Royal Museums in Greenwich

Part of Unesco World Heritage Site Maritime Greenwich, Cutty Sark is a sight to behold! Delve into the adventures of this iconic ship and meet a colourful cast of characters who share what life was really like on board, with a visit of this Royal Museums Greenwich gem.

Built in 1869 to carry tea back from China, Cutty Sark is the world's last surviving tea clipper. Explore its rich history by walking along the many decks and passageways. Picture yourself as the ship's captain, take the helm at the ship's wheel and marvel at the towering masts and 11 miles of rigging.

Our top tip? Alongside special events and activities throughout the year, one experience not to be missed is indulging in a traditional afternoon tea beneath the hull! Read our review of this fab experience for both history enthusiasts and foodies, and book your afternoon tea at Cutty Sark tickets now.

Find out more about visiting Cutty Sark and book your tickets.

Stand with a foot in each hemisphere and explore how great scientists first mapped the seas and the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Now a museum, it's home to the world-famous Prime Meridian Line, the UK’s largest refracting telescope, a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite and London’s only planetarium.

Founded in 1675 by King Charles II and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, it's the oldest scientific institution in Britain and the historic home of British astronomy, Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line. It was from here that the great scientists of the time precisely mapped the stars to help navigate at sea.

Our top tip? Check out the live moving view in the Royal Observatory's camera obscura, which is housed in a pretty summerhouse in the Meridian Courtyard, and enjoy the best view of London!

Explore this historic site for yourself by purchasing your Royal Observatory tickets now.

Explore two historical London landmarks in one day with the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass. Climb aboard the Cutty Sark and learn about its 150 years’ experience and adventures at sea, then step back onto the ground at the Royal Observatory and see the Prime Meridian of the world.

The Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass is a great way to enjoy a day out in historic Greenwich and delve into rich British history, astrology and maritime adventures – all the while making great savings on two must-see sights.

Our top tip? Visit Cutty Sark first. Then head to nearby Greenwich Market (only a two-minute walk away) and grab a bite to eat from one of its many delicious street food stalls, cafes and restaurants. Next up, take a wander through scenic Greenwich Park, London’s oldest Royal Park, and make your way up the hill to get to the Royal Observatory. Sweeping views guaranteed!

Book your Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass to combine two iconic attractions.

The National Maritime Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the world, with 14 maritime-themed galleries and more than 2.5 million items to explore. It's a fantastic place to learn about Britain's encounters with the world at sea, the Royal Navy and the life of great British hero Admiral Horatio Nelson.

Catch a glimpse of the uniform Admiral Nelson wore when he was fatally wounded at the famous Battle of Trafalgar. Find out what made J.M.W. Turner's largest painting so controversial. Experience the lives of both ordinary seamen and well-known characters, such as Christopher Columbus, Elizabeth I and Francis Drake. And much more!

Our top tip? If you're visiting with little ones, treat them to an action-packed maritime adventure in the immersive AHOY! Children's Gallery for under sevens or All Hands Children's Gallery for six to 12 year-olds, where pirates, polar exploration and many more maritime themes are sure to keep them entertained!

For a regal day out, head to the Queen's House to enjoy more than 400 years of stunning art, architecture and royal history. Built as a "house of delight" for James I's wife, Anne of Denmark, this royal villa was designed by Inigo Jones in 1616 and is Britain's first classical building.

The Great Hall features a striking marble floor, with a black-and-white geometric design originally laid in 1635. Other highlights include J.M.W. Turner’s largest artwork, The Battle of Trafalgar, and the iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I. Also look out for pieces by Canaletto, Gainsborough, L.S. Lowry and Alberta Whittle among the 450-plus artworks on display.

Our top tip? Don't miss climbing up or down the gorgeous Tulip Stairs, one of the original features of the Queen’s House. This ornate, wrought iron structure was the first geometric self-supporting spiral stair in Britain. Now, it's also a great spot to snap a striking picture for the 'gram!

Travel to the stars at London’s only planetarium, part of the Royal Observatory's modern Astronomy Centre. Experience the wonders of the night sky with a number of shows that could fly you into the heart of the Sun, transport you to distant galaxies, show you the birth of a star or land you on Mars.

Daily shows include We Are Guardians, an immersive exploration into safeguarding the planet, and The Sky Tonight, a classic guide to the night sky presented live by a Royal Observatory astronomer. On the weekends and during the holidays, families can join Ted's Space Adventure, a special live planetarium show for those aged seven and under.

Our top tip? Shows at the planetarium are very popular, so if you'd like to catch one, book your tickets in advance to secure your seats! 

Important information: The Peter Harrison Planetarium is currently closed for an exciting transformation project. It is expected to reopen in spring 2028. In the meantime, there's a new planetarium experience available at the National Maritime Museum, as part of Astronomers Take Over.