Cutty Sark, London

Name: Cutty Sark
Address: King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 8858 4422

#130 among attractions in London

Ship, Historical place, Specialty museum, Museum, More...

Gallery (19)

Map

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Krzysztof Belczyński / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / DarwIn / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / PetraDraha / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL

Facts and practical information

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 trade, she now rests as a captivating museum ship, drawing visitors from around the globe who are eager to step back in time and explore seafaring history.

Boasting a length of 85 meters, the Cutty Sark was designed for speed and built to carry tea from China to England as quickly as possible. She quickly made a name for herself, becoming one of the fastest ships of her time. However, with the advent of steamships and the opening of the Suez Canal, clippers like the Cutty Sark became obsolete for the tea trade. She then turned to the trade of wool from Australia, where she again excelled, holding the record time for a decade.

Today, the Cutty Sark stands as a proud centerpiece of maritime heritage, having been meticulously restored after a devastating fire in 2007. The ship is elevated three meters above her dry dock, allowing an unprecedented view of her gleaming copper hull. Visitors can stroll beneath the ship, an awe-inspiring experience that showcases the ship's engineering and design.

The museum offers interactive exhibits, providing insights into the life of the sailors who worked on board, the cargoes she carried, and the many voyages she undertook. You can walk the decks, marvel at the ship's wheel, and imagine the bustling activity it would have seen during its voyages across the high seas. The Cutty Sark also hosts a collection of figureheads, including her own original 'Nannie', the ship's emblem and a character from Robert Burns' poem "Tam o' Shanter".

For those looking to enhance their visit, the Cutty Sark offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs. The ship's location in Greenwich means it's just a stone's throw away from other maritime attractions, including the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, making it a perfect destination for a day of exploration.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 51°28'58"N, 0°0'34"W

Address

King William WalkGreenwich (Greenwich West)London SE10 9HT United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 8858 4422

Website

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London

Day trips

Cutty Sark – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, Old Royal Naval College.

~1190 ftSE
The history of Britain at sea
National Maritime Museum, London
6 min walk • 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...
0.5 miSE
Astronomy centre on the Prime Meridian
Royal Observatory, London
14 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°.
0.6 miSE
Royal Park with panoramic hilltop views
Greenwich Park, London
16 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.
~860 ftE
British naval empire's celebrated home
Old Royal Naval College, London
5 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...
~1470 ftSE
Museum, Vernacular architecture, Georgian architecture
Queen's House, London
8 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...
0.6 miSE
Tree
Queen Elizabeth's Oak, London
15 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.
0.6 miN
Park
Mudchute Park and Farm, London
16 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.
0.9 miNW
Theater, Romanesque revival architecture
The Space, London
24 min walk • The Space is an arts space in Millwall on the Isle of Dogs, London. Its principal patron is Sir Ian McKellen, and it is a registered non-profit making charity.
0.5 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.
1 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Jack Cade's Cavern, London
25 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.
~1350 ftS
Concerts and shows, Theater
Greenwich Theatre, London
7 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 Cutty Sark open?

Cutty Sark 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 Cutty Sark?

Nearby attractions include Greenwich foot tunnel, London (2 min walk), St Alfege Church, London (5 min walk), Old Royal Naval College, London (5 min walk), National Maritime Museum, London (6 min walk).

How to get to Cutty Sark by public transport?

The nearest stations to Cutty Sark:

Light rail

Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich Platform 2 • Lines: B-L, S-L (3 min walk)
Island Gardens Platform 2 • Lines: B-L, S-L (10 min walk)

Ferry

Greenwich Pier • Lines: Blue Tour, Rb1, Rb1X, Red Tour (3 min walk)
Masthouse Terrace Pier • Lines: Rb1 (17 min walk)

Bus

East Ferry Road • Lines: 277, N277 (9 min walk)
Millwall Park • Lines: 277, N277 (12 min walk)

Train

Maze Hill (15 min walk)
Deptford (20 min walk)