After a year which showcased its riches to a global audience, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is encouraging visitors to ‘Discover More’ in 2013.

And what better time to come and explore the exciting activities than during English Tourism week from 16 – 24 March.

From the splendour of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site in Greenwich Town Centre, to the stunning riverfront and remarkable architecture of the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich; from the magnificent Eltham Palace to Greenwich Peninsula, one of London’s most exciting new destinations and home to the world’s most successful entertainment venue, The O2 Arena. This list barely scratches the surface of a location which boasts one of the most impressive collections of attractions in the UK – the vast majority of which are free of charge to visit. ‘Discover More’ also has a series of exclusive special offers for visitors available on the Royal Borough of Greenwich website (see notes to editors).

Some of the highlights during the week include:

Enjoy free lunchtime recitals from the Royal Academy of Music and Guildhall School of Music until the end of March in one of London’s finest Jacobean mansions – Charlton House.

Visitors and local residents will have the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Eltham with the annual ‘Be a Local Tourist Day’, held on Sunday 24 March 2013. From historical adventures at Eltham Palace to free guided tours, it’s not to be missed – whether you’re looking to find out more about the local area or just looking for a fun day out.

Gaze at the beautiful etchings and drawings using early 20th century watercolours, by Gertrude Ashworth and Daniel Warry, depicting Eltham in all its splendour at ‘This Eltham of Ours’ exhibition, Greenwich Heritage Centre open until mid-May.

Explore the vital role of women serving in the British Army during World War II and in today’s Afghanistan at an exciting new exhibition at Firepower, until mid-April at The Royal Artillery Museum.

Learn about the creator of the amazing interior of the Painted Hall, Sir James Thornhill, the first English artist to receive a knighthood. Hear about his influences, his techniques and his rivals and just why it took 19 years to complete his masterpiece. Saturday 16 March at the Old Royal Naval College.

Experience a spectacular journey across the Universe at the Peter Harrison Planetarium – London’s only planetarium, with new weekend shows throughout the day – now better and brighter than ever.

2013 marks the bicentenary of the publication of Jane Austen’s celebrated Pride and Prejudice. To mark this occasion the National Maritime Museum are hosting a series of lectures discussing Austen and her links with the Navy. Join them for a fascinating in-depth look at Georgian Britain and its dependence on seafaring from March 7.

Whilst at the Old Royal Naval College, be sure to have a look around the historic site which has been used as the set for a huge range of films, including the recent box office hit Les Misérables.

Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Chris Roberts said:

“Royal Greenwich is recognised as a great place of culture, its rich mix of arts and entertainment helping to attract millions of visitors from all over the UK and worldwide every year. From the annual Royal Greenwich festival to breath-taking attractions like the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the Jacobean beauty of Charlton House to the glorious Eltham Palace, our museums in Woolwich and the breath-taking architecture of the Royal Artillery Barracks. With so much to do in the borough you would need more than a day to explore what is on offer.”