Cutty Sark

©Will Jones/Lonely Planet


The last of the great clipper ships to sail between China and England in the 19th century, the Cutty Sark was launched in 1869 and carried almost 4.5 million kg of tea in just seven years of service. Nearly a century later, it was dry-docked in Greenwich and opened to the public. Films, interactive maps, illustrations and props give an idea of what life on board was like. Book online for cheaper rates.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Old Royal Naval College Visitor Centre

0.04 MILES

A handy introduction to the royal borough of Greenwich, this exhibition delves into the history of the area with models and hands-on exhibits, many aimed…

2. Greenwich Foot Tunnel

0.07 MILES

Reached via glass-topped domes (with lifts and steps) on either side of the River Thames, this white-tiled 370m-long pedestrian tunnel opened in 1902…

3. St Alfege Church

0.14 MILES

Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor to replace a 13th-century church and consecrated in 1718, baroque St Alfege features a restored mural by James Thornhill …

4. Painted Hall

0.16 MILES

Designed as a dining room for retired and disabled sailors and completed in 1726, the Painted Hall is an over-the-top banqueting space that's covered…

5. Old Royal Naval College

0.17 MILES

Home to the University of Greenwich and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, the Christopher Wren–designed Old Royal Naval College is a…

6. National Maritime Museum

0.19 MILES

Narrating the long, briny and eventful history of seafaring Britain, this excellent museum has three floors of engrossing exhibits. Highlights include JMW…

7. Chapel of St Peter & St Paul

0.22 MILES

With its mix of Greek revival and naval motifs, the beautiful Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, built in 1742, is decorated in an elaborate rococo style…

8. Fan Museum

0.25 MILES

For fan fans, this small but lovely museum has a wonderful collection of over 4000 historic and modern fans (only a small portion are on display) from…