The pretty little UK town packed with independent shops – ‘perfect for tourists’ | UK | News
Greenwich is located just minutes from central London (Image: Getty)
It is a town that resembles a utopia, located in the big smoke. On a sunny day, it’s hard to think of a reason why people wouldn’t want to live in Greenwich. Just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of central London, Greenwich has a unique vibe. The town is home to a large park and a wide variety of independent vendors for visitors to enjoy.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is known for its rich maritime history, royal connections and world-famous landmarks. It is one of the first stops on the London Marathon route, where supporters cheer on friends and family taking part in the challenge. Greenwich is also known as the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which has been the international time standard since 1884.
Greenwich Market is filled with a wide variety of unique shops (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
Tom’s Guitar Shop has a wide variety of instruments (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
As you wander around the beautiful town, it is full of interesting looking storefronts that make it look as if there is a beach nearby. The variety of souvenir and boutique shops makes visitors feel like they are somewhere worth visiting.
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A person who recently opened a store called: Cheese Turnpins There is Chris Homes in the area. “We opened just before Christmas, so we’re really new. We love cheese, so we wanted to turn our passion into something,” he tells Express.co.uk.
“The journey to get to where we are has been amazing; opening the store here has been great.
“We are from Greenwich and located nearby, so we started testing our business in the market.
“We love being located in Greenwich; it’s an ideal location for our business and we think we have a unique identity here.”
Chris, who has lived in Greenwich for decades, says the best thing about the town is its location, just a short train ride from central London. He says it’s a place with a sense of community and history.
He adds that his children enjoy this area as much as he does; With enough space for people young and old, Greenwich “ticks a lot of boxes.”
Chris Homes recently founded Cheese Turnpins with his wife Nicola Hill (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
Greenwich Market has a variety of dining options (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
Deep into the market, the sweet scent of confectionery draws me in Toffee Patch.
Behind the counter is smiling Commissar Raef and Major Harry Foster, who is very passionate about his work and his confectionery.
A delicious chocolate orange fudge is being prepared, and while I wait for it to pour, Harry tells me a little more about Greenwich.
Harry says: “Greenwich is one of the best places for independent businesses. With less independence than some of the other major markets in London, they can sometimes lose the more authentic feel.”
He says he’s been working at the shop for three years and that it’s “a great place to work.”
Harry first moved from Sheffield to London to study, and after receiving his degree he decided to stay and work for Patrick, known as Patch, in his confectionery shop.
Harry is enjoying Greenwich after moving from Sheffield (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
Customers were lining up to shop at The Fudge Patch (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
As I wander through the market, I see pyrograph artist Spencer working on his latest creation.
The artist, who gave a demonstration of his works, says that he has been creating this work for four years after quitting working as a primary school teacher.
He says: “I’ve lived in Greenwich since 1971 and I love the great weather here. There are lots of tourists and I enjoy talking to them.
“There is a mix of locals and tourists, especially Americans who buy a lot from me.
“I have great relationships with the other vendors here, which is always nice.”
A woman who works at the local antiquarian bookstore says Greenwich has a great sense of community.
He says: “If you want to see the whole world, you come to Greenwich. Everybody comes here; tourists, students, locals, people who work here; it’s great.”
Artist Spencer sells his works at the market (Image: Adam Gerrard / Express)
In summer the area is a haven for tourists and the River Thames is just a short walk away; people often walk until they reach the area before stopping to browse.
He says central London can be “clinical” but adds that Greenwich has so far retained its originality.
Works at Tom Smith Tom’s Guitar ShopAs someone who grew up in the region, he says that it first opened in the summer of 2024.
The store’s walls and floors are covered with a lively guitar lineup, and there are even pink and blue electric guitars available.
Tom says: “Greenwich is like a little snow globe; you’ve got the park, the market, the university, the Cutty Sark boat and the river. There’s so much to see in such a small area.”
“Everything is so beautiful and there are so many creative people here, so it’s very bohemian. The architecture is stunning and there are some of London’s best pubs in the area too. It’s a neat little corner of London, which makes it unique.”
Greenwich is the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway, and it’s a place people are unlikely to leave if they’re lucky enough to live in it.
