Cutty Sark: The Legendary Tea Clipper of Greenwich
Explore the world’s fastest surviving tea clipper, Cutty Sark, a historic maritime treasure in the heart of Greenwich with immersive exhibits and stunning river views.
Cutty Sark, located on King William Walk in London’s Greenwich, is the world’s only surviving tea clipper and a celebrated maritime museum. Built in 1869, this iconic ship is renowned for its speed and elegant design. Visitors can explore the ship’s decks, walk beneath its gleaming copper hull, and learn about the daring voyages and life at sea during the height of the tea trade. The museum offers interactive exhibits, audio guides, and unique experiences such as rigging climbs and afternoon tea beneath the ship.
A brief summary to Cutty Sark
- King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT, GB
- +442088584422
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Visit midday or during weekdays for a quieter experience and better access to interactive exhibits.
- Don’t miss the rigging climb for a unique perspective and spectacular views of Greenwich and the Thames.
- Enjoy afternoon tea at the Cutty Sark Café located beneath the ship’s hull for a memorable blend of history and cuisine.
- Use public transport such as the DLR to Cutty Sark station or riverboats to avoid limited and expensive parking in Greenwich.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Cutty Sark station, located within a short walking distance of the ship. Trains run frequently from central London and the journey typically takes 20-30 minutes. Tickets cost around £3-£6 depending on travel zones.
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Train
Use National Rail services to Greenwich or Maze Hill stations, both approximately 10-15 minutes’ walk from Cutty Sark. Trains from London Bridge or Cannon Street take about 15-20 minutes. Tickets range from £4-£8.
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Riverboat
Board a Thames Clipper riverboat to Greenwich Pier, a 5-minute walk from Cutty Sark. Riverboat rides offer scenic views and cost about £5-£10 one way, depending on the departure point.
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Car and Parking
Limited parking is available near the National Maritime Museum during weekends, bank holidays, and school holidays. Spaces can be reserved in advance when booking tickets. Parking fees vary but expect around £10-£20 for a day. Weekday parking is very limited and not recommended.
Cutty Sark location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Cutty Sark
A Maritime Marvel of the 19th Century
Cutty Sark was launched in 1869 as a British clipper ship designed to transport tea from China to London. At 212.5 feet long, it was built for speed and efficiency, capable of reaching speeds up to 17.5 knots. Its sleek hull and copper sheathing minimized drag and protected the wooden frame from marine growth, making it the fastest ship of its era. The Cutty Sark represents the pinnacle of sailing technology before steamships took over global trade routes.Exploring the Ship’s Historic Spaces
Visitors to Cutty Sark can access multiple decks, including the Captain’s Cabin, crew quarters, and the main deck where the rigging and sails once dominated the skyline. A highlight is the suspended hull walkway, allowing a rare view beneath the ship’s copper bottom. The museum’s design preserves the ship’s original structure while incorporating modern accessibility features such as lifts and virtual access for wheelchair users. Interactive exhibits bring to life the stories of the crew, the challenges of high-seas navigation, and the ship’s role in the tea and wool trades.Immersive Experiences and Family Activities
Cutty Sark offers engaging activities for all ages, including volunteer-led talks and tours that animate the ship’s history. Families can enjoy dedicated children’s exhibits and facilities such as buggy parking and baby-change rooms. For a special treat, the Cutty Sark Café serves traditional British fare and cream teas beneath the ship’s hull, blending culinary delight with maritime ambiance. Adventurous visitors may opt for the rigging climb, a guided ascent into the ship’s mast for panoramic views and a taste of sailor life.Greenwich’s Historic Maritime Quarter
Situated in the heart of Greenwich, Cutty Sark is part of a rich maritime heritage area that includes the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, and Greenwich Park. Its riverside location offers stunning views of London’s skyline across the Thames. The ship’s presence anchors Greenwich’s identity as a center of naval history and exploration, making it a must-visit landmark for history buffs and cultural travelers alike.Access and Visitor Information
Open daily from 10am to 5pm with last entry at 4:15pm, Cutty Sark welcomes visitors year-round. Tickets can be booked online, with discounts available for children, students, and concession holders. The site is wheelchair accessible, with lifts and virtual tours to ensure inclusivity. Public transport options include the nearby Cutty Sark DLR station, Greenwich and Maze Hill train stations, and riverboat services. Limited parking is available near the National Maritime Museum during weekends and holidays.Preserving a National Treasure
Cutty Sark is managed by Royal Museums Greenwich and stands as a protected historic landmark. Its conservation involves ongoing restoration to maintain the ship’s structural integrity and historical authenticity. The museum’s educational programs and events continue to promote maritime heritage, inspiring new generations to appreciate Britain’s seafaring legacy and the global impact of the tea trade.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Greenwich Foot Tunnel North
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Anchor Iron Wharf
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City Hall
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Execution Dock
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Shadwell Basin
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King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
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The Captain Kidd
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Execution Dock House
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Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
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International House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Greenwich Tourist Information Desk
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Cutty Sark Gardens
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A serene riverside park in Greenwich showcasing the historic Cutty Sark tea clipper and offering scenic Thames views and vibrant cultural connections.
