Courtauld to Greenwich
4 hours [excluding lunch]
Over this experience, you will see some of the greatest art in the world at The Courtauld Gallery, sail down the River Thames, and travel back in time to discover the rich royal history of Greenwich.
The Courtauld Gallery
As you approach The Courtauld Gallery through Somerset House it is as if you’ve stepped back in time to a grand age of nineteenth-century London. The collection of art is housed in what were the original Royal Academy rooms and boasts one of London's best private collections of paintings.
During your tour, you will see some of the most well known works of art in the world, including paintings by Botticelli, van der Weyden, Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Seurat, and one of the most instantly recognisable images of Van Gogh, his self-portrait after he cut off his own ear.
To read more about this turbulent artist, we recommend the brilliant book entitled The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gaugin & Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by Martin Gayford. Many of the Impressionists, such as Monet and Pissarro, escaped to London during the Franco Prussian war of the 1870s and the Tate has a fascinating publication entitled Impressionists in London: French artists in exile 1870-1904 based on an exhibition held there in 2017.
Cruise down the River Thames
The Courtauld Gallery sits on the north bank of the River Thames, so after your tour of the collection, head down to the River Thames Embankment Pier to catch the Thames Clipper down to Greenwich. Boats to Greenwich take about 45 minutes and run pretty regularly. Check out the website here for exact times. Along your boat ride down the River, your guide will point out all the historical buildings along the way.
Discover Greenwich
Upon arrival at Greenwich, you will probably be wanting a bite to eat. There is fabulous street food at the local Greenwich market but if a traditional pub is more your thing., the best place to eat is The Gipsy Moth pub. It is named after the small boat in which Sir Frances Chichester sailed single-handed around the world in 1966. It oozes charm and personality and serves one of the best plates of fish and chips – a truly maritime experience!
Whilst there is an un-ending amount to see in Greenwich from The Cutty Sark to The Queens House, this itinerary focuses on London's equivalent of the Sistine Ceiling: The Painted Hall Greenwich. Built by Sir Christopher Wren in the 1690s as part of the Royal Naval Hospital for Retired Seamen, it is now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Boasting over 40,000 square feet of painted wall and ceiling by Sir James Thornhill, one can hardly move for maritime beasts and royal intrigue. The entire site is a riotous celebration of England’s maritime achievements and aspirations.
Having explored the glories of Greenwich wander back into central London via the newest addition to the London Underground network the Elizabeth Line. Named after the late Queen and opened in 2022 it is the smartest way to travel. This particular route back will take you through the breathtaking skyscrapers and developments of London’s Docklands – a truly historic and yet modern face of the city.
To book this itinerary with one of our expert art and culture guides please get in touch.