Travel bucket list idea:
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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London
Price £24
Min age 1
Rating 4.39 / 5 [336 ratings]
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