If you’re looking for a fun, free, and family-friendly day out in London, the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is a perfect choice. In this National Maritime Museum review, we’ll share everything you need to know about visiting with kids, including the exciting Ahoy! Children’s Gallery, which has just been reopened and the newly renovated Ocean Map.
This hands-on museum offers plenty to keep toddlers as well as older children engaged, while parents will love the stunning Greenwich setting and fascinating maritime history. Whether you’re local or planning a trip to London, here’s why the National Maritime Museum is well worth adding to your family itinerary.
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Useful Information to know Before you Visit the National Maritime Museum, London
Getting to Greenwich and the Maritime Museum
The museum’s address is: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Greenwich is just a 10-minute train ride from London Bridge station, and the museum is a 10-minute walk from the station.
You can also take the DLR, which is part of the tube network. Cutty Sark is the closest stop, or you can also use Greenwich. UPDATE: Cutty Sark DLR stop is currently closed for renovations.
Finally, Greenwich has its own ferry stop, so you can arrive by boat! The ferry can drop you opposite the Cutty Sark, which is just a 5-minute walk from the museum.
All of these methods are step-free or accessible, so perfect for families visiting with a pushchair!
Do You Need Tickets to Visit the National Maritime Museum?
No, the National Maritime Museum in London is open from 10 am – 5 pm daily and is free to visit! No advance booking is required!
The children’s gallery, Ahoy! should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment, which I will talk more about below.
Is the Maritime Museum Accessible for Families with a Pushchair?
Yes! The whole museum is easily accessible for families with a pushchair. There are plenty of designated pushchair parking areas, or you can take it around the museum with you, just use the lifts (elevators) rather than the stairs!
They also have multiple baby changing toilets, which are useful for families with babies and toddlers.
Where to Eat at the National Maritime Museum
The London Maritime Museum has two cafes, one by the entrance and the other (Ocean Court) is upstairs by the new Ocean Map.
Ocean Court is a great option for families as children can run about and play on the map to give you a few extra minutes to relax! There’s also a cool new shake bar in the Parkside Cafe, which anyone with a sweet tooth will love!
The museum backs onto Greenwich Park, which is the perfect place for a picnic, or Greenwich town centre has many places to eat and drink!
National Maritime Museum Review: Is It Good for Families?
Since moving to London, we have loved the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. There is plenty to do and see for kids of all ages, and it is very family-oriented.
Dont forget to pick up a free activity sheet on your way in. They have a few options specially designed for each age range. Below, I will share all the best areas to visit in the National Maritime Museum with kids and some tips to enjoy them as a family!
The New Ocean Map: Interactive Fun for Kids
The New Ocean Map has just been unveiled to replace the Great Map that was originally there. This map is so unique as it is designed from a sea creature’s point of view rather than a person’s. The lights on the ceiling make it look as if the water is rippling and there are little sea animals for children to search for.
THE NEW OCEAN MAP AT THE LONDON MARITIME MUSEUM
Ahoy! Children’s Gallery at the National Maritime Museum
Ahoy! is the children’s gallery at the Maritime Museum in London. It is a maritime-themed role-play area designed for children aged 7 and under. Although it was closed during the renovations, Ahoy! is the same as it was previously.
Here you’ll find lots of hands-on activities, including a cannon that fires out balls, a pretend fishmonger and a ship’s hold for little ones to shovel pretend coal into.
Sessons at Ahoy! are 45 minutes long and should be booked in advance as it does get busy. Ahoy! is free during the week and £5 during weekends and school holidays.
Book this on The National Maritime Museum’s Website, linked here.
INSIDE AHOY! AT THE MARITIME MUSEUM, GREENWICH
All Hands Children’s Gallery
There is another designated children’s area in the Maritime museum, which is perfect for kids of all ages. There are hands-on activities, such as dressing up in costumes, a crane to winch sacks into a boat, and a machine to try out sending a message in Morse code.
On weekends, they often have meet and greets with characters, such as a pirate!
Other Areas of the National Maritime Museum for Kids
While these areas aren’t specifically aimed at children, they can still enjoy them, especially if you picked up a free activity sheet on your way in.
My 5-year-old’s favourites are the Polar Worlds exhibit and also Sea Things. My toddler will happily walk around looking at everything!
THE SEA THINGS AND POLAR WORLDS EXHIBITS
The Cove Playground
The National Maritime Museum backs onto Greenwich Park, just outside the park entrance to the museum, is the Cove Playground.
This is a cool wooden playground featuring a giant pirate ship with a big slide and a huge cracken and shark for kids to climb on.
This playground is ideal for older kids and toddlers who are confident walkers.
If you’re looking for a more traditional playground with swings, sand and little slides, the original Greenwich Park Playground will be perfect for you!
THE COVE PLAYGROUND, OUTSIDE THE NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM, LONDON
Final Thoughts: Our Family Review of the National Maritime Museum
We have always loved the London Maritime Museum, with the reopening of Ahoy! and the Ocean Map (originally the Great Map) is the perfect way to spend a budget-friendly day in London that the whole family can enjoy!
Thank you for reading our National Maritime Museum review. We hope you have the best day out in London!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
OUR FAMILY GUIDE TO GREENWICH LONDON
TIPS FOR EXPLORING THE CUTTY SARK WITH KIDS
LONDON MUSEUMS WITH GREAT TODDLER PLAY SPACES
Happy Exploring,
