Cutty Sark, Greenwich
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Cutty Sark - by jeffwallis from Pixabay
Description
Cutty Sark is a clipper ship built in Scotland in 1869 and currently on display in Greenwich. It was one of the last and fastest tea clippers built before steam propulsion took over. She moved on to the wool trade route with Australia after the opening of the Suez Canal and, in the early 20th century, she was being used as a training ship until being dry-docked in Greenwich in 1954. Trivia: the Whiskey brand derives its names from the ship.
Access & Transport
Located to the Southeast of London, across the Thames from Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, Greenwich is served by the DLR (from Banks) via the Cutty Sark station and by train at the Greenwich and Maze Hill station (West - East). There are also several bus services to the village (including No 53 from Trafalgar Sq.) but the journey is likely to take longer. Finally, the river boat departing from Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier and Tower Pier stops at Greenwich Pier. The ship itself is located on the waterfront, just west of the Old Royal Naval College.
Instructions & Recommendations
It is best to book tickets in advance as capacity on the ship is limited. We recommend combining a visit with a walk past the Old Royal Naval College, through the village and the Park up to the Observatory and the Prime Meridian. You would also want to add a visit of the National Maritime Museum (the permanent galleries are free) and a lunch in a local pub or at the Greenwich market
Environmental & Social
Hardly any environmental impact (limited to electricity and heating in winter) Social impact is slightly positive, helping to keep jobs and economic activity outside of the city centre.
Conclusion
The Cutty Sark is a well-known ship, and we highly recommend a visit if you are into maritime culture or the 19th century tea trade. It is extremely well maintained and quite informative but, in our opinion, not a high priority visit if you are in London for the first time.
Key positive
Great renovation work and maintenance
Beautiful ship
Close to other attractions in Greenwich
Key negative
Expensive entry price
Limited content
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. Access to wheelchair users is possible via lift but not all areas of the main deck are accessible. No induction loop because of the original iron structure of the ship.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2025
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Sep, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00
Start of Season 2:Jun, 29
MONDAY10:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00