Moving again towards the hill, you are now in Greenwich Park.
Although the grounds have been used by nobility since the 1400s as hunting grounds and a source of freshwater for Thames-side mansions, the layout of the park primarily reflects Charles II's desire to have French style formal gardens to set off the new palace that he planned (but did not build) on the waterfront. In the early 1660s, Charles II hired Le Notre, gardener to Louis XIV of France, to design the plans for the park. Although these plans were not fully realized, the outlines of the design can be seen in the rows of trees that line many of the park's paths.
Proceed through the park to the observatory on top of the hill. The pathway up can be a little steep, especially if you are pushing a stroller or a pram. If you'd prefer a longer but easier way, follow the signs for the handicapped accessible path, which winds around the back of the hill up a more gentle slope. By either route, you'll reach the Royal Observatory.
