Cutty Sark Tickets, Greenwich: What to Know Before You Go

‹›1 / 6

The Cutty Sark is one of London's most distinctive maritime landmarks: a fully restored 19th-century tea clipper that you can board, explore and even walk directly beneath. Sitting in a dry berth in the heart of Greenwich, it's a genuinely ticketed attraction operated by Royal Museums Greenwich, and it makes an easy pairing with the rest of Maritime Greenwich. Here's what you need to know before you visit.

Where it is

The Cutty Sark stands at King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9HT, within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's right in the middle of Greenwich town centre, steps from the National Maritime Museum and a short walk from the river.

What to see

• A restored 19th-century tea clipper you can board and explore, including the striking experience of walking beneath the ship as it sits raised above its dry berth.
• An award-winning museum experience, with a multilingual audio guide included in your ticket.
• A rig climb add-on that lets you climb the masts for a different perspective (height and weight limits apply).
• A location in the heart of Maritime Greenwich, moments from the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich town centre.

Getting your ticket

Entry to the Cutty Sark is by timed slot, so it's worth booking in advance to guarantee the time you want, especially at weekends and in summer. Your ticket includes the multilingual audio guide, and add-on experiences such as the Rig Climb (and an entrance-plus-afternoon-tea option) can be booked alongside standard admission.

There's an important thing to understand: there is no separate paid "skip-the-line" ticket here. Because entry is timed-slot only, booking ahead simply secures your entry, it doesn't buy you a faster queue. You can book through Royal Museums Greenwich's own site at rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark, or through a reseller such as GetYourGuide, which sells real timed admission tickets (audio guide included). Unlike some attractions, third-party tickets here are valid and accepted at the door, so either route works.

Insider tips

• Book a timed slot in advance so your visit fits neatly around the rest of Greenwich rather than around a queue.
• If you're up for it, add the Rig Climb when you book, but check the height and weight limits first so there are no surprises on the day.
• Make a half-day of it: the National Maritime Museum and Greenwich town centre are right on the doorstep.
• Don't miss walking underneath the hull, it's the part of the visit most people remember.

Is it worth it?

Yes, provided you go in knowing it's a proper ticketed museum experience rather than a quick photo stop. The restoration is genuinely impressive, the audio guide adds context, and the setting inside Maritime Greenwich means you're never short of things to do nearby. Just don't pay extra expecting to skip a line, because there isn't a skip-the-line product to buy.

FAQs

Do I need to book in advance?

Entry is by timed slot, so booking ahead is recommended to guarantee your preferred time, particularly during busy periods. You can book with Royal Museums Greenwich directly or via a reseller like GetYourGuide.

Is there a skip-the-line ticket?

No. Entry is timed-slot only, so there's no separate paid skip-the-line option. Booking in advance secures your entry time rather than fast-tracking a queue.

How do I get there?

Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich DLR station is roughly 100m away. You can also reach Greenwich by train, bus, and Thames river boat.

📷 Photos via Wikimedia Commons

#ad — we earn a small commission at no cost to you when you book through our links.