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United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Cutty Sark
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
This 150-year-old, 921-ton sailing ship was one of the last British ‘tea clippers’ (a merchant sailing ship) to be built – and is now the last surviving in the world. After it was badly damaged by a fire in 2007, conservation work preserved the vessel and raised it to reveal the go-faster carvings that powered it to the eastern tea ports.
The Cutty Sark now sits in a dry dock museum, where you can learn about the cargo she carried and the countless countries she visited during her 140-year lifespan. Climb aboard to explore the decks, step under the hull, and gaze up at her three masts soaring over the National Maritime Museum.
There are regular family events throughout the year, with plenty of hands-on fun. There’s also a kids’ gallery and a ship simulator aimed at children.
While you’re there
Make a day of it and combine your visit with a trip to the Greenwich Royal Observatory and Maritime Museum (bundled tickets are available). Stop by Greenwich Market too, great for art and antiques.
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Overview >Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The Cutty Sark station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the best way to get here overland; or take the Thames Clipper river bus (from Embankment, London Eye, Bankside, London Bridge, Tower or Masthouse) to Greenwich Pier.
Book tickets ahead of time to avoid queues on the day and possibly not getting in (as capacity is sometimes limited). Curator-led tours and lively child-friendly events are scheduled, often several times monthly.
The Even Keel Café, set directly underneath the ship, is worth a visit for the amazing hull views and to try the special Cutty-Sark-inspired Twinings tea.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.
During term time, arrive early to explore before the school buses offload. Try to avoid school holidays, which can be very busy at all times.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket
London
The celebrated historic sailing ship, built in 1869, was once the fastest in the world; and is the world’s sole surviving tea clipper. Locat...
£16 | Rating 4.34 / 5 [236 ratings]
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