Wondering if the Cutty Sark is worth visiting? In this detailed Cutty Sark review, I’ll share everything you need to know before you go. The Cutty Sark Museum is located in Greenwich, South East London. Greenwich is a fantastic place for a 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.
This is a general review, but as I’m a London Mum, I’ll also discuss if The Cutty Sark is a good place for kids and some tips to make the most of your visit with them!
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OUR FULL GUIDE TO GREENWICH, LONDON
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What is the Cutty Sark?
The Cutty Sark is a famous British clipper ship and the last of its kind still in existence. It was originally built in 1869 and was designed to transport precious cargoes, most famously crates of tea, from China to London at record-breaking speeds. The Cutty Sark was the fastest sailing ship of its time, powered entirely by her towering masts and vast sails. Today, the ship is beautifully preserved in a dry dock in Greenwich, offering visitors a chance to step aboard and experience a fascinating piece of maritime history up close.
Useful Information to Know Before You Visit Cutty Sark
How to Get to the 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 ride 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 it can be accessed by boat. The Uber Boats by Thames Clipper’s Pier are just a few minutes away. See their schedule here.
How Much Does it Cost to go on the Cutty Sark?
Entry tickets for the Cutty Sark cost £22 for adults, £11 for children and under 4 are free. 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.
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
If you live in the area, you should consider the yearly membership; it is a much better value than a one-off ticket!
Finally, I also have a great money-saving tip if you have a toddler or little one under age 5, scroll down to read more!
Is Cutty Sark Accessible for Families with a Pushchair?
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 The Cutty Sark?
Yes! The Cutty Sark has its own cafe located on the lower level. They have a good selection of food, including kids’ lunch boxes. You can also have afternoon tea on the Cutty Sark, which I will talk more about below.
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 approximately one or two hours to look around Cutty Sark, although there is no limit on your tickets as to how long you spend.
Cutty Sark Review: Is It Worth Visiting?
While visiting the Cutty Sark isn’t the most budget-friendly activity, it is certainly a unique experience the whole family can enjoy.
If you have a particular interest in boats or maritime history, this is definitely somewhere worth checking out.
As I mentioned, the yearly membership is a much better value, starting from £50 for a year and includes unlimited entry to Cutty Sark, The Observatory, Planetarium Shows and special exhibitions at the Maritime Museum.
Cutty Sark Afternoon Tea
If you’re looking for an extremely unique London experience, you can have a special Cutty Sark afternoon tea, located in he dry dock, under the boat itself!
Cutty Sark afternoon tea starts at £47 per adult, which includes entry to the ship.
BOOK CUTTY SARK AFTERNOON TEA TICKETS.
Tips for Visiting Cutty Sark For Kids
Is Cutty Sark good for kids? Yes! It is one of my children’s favourite activities. They love it so much, which is why I bought the membership.
There are lots of kid-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 the Cutty Sark with kids.
1. Pick Up an Activity Sheet or Explorer Backpack
We didnt see this until the end of 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.
They also have explorer backpacks, which are perfect for keeping little kids entertained throughout their visit!
2. Start in the Dry Dock
When you arrive, take the lift (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 toddler 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.
3. 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 (last photo), where you steer your boat from London to China, that older children will enjoy.
4. Visit 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!
5. 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!
6. Enjoy the Shipmates Toddler Class (Plus Money Saving Tip)
There is something extra special at the Cutty Sark for toddlers? They have a toddler class specifically aimed at children under-five. If you have a young child, then I highly recommend this class. It costs 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 it really is a bargain for £5! Booking is required, and you can do that on the website linked here.
Extra Tip: If you’re a member of the Royal Greenwich Museums, this class is free!
Thank you so much for reading our Cutty Sark review. We hope you have a lovely day in Greenwich, and our tips on enjoying the Cutty Sark with kids have been useful to you!
DON’T FORGET TO BOOK CUTTY SARK TICKETS HERE
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
OUR FULL GUIDE TO GREENWICH, LONDON
A REVIEW OF THE MARITIME MUSEUM IN GREENWICH
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LONDON MUSEUMS BUCKET LIST
THINGS TO DO IN CANARY WHARF WITH KIDS
Happy Exploring,
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