To take a panorama like this is really a one-off opportunity, and give a totally unique view over Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs in London. A friend informed me that the HMS Ark Royal was coming to London, and I was very grateful to be allowed to board her while she was there and take a number of different panoramic photographs.

HMS Ark Royal at Greenwich - Flight Deck - London visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'HMS Ark Royal at Greenwich - Flight Deck' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Greater London.

Panorama from the very front of the flight deck of the HMS Ark Royal aircraft carrier moored off Greenwich Pier in London. This panoramic photograph shows the surrounding area from a truly unique vantage point the HMS Ark Royal is moored for a short time at Greenwich, London. From here the full length of the flight deck can be appreciated. There are further panoramas taken from the middle and far end of the flight deck. It was also possible to see inside the bridge of the HMS Ark Royal and to climb to a vantage point on the superstructure above the bridge. To make this 'virtual tour' of the HMS Ark Royal complete, there is a final picture from underneath the flight deck, where the aircraft are stored and maintenance work on them is carried out.

Beyond the bow of the ship is Greenwich Pier and Greenwich University, which used to be a Naval College. To the left of the flight deck of the Ark Royal lies the Isle of Dogs, with the towers of Canary Wharf and the other buildings rising above the skyline.

The HMS Ark Royal arrived in London on the 13 June 2007 and remained moored off Greenwich until the 18 June as part of the National Falklands 25th Anniversary Commemorative events. Veterans of the Falklands conflict were on board as the HMS Ark Royal sailed up the River Thames. Visitors from a wide range of London's community groups visited the ship during the time she was moored here.

HMS HMS Ark Royal is one of three Invincible Class Aircraft Carriers, and the fifth ship to bear that name. The HMS Ark Royal is 210 metres (683 feet) long, has a maximum beam of 36 metres (117 feet) and a displacement of 20,000 tonnes. She was built by Swan Hunters Ship Builders' yard at Wallsend in December 1978, launched by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and accepted into service on 1 July 1985.

These ships normally carry Harrier Jets, but can carry other aircraft depending on the needs at the time. Aircraft are not sationed permenantly on the ship. In this picture there is a Wasp Helicopter on the middle of the flight deck, and a Merlin helicopter at the rear. HMS Ark Royal is currently configured to carry Sea King, Chinook, Lynx and eventually Apache Helicopters and up to 400 Royal Marines.