National Maritime Museum — Attraction in London

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in maritime history and exploration. Located in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, the museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and works of art that tell the story of Britain's rich maritime heritage.

One of the highlights of the museum is the impressive collection of ships' figureheads, which includes examples from as far back as the 17th century. These beautifully carved wooden sculptures were once used to decorate the prows of ships, and they make for a fascinating display. Visitors can learn about the symbolism and craftsmanship that went into creating these works of art, and even get up close to some of the larger examples.

Another standout exhibit is the museum's extensive collection of maritime paintings, which includes works by some of the most renowned artists in the field. The paintings depict a wide range of subjects, from dramatic sea battles to idyllic coastal scenes, and they provide a glimpse into the lives of sailors and seafarers throughout history.

The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that are sure to engage visitors of all ages. The "Ahoy! Gallery" is a particular favorite among families, as it allows children to explore the world of maritime exploration through hands-on activities and games. Visitors can also try their hand at steering a ship using a realistic navigation simulator, or learn about the science of the sea through a variety of interactive displays.

In addition to its impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits, the National Maritime Museum is also home to a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from the history of piracy to the role of women in maritime history, and they provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the museum's collections and themes.

The museum's location in Greenwich also makes it an ideal destination for a day out. Visitors can explore the beautiful surroundings of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, which includes the Royal Observatory, the Old Royal Naval College, and the Cutty Sark, a historic tea clipper ship that is now a museum in its own right.

Overall, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a truly exceptional destination that is not to be missed. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and educational day out, the museum has something for everyone. With its impressive collections, interactive exhibits, and beautiful surroundings, the National Maritime Museum is a shining example of what a world-class...

We visited the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, and it was a fantastic experience—especially since admission is free and there was no lineup when we arrived!

As soon as we walked in, the ocean-themed Ocean Court greeted us with its soaring glass ceiling and striking ship models, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere that's both grand and engaging . It felt like stepping into another world—full of maritime adventure and history.

The museum’s galleries are thoughtfully laid out, guiding us from the icy Arctic to the sun-soaked Pacific. Highlights included the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery, where you can see Nelson’s actual uniform, complete with the bullet hole—a vivid piece of history . Other favorites were the Sea Things gallery, showcasing a fascinating collection from treasure trove pieces to Roman anchors, and the Pacific Encounters gallery, illustrating cultural connections across the ocean .

A major bonus for families: the AHOY! children’s gallery and the Cove playground offer interactive fun, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring with kids without breaking the bank .

The museum is free to enter—though some temporary exhibitions may have a fee—and despite its popularity, we walked right in without waiting at all . Spending an hour or two is possible at a relaxed pace, though with all the exhibits, you could easily linger for three hours or more .

What made our visit so great:

No lines: Instant entry and no queues.

Free admission: Access to vast, beautifully curated galleries.

Rich story-telling: From epic sea voyages to Nelson’s wartime legacy.

Family-friendly: Interactive areas kept everyone engaged.

Stunning design: Striking architecture and a welcoming central court.

In short, the National Maritime Museum is a hidden gem in Greenwich—free, fascinating, and surprisingly relaxed. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a family with little explorers, or just browsing between other Greenwich landmarks, it's a must-visit. Highly...

The museum is good but the pirate exhibition was expensive and very disappointing. This was our second visit to the museum and specifically for the pirate exhibition, we had really enjoyed the first visit and had high hopes for the exhibition. In summary the exhibition didn't actually appear to have any artefacts or objects actually used by pirates, despite the banner having a sword with a silver skull for a handle, but the only weapons I saw on display could have been from any naval vessel, the pirate uniforms we're just costumes borrowed from a Hollywood film, and the information could have been found in a any half decent pirate book. Part of the exhibition was dedicated to 'queering piracy', I was equally as mystified as to the relevance of the display as my 10-year-old son who asked "what's this got to do with piracy?" Despite my reading all of the text in the exhibition I could find no relevance either. I've tried to post the pictures of this particular exhibit but Google will not allow it because it regards them as inappropriate. Unfortunately it was the only memorable part of the exhibition and made me wonder who is in charge of the museum and it's direction? On our first visit we were excited to see and read about how people in the past faced the challenges of exploration and discovery, and the technology they used and how it has developed to make shipping etc safer and more effective; on the second visit we are invited to feel embarrassed and apologise on behalf of people, possibly our ancestors, for their actions 400 years ago, and also introduced to issues of gender and identity in regards to piracy. I have taken my children to virtually every tourist attraction in London, if not the UK, the maritime museum is well worth a visit, but please do not waste your time and money on the...