CUTTY SARK GREENWICH WITH KIDS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

THINGS TO DO IN GREENWICH LONDON

The Cutty Sark Museum is located in Greenwich, South East London. Greenwich is a fantastic place for a family day out and visiting The Cutty Sark is a fun activity for both kids and adults to enjoy. We’ve visited many times and always want to go back for more. So this is our review of the Cutty Sark and our guide that will tell you everything you need to know about visiting The Cutty Sark Greenwich with kids.

If you haven’t heard of The Cutty Sark before, it is the last surviving clipper ship, originally used to transport cargos of tea crates at top speed from China back to London. The Cutty Sark was the fastest of its kind when it was originally launched in 1869 and was powered only by its huge masts and giant sails.

I always recommend buying tickets from a company such as Get Your Guide as they offer free cancellation at no extra cost. Part of the Cutty Sark is outside. It rained during our first visit and it is best explored on a dry day!

BOOK CUTTY SARK TICKETS HERE

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT CUTTY SARK GREENWICH WITH KIDS

HOW TO GET TO CUTTY SARK

The Cutty Sark is located in Central Greenwich, close to other popular attractions such as the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park. Greenwich is just a 10-minute train from London Bridge Station.

Alternatively, Cutty Sark has its own stop on the DLR (part of the tube system). It’s called Cutty Sark and is just a couple of minutes’ walk. Both of these are accessible stations.

Finally, Greenwich is on the River Thames so can be accessed by boat. The Uber Boats by Thames Clipper’s Pier is just a few minutes away. See their schedule here.

HOW TO GET CUTTY SARK GREENWICH TICKETS

Entry tickets for the Cutty Sark cost £22 for adults, £11 for children and under 4 are free. As I mentioned, I like to buy tickets through a provider such as Get Your Guide as they offer free cancellation.

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets directly through The Royal Museums Greenwich’s website. It is best to book in advance just in case they sell out.

BOOK CUTTY SARK TICKETS HERE

If you’re looking to make the most of your day in Greenwich and save some money, you can purchase the Greenwich Museums day pass for £38. This includes entry to The Cutty Sark and also to the Royal Observatory (usually £24 for adults). So saves £8 per adult!

BUY A LONDON ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH DAY PASS HERE

I also have a great money-saving tip if you have kids under 5, scroll down to read more!

IS CUTTY SARK ACCESSIBILE?

The Cutty Sark ship is spread over 4 levels. There is a pushchair (stroller) parking area on the bottom level, you will need to leave your pushchair there while exploring. All the levels are accessible by the lift (elevator). If you have a pre/early walker, I would advise taking a baby carrier.

There are also baby changing toilets located on the bottom floor (dry dock.)

CAN YOU EAT AT CUTTY SARK

Yes! The Cutty Sark has its own cafe located on the lower level. They have a good selection of food, including afternoon tea and kids’ lunch boxes.

They ask you not to bring your own food aboard although it has always been fine for my kids to eat a quick snack in the dry dock.

There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants in Greenwich within a few minutes walk. Or the option of a picnic in Greenwich Park.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED AT CUTTY SARK?

You’ll need about an hour and a half to look round Cutty Sark, although there is no limit on your tickets as to how long you spend.

IS THE CUTTY SARK GOOD FOR KIDS?

Yes! Jumping aboard London’s Cutty Sark is one of my children’s favourite activities. The love it so much I even bought the membership, this has proved to be excellent value for money!

There are lots of kids friendly activities and hands on exhibits that are perfect for children of all ages. Below I’m going to give you some tips for visiting Cutty Sark with kids.

THE CUTTY SARK GREENWICH WITH KIDS: REVIEW AND TIPS OFR VISITING

This is our Cutty Sark Greenwich with kids review and some special tips we’ve learned to make the most out of your visit.

PICK UP AN ACTIVITY SHEET

We didnt see this until the end the first time we visited (lucky you’re reading this guide!) but there’s a very cute activity booklet you can get free from the front desk. It has lots of fun facts and things for kids to find onboard.

START IN THE DRY DOCK

Take the elevator down to the dry dock. This is where you’ll park your pushchair (if you have one). This is also where the toilets and cafe are so use them if needed.

My 15-month-old is obsessed with the figureheads (and has been since we moved to London when he was 10 months old.) He just loves to look at them and wave! There are also a couple of hands-on things for kids here. Such as interactive screen and dressing up items.

WORK YOUR WAY UP

Work your way through the lower hold and then up to the ‘Tween Deck. Both these levels are inside and have lots more hands-on activities for kids to enjoy. The Cutty Sark has some great kids play items. Some, like this shape sorter are aimed at little kids but there are also some, such as this video game, that older children will enjoy.

THE MAIN DECK

The main deck is at the top level of the ship. From here you can see beautiful views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf. You can also go inside the cabins and learn about what life on the ship would have been like.

There are a few steep steps here so keep a close eye on little kids, especially if you have a young toddler or one who likes to run off!

DON’T MISS THE DRESSED-UP CHARACTERS

At weekends, (11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm) they have actors dressed like the crew of the ship. This is a really fun and interactive way for kids to be entertained and learn at the same time!

SHIPMATES CLASS (PLUS MONEY SAVING TIP)

There is something extra special at the Cutty Sark for toddlers? They have a class specifically aimed at under fives. If you have an under five, then I highly recommend this class. It cost just £5 per child and accompanying adults are free. After the class, you’re free to explore the Cutty Sark for as long as you like for no additional cost! This is a massive saving on the entry fee.

I first did this class with my boys aged 4 years and 15 months and we really enjoyed it. Ages 2-5 will probably get the most out of it. My younger one had just started walking and his main goal was to wander off but my older one loved it.

The class starts in the Dry Dock with some songs. You then work your way up through the ship, learning interesting facts, playing games and listening to a story.

The class is on Wednesdays and lasts about an hour so really is a bargain for £5! Booking is required and you can do that HERE.

Extra Tip: If you’re a member of the Royal Greenwich Museums, this class is free!

Thank you so much for reading our review of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich London. I hope our tips on enjoying the Cutty Sark with kids have been useful to you and you have a lovely family day out in Greenwich!

DON’T FORGET TO BOOK CUTTY SARK TICKETS HERE