Link: Greenwich foot tunnel
Cut out the stress of travelling and take a walk around Greenwich, enjoying the parks and historic sites around the borough.
Foot tunnels
Need to get over to the north side of the River Thames on foot? Then try one of the borough's two foot tunnels at Greenwich and Woolwich, used by 1.5m people a year.
The tunnels and stairs are open 24 hours a day.
See below for lift operating times and updates on closures for forthcoming improvement works.
Tunnel improvements
A Government-funded £11.5m refurbishment programme for the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels will extend the life of the 100-year-old tunnels and improve conditions for tunnel users.
The project will include:
- installing new lifts
- refurbishing all stairways
- improving security with new CCTV and help buttons
- installing new lighting and drainage
- structural repairs
- information signs.
The Council aims to keep disruption and inconvenience to a minimum, with at least one lift remaining open at each tunnel while the lifts are being replaced.
Most of the work will take place while the tunnels are kept open. However, the tunnels may need to close for limited periods for safety reasons. Notification of all closures will be given at least three weeks in advance. The timetable has not yet been confirmed for these works.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Tunnel provides a pedestrian link between Cutty Sark Gardens and Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets.
Normally, the lifts operate Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm and Sunday 10am to 5.30pm.
NOTE: The lift at Greenwich South (Cutty Sark Gardens) is currently out of operation due to a mechanical failure.
If the lifts are not running, you can use the steps (about 100 steps at each end of the tunnel).
Interesting facts about the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
Woolwich Foot Tunnel
The tunnel provides a pedestrian link between Woolwich and North Woolwich.
Normally, the lifts operate Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 4.30pm.
If the lifts are not running, you can use the steps (about 100 at each end of the tunnel).
Photography in the foot tunnels
Photography is banned in both the Greenwich and Woolwich Foot Tunnels.
Flash photography can trigger adverse effects to those who suffer from epilepsy and related medical conditions.
Commercial photography and fiming may take place in the tunnels subject to obtaining the appropiate licence from the Greenwich Film Unit.
Dedicated walks
You can find more information on dedicated walks in our Leisure and culture section.
You can also find information on the Green Chain Walk. If you would like a guided walk, contact the Greenwich Tour Guides, who offer both scheduled and tailored tours.
Walk the Games
Greenwich is one of the host boroughs of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Take a tour of the Olympic sites on a walking route that passes some of the borough's famous attractions.