From seeing London from on top of the O2 to taking a cable car ride across the Thames – here are 10 bucket list things to do in south east London.
South east London is home to some of London’s best attractions whether you want great views, historic places or are seeking some thrills.
Today we’ve rounded up 10 things should you add to your bucket list of things to do right here in south east London.
Hop aboard IFS Cloud Cable Car
Did you know that you can take a cable car ride across the Thames for as little as £6 for a one way trip for an adult or £3 for a child?
You can take a cable car ride from the Greenwich Peninsula which will take you on a 1km ride to the Royal Docks located near ExCel London.
At 90 metres high, the IFS cable car claims to be the highest observation point on the Thames giving you great views of London from above.
Marvel at the Painted Hall in Greenwich
Known as “Britain’s Sistine Chapel” the Painted Hall located in Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College is a stunning 18th century building with 200 painted figures.
The baroque hall, originally designed by Sir James Thornhill feature an array of figures that depict Britain’s long history is a great example of Greenwich’s incredible architecture.
You can also explore the hall with a guided tour during selected dates and times with the price of your ticket to find out more about its history.
Have a drink at one of London’s oldest pubs
Have a drink or a Sunday roast at The Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe which claims to be the “oldest pub” on the Thames.
The pub dates as far back as 1550 when it was formerly called the Shippe.
It was rebuilt in 1790 before it was eventually named the Mayflower in 1957.
Today it still has many of its original features including the interior structure and the original lead windows.
The pub is also a popular spot for Instagrammers and travel photographers with its rustic touches, church pew seating and historical paintings.
Climb the rigging of the Cutty Sark
Make like one of the sailors of old times and have a go at climbing the rig of the 18th century tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, to see incredible views of Greenwich.
The Rig Climb is open for children as young as 10 years of age to climb.
Visitors can either try for a Rig Climb Experience where they climb the ratlines to reach a platform before being lowered to the deck in a controlled descent.
Or if you are feeling a little bolder you can opt for the Rig Climb Plus Experience where you can climb out onto the Lower Topsail Yard where you will see several Greenwich landmarks and views of London beyond.
Explore Eltham Palace
Owned by English Heritage, Eltham Palace once hosted English monarchs like Henry VIII and later became the decadent home of millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933.
See views of the castle from the bridge with views of the mote around the castle and don’t forget to pay a visit to the Great Hall which was fst built in the 1470s.
On a nice day take a picnic and enjoy lunch in the beautiful, landscaped gardens that surround the castle.
Eltham Palace also hosts regular events like jousting re-enactments and seasonal events for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
See views of London from Up at the O2
For the thrill seekers, take a climb up the O2 to see views of London from 15 miles away from on top of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
The climb will give you 360-degree views of the London skyline where you can spot landmarks like Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park.
You can choose what time of day you climb anything from as early as 10am up until 8:30pm with their Twilight Climb.
With the O2 being right under you’re feet you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat, drink and relax after you’ve worked up an appetite.
Explore Deptford Creek at low tide
Put on your waterproofs and explore Deptford Creek with the experts at Deptford’s Creekside Discovery Centre.
During low tide you’ll be able to take a walk to find out about the local nature and hear about Deptford’s history with a designated guide.
Tickets cost £15 for an adult and £10 for a child aged 8-17 years with the next planned tour on April 23 at 10:30am.
See the beautiful architecture at Nunhead Cemetery
You may think that looking around a Victorian cemetery is a rather odd thing to do, but you’d be surprised just how beautiful it is to see.
First constructed in 1840, Nunhead Cemetery is known as one of the Magnificent Seven Victorian cemeteries in London and it hosts some incredible architecture.
Free guided tours (with an optional donation) are also available on selected days lasting around two hours with the next planned tour being on April 30 at 2pm.
Check out the incredible local street art in Lewisham and Deptford
If you’re looking for a free day out, look no further than the incredible street art on display around Deptford, New Cross, Catford and Lewisham.
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From street art, to contemporary art installations Lewisham borough has so much free art on display to explore.
Don’t miss the famous ‘His n Hers’ painted houses in Deptford High Street or the ‘Love Over Gold Mural’ near Creekside.
See the sunset from Greenwich Park
One of the most beautiful places to see the sunset in south east London is Greenwich Park, you can get incredible views of the south east London skyline from the top of the hill just outside the Royal Observatory.
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