Greenwich Pier
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Historic Greenwich Pier offers scenic river cruises and easy access to London's maritime landmarks and vibrant cultural heritage along the Thames.
Greenwich Market
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Historic Greenwich Market blends antiques, artisan crafts, and global street food in a vibrant, covered London landmark open daily.
5b Greenwich Market
0.2 km
A historic covered market in Greenwich, London, brimming with artisan crafts, antiques, vintage finds, and global street food in a lively, community-focused setting.
Naval College Gardens
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A tranquil riverside garden in Greenwich, framed by the Old Royal Naval College and offering views of the Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf across the Thames.
Painted Hall
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Explore the breathtaking Painted Hall, a Baroque masterpiece with vivid ceilings and walls celebrating Britain’s naval and royal heritage.
Trinity Laban
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The UK's premier conservatoire for music and contemporary dance, set within the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
1 Greenwich Church St
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Greenwich Foot Tunnel
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Step beneath the Thames through a century-old pedestrian tunnel linking historic Greenwich with the modern Isle of Dogs.
St Alfege Church
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Discover over a millennium of history, architecture, and music at St Alfege Church, the heart of Greenwich’s spiritual heritage.
The Greenwich Vintage Market
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Discover rare antiques, vintage treasures, and eclectic crafts in the heart of historic Greenwich’s vibrant market scene.
National Maritime Museum
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National Maritime Museum Gardens
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Oliver's Jazz Bar
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Essential places to dine
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Sticks'n'Sushi Greenwich
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Pho Street
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Bill's Greenwich Restaurant
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A cozy British restaurant in Greenwich offering hearty dishes, friendly service, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere from breakfast to late dinner.
The Sail Loft, Greenwich
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Stylish riverside dining in Greenwich with panoramic Thames views, modern British cuisine, and versatile event spaces.
Midpoint Restaurant
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Authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dining with riverside views and warm hospitality in London’s vibrant SE10 district.
The Prince of Greenwich Pub
0.7 km
A vibrant gastropub in Greenwich blending quirky museum charm, authentic Italian cuisine, and lively jazz in a historic London setting.
The Hill
0.8 km
A vibrant Mediterranean and Latin American fusion restaurant with a cozy garden setting in the heart of Greenwich.
Sefa Restaurant
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Restaurant Story
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Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
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Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
5.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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14 Hills
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Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Nomadic community
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A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Greenwich Gifts Candy Land
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Dive into a candy wonderland on Greenwich Church Street, where British classics and global sweets make perfect edible souvenirs in London's historic heart.
Rare Books & Curios
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A compact Greenwich Market stall overflowing with rare and vintage books, maps and printed curios that reward slow, tactile browsing.
Made in Greenwich
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Discover Greenwich's handmade heart: a not-for-profit haven where local makers' treasures shine, fueling community creativity one unique gift at a time.
Dragonfly Lifestyle
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A small Greenwich boutique blending mindful womenswear, handcrafted jewellery and wellbeing finds in a calm, curated shop environment.
Arc Angel Boutique London
0.2 km
Elegant womenswear samples, striking accessories, and quirky gifts await in Greenwich Market's stylish haven, where fashion meets historic charm.
The Cutty Sark Gift Shop
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Joli Vintage Living
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Discover timeless threads and retro treasures at Joli Vintage Living, Greenwich's gem for sustainable, era-spanning style on charming Nelson Road.
Painted hall gift shop
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The Junk Shop
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La Boutique Vintage
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Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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Bermondsey Antique Market
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Tower of London Shop
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Traders Gate
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Hay's Galleria
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kings Arms
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The Lost Hour
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Td 338 Bar
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Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
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The Old School Yard
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Hatch Club
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The Venue
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American Express Invites Lounge
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(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
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CQ LOUNGE
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Club 701
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E1
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The Steel Yard
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Ministry of Sound
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The Hoxton Pony
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Trafik
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Basing House - Shoreditch
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly