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Cutty Sark: The Legendary Tea Clipper of Greenwich

Explore the world’s fastest 19th-century tea clipper, a historic maritime marvel docked in Greenwich with immersive exhibits and stunning river views.

4.5

Cutty Sark, located in Greenwich, London, is the world's only surviving tea clipper and an iconic maritime museum. Built in 1869, this historic ship offers visitors a unique glimpse into 19th-century seafaring life, with access to the captain’s cabin, crew quarters, and the chance to walk beneath its gleaming copper hull. The museum also features interactive exhibits, talks, and a café beneath the ship, making it a captivating experience for families and history enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to Cutty Sark

  • 4-6 Ballast Quay, London, SE10 9PD, GB
  • +442088583146
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-11 pm
  • Friday 11 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-10:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues, especially during peak seasons.
  • Visit midday or on weekdays for a quieter experience and better opportunities to explore the ship comfortably.
  • Don’t miss walking beneath the suspended hull to admire the ship’s copper sheathing and engineering.
  • Try the Cutty Sark Café for traditional British sandwiches and cream teas, located beneath the ship’s hull.
  • Take advantage of the volunteer-led talks and audio guides available in multiple languages for deeper insights.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Cutty Sark station, a short walk from the museum. Trains run frequently from central London, with journey times around 20–30 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £3–£6 depending on the starting zone.

  • Train

    Use Southeastern train services to Greenwich or Maze Hill stations, both about a 10–15 minute walk to Cutty Sark. Trains depart regularly from London Bridge and Cannon Street stations, with fares around £5–£8.

  • River Bus

    Board the Thames Clipper river bus at various piers including London Bridge or Embankment to Greenwich Pier, a 5-minute walk from Cutty Sark. Tickets range from £5 to £10. Service frequency varies but is generally every 20–30 minutes.

  • Car Parking

    Limited parking is available at the nearby National Maritime Museum car park, open mainly on weekends and holidays. Spaces can be reserved online in advance. Parking fees range from £10 to £20. Note that Greenwich roads can be congested and parking is scarce.

Cutty Sark location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Cutty Sark

A Maritime Marvel of the 19th Century

Cutty Sark was built on the River Clyde in 1869 as one of the last and fastest tea clippers ever constructed. Measuring 212.5 feet in length, it was designed to transport tea from China to Britain and later carried wool from Australia, setting speed records on these routes. Its sleek design and copper-sheathed hull allowed it to achieve speeds up to 17.5 knots, making it a symbol of the golden age of sail. After its commercial career, the ship was preserved as a museum and has been berthed in Greenwich since 1954.

Exploring the Ship and Its Legacy

Visitors to Cutty Sark can explore multiple decks, including the captain’s cabin and crew quarters, gaining insight into the lives of those who sailed her. One of the ship’s most striking features is the ability to walk beneath the suspended hull in the dry dock, showcasing the impressive copper construction. The museum also houses the world’s largest Merchant Navy figurehead collection and offers interactive exhibits, audio guides in several languages, and volunteer-led talks that bring the ship’s history to life.

Restoration and Preservation

In 2007, Cutty Sark suffered significant fire damage during conservation work but was meticulously restored and reopened in 2012. The restoration preserved its historic character while enhancing visitor access with lifts and virtual tours for wheelchair users. The ship’s preservation is a testament to British maritime heritage and the dedication to maintaining this unique vessel for future generations.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The Cutty Sark Café, located beneath the hull on the lower ground deck, offers a range of British deli sandwiches, cakes, cream teas, and children’s dishes, exclusively for ticket holders. The museum is family-friendly with facilities such as baby-changing rooms, accessible toilets, and buggy parking. Regular talks, tours, and special events enrich the visitor experience, while a gift shop onboard sells maritime-themed souvenirs and books.

Location and Surroundings

Situated on King William Walk in Greenwich, Cutty Sark is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich complex, close to other attractions like the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory. Its riverside location provides scenic views of the Thames and London’s skyline. The site is well connected by public transport, including the nearby Cutty Sark DLR station and Greenwich Pier.

Access and Practical Information

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, except for Christmas Eve through Boxing Day. Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £11 for children aged 4–15, with discounts available for students and certain cardholders. Accessibility features include lifts to all levels and virtual access to areas not wheelchair accessible. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues.

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