almost every different type of food stall under the sun. There’s this stand that sells amazing looking ‘free from’ cakes and muffins, such a breath of fresh air if you’re gluten or dairy-free (the kids and Adam are the latter). I picked up two peach and pecan dairy and wheat-free muffins, although I have to say we weren’t entirely sold on them… Let’s just say F & S didn’t ask for a second bite! This dairy-free lifestyle is taking a while to get used to… I would have loved one of the jumbo chocolate brownies though, they look immense! I’m sure we will be back for a second go.

I’d packed a picnic for the kiddos, so after grabbing a wrap for myself and Mum, we sat outside the Naval College in the shade, and ate our lunch right beside The Cutty Sark. I still haven’t actually been on the ship yet since it was resurrected after the fire- one for the ‘to-do’ list me thinks!

Post-grub we said ‘so long’ to this little South East London spot, and hopped on the Thames Clipper boat to London Bridge as a treat for the children.

S was tired and fell asleep after some boat-induced rage  but Freddie really enjoyed himself. The Clipper boats are probably a better way of experiencing a river trip with tiny children, rather than one of the leisurely open-topped ones, as they are shaded from the sun and are MUCH quicker, preventing preschooler boredom from setting in. Oh, and they are free to under 5s, which is always a bonus!

Greenwich I do love you- as always, we’ll be back soon!

What do you love about Greenwich, if you’ve been before?

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.