National Maritime Museum

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.

Ways to explore

The National Maritime Museum is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich collective, which also includes the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, and the Queen’s House—all in historic Greenwich. If you plan to visit all four, it’s worth buying the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass to save money on the separate admissions to the paid-for sites. The National Maritime Museum is free to enter, although select exhibits may incur a fee. It’s recommended to prebook your free ticket online.

Sightseeing tours of Greenwich don’t enter the museum, but may give you the lowdown on its exhibits and work as you pass.

Accessibility

There are elevators between floors, and the café, gift shops, and restrooms are accessible to wheelchair users. Wheelchairs are available for loan and can be booked in advance via the museum’s website.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cash, if you want to make a voluntary donation

What to wear

The museum is large, so wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Bikes and e-scooters aren’t allowed within the grounds

Amenities

Cafés, gift shop, restrooms, lockers, buggy park

Address

You can enter the National Maritime Museum from either the Parkside Entrance, which is inside Greenwich Royal Park, or from an entrance off Romney Road. The museum is in Greenwich, a short walk from the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory.

Driving

You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. The museum has a car park for use on weekends, UK bank holidays, and during school vacations.

Public transportation

Take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Cutty Sark or Greenwich. Don’t make the mistake of going to North Greenwich on the tube, which is further away. Many buses stop nearby, including routes 129, 177, 180, 188, 286, 386, and N1. Alternatively, board a boat to the Cutty Sark pier.

Best times to visit

For a quieter experience, aim for the morning.

Best days to visit

Weekdays see fewer visitors, so plan a trip for Monday through Friday if you can.

Best months to visit

The museum is inside, so the weather shouldn’t impact your visit. However, the museum is typically busiest during school vacation periods, so plan for the shoulder seasons if possible.

Special events

World Ocean Day is fun at the National Maritime Museum, as the site hosts ocean experts, live music performances, science shows, and crafts.