150 years of history
Built in 1869, Cutty Sark is one of the most important ships in the world and is world-renowned for her beauty. Originally devised to transport tea from China to Britain, she spent almost 100 years sailing, visiting most of the major ports across the globe. Now moored in the charming London neighbourhood of Greenwich, she sits in a beautiful glass ‘sea’ beside the River Thames.
Life on an 19th century ship
See the cramped conditions that were home for months at a time to 26 crew members, as Cutty Sark sailed to collect cargo from China, Australia and beyond.
Visit restored kitchens and the luxurious Master’s Saloon, and experience the sights, sounds and even smells of the past with interactive displays, brought to life with impromptu entertainment from ‘crew members’.
Discover the different types of cargo that were carried on the ship, including tea, whisky, wool and buffalo horns! You can even sample some of the fine teas she would have once transported across the globe.
Stand beneath a masterpiece
When she was restored in 2012, Cutty Sark was lifted over 3 metres into the air, giving visitors the unique chance to walk directly underneath the ship. After exploring the restored interiors, go ‘below deck’ and discover the majestic copper hull.
Reach up and touch a piece of history as you explore the atmospheric depths of the visitor centre and café. Admire the beauty of the streamlined hull and discover how its construction made Cutty Sark one of the fastest tea clippers in the world, and a National Historic Ship – the equivalent of a Grade I listed building.