Shopping
Despite Greenwich's trendy young residents, the shops don't fully cater for
the keen clothes shopper - you need a trip into central London for a serious
shopping expedition. On the other hand, given Greenwich's other benefits, this
is a compromise many are happy to make. Part of the area's charm - and a popular,
bustling place to find arts, crafts and antiques - is Greenwich Market, which
is open Thursday to Sunday, with a food court at weekends. Within the market
are some specialist shops, including jewellery shops. But perhaps the best gem
for people with children, or for those after a spot of nostalgia, is Compendia,
which sells traditional wooden games and board games.
Explore Greenwich further and you will find a few great little shops scattered about. For trendy, fashion-conscious mothers, Joy on Nelson Road has some cool, stylish pieces. A great hotspot for organic clothing, skincare and nursery products is Green Baby on Greenwich Church Street. Visit delicatessen George of Greenwich on Nelson Road for a spot of culinary indulgence - take your pick of fine wines, specialty teas and coffees, fine chocolates and a range of salamis and preserves.
Things to do
When it comes to places to visit and family activities and attractions, Greenwich
is full of great cultural and historic places to visit - this is clearly part
of its appeal to young families. The National Maritime Museum and
Royal Observatory are both great educational places for children and parents
interested in the sky above, with galleries exploring astronomy and time. The
Neptune Planetarium in The Royal Observatory has special shows for young children,
and the National Maritime Museum regularly holds children's workshops and family
events. Greenwich Park is a wide open space, complete with playground for children.
If you take the steep walk up to the Royal Observatory hilltop, you are rewarded
with spectacular views of the city. Meanwhile, wannabe pirates of any age can
marvel at the grandeur of the Cutty Sark. (it's undergoing renovation to conserve
it for future generations), you can still get a good look.
Places to eat
For fine dining, one of Greenwich's most critically acclaimed restaurant is
Inside on Greenwich South Street, but it's probably best kept as a treat for
when you have a babysitter for the evening. It has a quiet, serene ambience
and delicious food, with mid-week set lunch menus Rivington Grill on Greenwich
High Road is another highly regarce restaurant, offering high-quality British
cuisine using seasonal produce. A great organic restauranalso on Greenwich High
Road, is The Bar & Kitchen Organic Bistro. There's Greenwich Park Bar &
Grill on King William Walk, too, which is set over three floors and serves modern
European cuisine.
Schools
There are two primary schools in the area, both with excellent Key Stage Two
results: Christ Church, Church of England Primary School, Shooters Hill and
Halstow Primary School
NORTH POLE PIANO RESTAURANT GREENWICH
Open fires, live piano music and a downstairs bar... this place is a great setting for a cosy night out, complete with a home-from home ambience. The food is like the setting – hearty, warm and inviting with a sophisticated yet unpretentious twist. I ordered the cherry Tomato and Spinach Risotto with Balsamic as a main course, which was a deliciously rich and creamy dish, followed by a Raspberry Creme Brulee that turned out to be a tasty new take on the classic dessert. As if that wasn't enough, the restaurant is child-friendly, too, with a special children's menu and a Sunday lunch offer of roast dinner for £9.95 that allows accompanying children to eat for free.