National Maritime Museum Tours
Overview
The National Maritime Museum explores the naval and maritime history of Britain, which was for centuries one of the world’s leading sea powers. The exhibitions showcase everything from real-life vessels and model ships to nautical instruments, objects, manuscripts, and maritime-themed artworks from the likes of J.M.W. Turner.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the National Maritime Museum’s exhibits independently, or pay to join an hourlong guided tour, which can be booked online in advance of your visit. For a more intimate experience and thorough exploration of the museum, opt for a longer small-group tour.
The National Maritime Museum is one of four museums—together with the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House art gallery, and the Cutty Sark (a tea clipper turned museum)—that come under the banner of the Royal Museums Greenwich. Many day tours include visits to more than one of these attractions, as well as Greenwich Market and Greenwich Park. You can also visit the museum as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Maritime Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.
- Special, child-oriented tours of the Greenwich neighborhood, which include a visit to the National Maritime Museum, are a good option for families.
- The National Maritime Museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is in Greenwich, South East London. To get here, ride the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to the Cutty Sark stop or take the train from Cannon Street or London Bridge to the Greenwich rail station. Alternatively, travel by boat taking the MBNA Thames Clipper from London Eye Pier, London Bridge Pier, or Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier.
When to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is busiest on weekend afternoons, between 12pm and 3pm, and during school vacations. Go in early morning or late afternoon to experience it at its calmest. On Saturdays, from 12pm–3pm, the museum hosts performances from various costumed seafaring characters.
Highlights of the Collections
Among the must-see items in the collection are the 1933-built Miss Britain III, the first boat to reach speeds of more than 100 mph (160 kph), and The Battle of Trafalgar, one of J.M.W. Turner’s largest paintings. For families with kids, don’t miss the Ahoy! and All Hands galleries, with immersive exhibits aimed at children. The ship simulator and the giant walk-across Great Map will also prove a hit with younger visitors.
Address: Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, England
Admission: Varies
8 Tours and Activities to Experience National Maritime Museum
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Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise
Glide by some of London’s must-see landmarks on a sightseeing cruise from Westminster to Greenwich on the Thames River. Step aboard your comfortable cruise boat at Westminster Pier and listen to the entertaining live commentary as you pass sights such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Drink in the views from the open or indoor deck, and at Greenwich, step ashore to visit attractions (own expense) such as the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum. Upgrade to include a return cruise back to Westminster.
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From
$17.89
From
$17.89
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
London Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Access to Over 80 Attractions
Discover London’s top sights for one low price with the London Pass®. Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 10-day sightseeing credits package, and enjoy access to your London Pass straight from your mobile. Simply show it at the gate or ticket office to gain entrance to more than 80 attractions including Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the "View from the Shard." You also benefit from skip-the-line access at some of the city's top attractions like the London Zoo. Your pass also includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Thames River cruise, a free guidebook packed with useful information, and valuable shopping and dining discounts.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes (purchased by December 31) are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 30 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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From
$104.70
From
$104.70
National Maritime Museum Small Group Tour in Greenwich London
Unravel the secrets of Britain’s rich maritime history on a 3.5-hour small-group guided walking tour of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, the biggest of its kind in the world. Marvel over highlights like Turner's Battle of Trafalgar painting and the Trade gallery, learn about iconic vessels like the HMS Victory and the Royal Navy fleets, and be shocked by the history of Britain’s slave trade.
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From
$129.37
From
$129.37
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Best of Greenwich Walking Tour in London Including Lunch
Discover the cultural hub and maritime center of Greenwich on a 6.5-hour walking tour including lunch. Step aboard the legendary Cutty Sark, visit the home of Greenwich Mean Time at the Greenwich Royal Observatory, visit the recently-renovated Queen's House, and tour the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. Browse for bargains at the lively Greenwich market, then tuck into a traditional pub lunch overlooking the River Thames.
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From
$204.25
From
$204.25
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Greenwich Highlights Half Day Walking Tour in London
Head downriver from central London to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, for a half-day walking tour. Visit the Greenwich Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, marvel at the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College and tour the National Maritime Museum. After a coffee break at the Museum café, pick up some unique souvenirs from Greenwich Market, then explore aboard the recently restored Cutty Sark teaclipper.
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From
$197.45
From
$197.45
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Royal Greenwich Private Day Tour
Discover one of London’s most atmospheric and history-saturated areas when you go on a private tour of Greenwich. Meet your guide at your London hotel, and travel via public transportation (own expense) to Greenwich. Visit the UNESCO-listed Old Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum; admire the Cutty Sark, a restored, 19th-century clipper ship; explore the Royal Observatory, where Sir Isaac Newton once worked; and enjoy the views overlooking London.
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From
$319.54
Price varies by group size
From
$319.54
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
Save time and money by prebooking online for a Day Explorer pass that lets you visit London’s Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark in one outing. Maximize sightseeing time by avoiding having to buy two separate tickets, and explore as you wish. Straddle the eastern and western hemispheres and learn about great astronomers at the Observatory; and tour the celebrated Cutty Sark sailing ship to experience life aboard in the 1800s.
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From
$33.13
From
$33.13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Independent Sightseeing Tour to London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich with Private Driver
Grand architecture, hilly parkland and narrow streets lined with quirky pubs and cafes are just some of the sights you can expect to see on this independent sightseeing tour of Greenwich. Spend a morning exploring the royal borough — one of only three in London — at your own pace. Simply select the attractions you want to visit. From the ‘Cutty Sark’ tea-clipper ship to the Royal Observatory, and then let your private driver arrange your itinerary for you.
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From
$172.48
Price varies by group size
From
$172.48
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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