Cutty Sark — Attraction in London

Built in 1869 to carry tea back from China, Cutty Sark visited nearly every major port in the world and gained fame for its record-breaking passages. Delve into the adventures of this iconic ship and meet a colourful cast of characters who share what life was really like on board.

Picture yourself as the ship's captain, take the helm at the ship's wheel and marvel at the towering masts and 11 miles of rigging. Learn about the ambitious conservation project as you go inside (and underneath!) an authentic piece of history. Find out about the incredible work that has saved Cutty Sark for future generations.

Cutty Sark cafe also offers a relaxed afternoon tea, which requires pre-booking and is a great way to end your experience underneath the ship that once brought tea to Britain.

Cutty Sark is part of Royal Museums Greenwich, which also includes the Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House. These four amazing sites are all within walking distance of each other and located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich.

What is Cutty Sark? Cutty Sark is a famed British clipper ship nestled on the shore of the River Thames in Greenwich. Constructed in 1869, Cutty Sark was one of the fastest ships of its time and now exists as a museum for the public to visit and learn about the vessel's rich maritime history.

Inviting visitors to climb aboard, explore its once-functional decks, and gaze up at its impressive masts, Cutty Sark delivers nothing short of a thrilling adventure for all ages.

Where is Cutty Sark docked? Cutty Sark has had a home at a custom-built dry dock in Greenwich since 1953. No longer water-bound, the dry dock ensures that the ship does not take any further damage and repairs can easily be made when necessary. The address for the ship is King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT.

What is Cutty Sark famous for? Cutty Sark is famous for being the best of the best when it comes to clipper ship design. Just 14 years into its life, the ship recorded remarkably fast passage times between Australia and England as it transported wool between each destination.

In addition, the vessel is now the world’s only surviving tea clipper, despite damages sustained during storms, fires and warfare.

How old is Cutty Sark? Cutty Sark was constructed in 1869, making the vessel 155 years old as of 2024. While repairs have been made in the past, over 90% of the ship's hull is...

Visiting the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, London, is like stepping into a fascinating chapter of maritime history. This iconic 19th-century tea clipper, one of the fastest ships of its time, offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. As you approach, the ship's striking structure immediately captures your attention, and once inside, you are transported back to an era of adventure on the high seas.

The restoration work on the Cutty Sark is truly impressive, allowing you to explore the ship from top to bottom while keeping its historical essence intact. The exhibits are informative and engaging, detailing the ship's history, from its days of carrying tea from China to its role in the wool trade with Australia. Interactive displays, historical artefacts, and multimedia elements help bring the ship’s stories to life, making it both educational and entertaining.

Walking along the decks, you can almost imagine the crew at work, and the view from the top deck offers stunning sights of Greenwich and the River Thames. One of the highlights is the opportunity to walk beneath the ship’s hull, suspended in mid-air, which gives you a unique perspective of the engineering brilliance behind its design.

The museum also has a lovely café beneath the ship, making it a great spot to relax after your tour. Overall, the Cutty Sark offers a wonderful glimpse into Britain’s maritime heritage. It’s a fantastic experience that both history buffs and casual visitors can enjoy, making it a must-visit when...

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the Greenwich Peninsula and having a wonder round the lovely sites, a little stop over at the Cutty Sark is essential when visiting the area. I came back to the area after about 12 years and was pleasantly surprised. Although I didn’t go into the museum, the area now provides a lot more in terms of shopping, food and attractions to keep the family entertained. There’s also a quaint little market a stones throw from the ship as well as the opportunity to take an Uber boat over the Thames or indeed visit the nearby National Maritime Museum and the Greenwich Observatory.

Although the area has significantly changed for the better over the years, there still seems to be a shortage of more established transportation connections and ways to get around into the rest of London which is why I didn’t give it the full 5 stars. You’ll need to be able to navigate busses or have your walking shoes on to be able to make your way around the area. That said, the area definitely warrants a good walk, especially on a lovely day where you’ll be able to experience the “Royal” borough of Greenwich. An absolute must if you’re visiting London or even if you want to just get out and about for the day.

Wheelchair users and people with children should also appreciate that things may get a little tricky or tiring. Be sure to plan your bus journeys ahead of time and always remember to pop over to North Greenwich (which has plenty of busses and connections) and the Dome which is not...