View of O2 Arena

The O2 Arena rises across the Thames like a giant spaceship that's decided to stay put. From the right vantage point - and there are several scattered around the Greenwich peninsula - it's genuinely striking. The white domed structure with its twelve yellow support columns catches the light beautifully, especially at dusk when it glows against the London skyline.

This isn't a destination in itself. You're not paying for a ticket or clearing an afternoon. What you're doing is stopping by on a walk along the Thames Path or while exploring Greenwich itself. The viewing angle from the peninsula's eastern side works best, giving you the full drama of the structure without the industrial clutter that surrounds it up close.

Walkers will get the most from this - it's a proper photogenic moment on a riverside stroll rather than somewhere to linger. History buffs might find it less compelling than Greenwich's Royal Observatory or Cutty Sark, which are both nearby and far more rewarding if you've got an hour or two.

If you're staying at Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping - about five and a half miles southwest - building a Thames Path walk into Greenwich works brilliantly. The O2 views slot naturally into a longer route that connects properly with the area's better attractions. Summer mornings are less crowded than afternoons, and the light across the water is considerably better.