National Maritime Museum, London

Name: National Maritime Museum
Address: Park Row, London, SE10 9NF, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 8858 4422

#44 among attractions in London

Unesco, Museum, Art museum, History museum, More...

Gallery (11)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

The National Maritime Museum, situated in the heart of Greenwich, London, stands as a bastion of seafaring history, celebrating the UK's profound connection to the sea. This premier museum, founded in 1934, is an essential destination for anyone interested in the tales of explorers, naval battles, and the maritime heritage that shaped the British Isles and the world.

Encompassing a wealth of artifacts, the museum's vast collection includes maritime art, cartography, manuscripts, and navigational instruments, telling a comprehensive story of Britain's naval and colonial dominance. Its prized possessions range from the uniform Admiral Lord Nelson wore at the Battle of Trafalgar to the actual ship models and figureheads that once adorned historic vessels.

The National Maritime Museum is not just a treasure trove for history buffs but also an educational hub, offering interactive galleries and family-friendly exhibits. The 'AHOY! Children's Gallery' and the 'All Hands' interactive deck provide younger visitors with a hands-on maritime experience, making the museum an ideal visit for families.

The museum's setting in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich adds to its allure. It is flanked by the historic ship Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and the Queen's House, all within walking distance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a full day of maritime exploration.

Open daily, the National Maritime Museum offers free entry to its permanent galleries, encouraging accessibility and learning for all. Special exhibitions and events are also held throughout the year, often for a fee, showcasing unique aspects of maritime history and contemporary maritime issues.

Alternative names: Established: 1937 (87 years ago)Visitors per year: 2.37 mil.Coordinates: 51°28'51"N, 0°0'19"W

Address

Park RowGreenwich (Greenwich West)London SE10 9NF United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 8858 4422

Website

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London

Day trips

National Maritime Museum – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, Old Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark.

~1570 ftSE
Astronomy centre on the Prime Meridian
Royal Observatory, London
8 min walk • The Royal Observatory is an iconic scientific landmark nestled in the heart of Greenwich, London. Established in 1675 by King Charles II, it is famed for being the location of the Prime Meridian, where time begins at longitude 0°.
~1960 ftSE
Royal Park with panoramic hilltop views
Greenwich Park, London
10 min walk • Greenwich Park, a verdant haven in the heart of London, England, offers visitors a blend of history, nature, and stunning views. As one of the Royal Parks of London, this former hunting ground now serves as a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.
~810 ftN
British naval empire's celebrated home
Old Royal Naval College, London
4 min walk • Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the Old Royal Naval College stands as a majestic architectural gem in the heart of Greenwich, London. This grandiose ensemble of buildings, originally designed as a Royal Hospital for Seamen by Sir Christopher Wren, now serves...
~1190 ftNW
The last surviving British tea clipper
Cutty Sark, London
6 min walk • The Cutty Sark is a historic maritime marvel nestled in the heart of Greenwich, London. This iconic British clipper ship, launched in 1869, is one of the last of its kind and a testament to the golden age of sail. Once a swift vessel that sailed the seas for the tea...
~400 ftE
Museum, Vernacular architecture, Georgian architecture
Queen's House, London
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, London, the Queen's House is a historical gem and a must-visit museum for art and architecture enthusiasts. Designed by the pioneering architect Inigo Jones in the early 17th century, the Queen's House is celebrated as the first...
~1910 ftSE
Tree
Queen Elizabeth's Oak, London
10 min walk • Queen Elizabeth's Oak was a veteran oak tree in Greenwich Park, London. Seeded in the 12th century, the tree formed part of the grounds of the Palace of Placentia, home to the Tudor royal family. Henry VIII is said to have danced around the tree with Anne Boleyn.
0.8 miNW
Park
Mudchute Park and Farm, London
21 min walk • Mudchute Park and Farm is a large urban park and farm in Cubitt Town on the Isle of Dogs in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, just south of Canary Wharf. It is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
0.4 miNE
Nightlife
The Cutty Sark, London
12 min walk • The Cutty Sark is a Grade II listed public house at 6-7 Ballast Quay, Greenwich, London. It was built in the early 19th century, replacing an earlier pub, The Green Man. It was initially called The Union Tavern, but was renamed The Cutty Sark Tavern when the tea clipper came to Greenwich in 1951.
0.8 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Jack Cade's Cavern, London
20 min walk • Jack Cade's Cavern is a cavern, extending several hundred feet underground, in Blackheath, south-east London, England. It is located northwest of the Heath and southwest of Greenwich Park, mostly beneath the lawn of Hollymount Close.
1 miSE
Nightlife
Hare and Billet, London
25 min walk • The Hare and Billet is a public house located in Blackheath, London, overlooking parts of Greenwich Park. In the 18th century, the Hare and Billet was a coaching inn. The pub is now part of the Metropolitan Pub Company.
~750 ftSW
Concerts and shows, Theater
Greenwich Theatre, London
4 min walk • Greenwich Theatre is a local theatre located in Croom's Hill close to the centre of Greenwich in south-east London. Theatre first came to Greenwich at the beginning of the 19th century during the famous Eastertide Greenwich Fair at which the Richardson travelling theatre annually performed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is National Maritime Museum open?

National Maritime Museum is open:

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

Which popular attractions are close to National Maritime Museum?

Nearby attractions include Queen's House, London (2 min walk), Greenwich Theatre, London (4 min walk), Old Royal Naval College, London (4 min walk), The Fan Museum, London (5 min walk).

How to get to National Maritime Museum by public transport?

The nearest stations to National Maritime Museum:

Light rail

Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich Platform 1 • Lines: B-L, S-L (6 min walk)
Greenwich Platform 4 • Lines: B-L, S-L (13 min walk)

Ferry

Greenwich Pier • Lines: Blue Tour, Rb1, Rb1X, Red Tour (8 min walk)
Masthouse Terrace Pier • Lines: Rb1 (22 min walk)

Train

Maze Hill (11 min walk)
Deptford (24 min walk)

Bus

East Ferry Road • Lines: 277, N277 (15 min walk)
Tyler Street • Lines: 386 (15 min walk)