National Maritime Museum
Explore Britain's rich maritime history with fascinating exhibits and engaging play areas for kids.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, free entry for play areas
National Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, free entry for play areas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Britain's rich maritime history with fascinating exhibits and engaging play areas for kids.
"A fantastic free museum with amazing play areas for kids and insightful maritime history."
Free Weekday Play Areas
Enjoy 'Ahoy!' and 'The Cove' for free on weekdays! Perfect for little explorers. :child:
Book Tickets Online
Essential for weekends & holidays to guarantee entry and avoid queues. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ahoy! Children's Gallery
Indoor play area
An immersive, sea-themed playroom for under 7s with sensory zones and role-play adventures.
The Cove Playground
Outdoor playground
A multi-level ship-themed playground offering exciting exploration for kids.
Maritime Archaeology Exhibits
Various galleries
Fascinating displays of historical ships, artifacts, and underwater excavation insights.
Astrophotography Exhibit
Temporary exhibition space
An incredible and surprisingly engaging exhibit showcasing the wonders of space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Kid-Friendly Fun Zones
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Weekday Play Areas
Enjoy 'Ahoy!' and 'The Cove' for free on weekdays! Perfect for little explorers. :child:
Book Tickets Online
Essential for weekends & holidays to guarantee entry and avoid queues. :ticket:
Bring a Flashlight
Some visitors suggest it helps see artifacts better in dimly lit areas. :flashlight:
Kid-Friendly but Short Visit
Great for kids, but plan for 1-2 hours as it's not a full-day attraction. :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Weekday Play Areas
Enjoy 'Ahoy!' and 'The Cove' for free on weekdays! Perfect for little explorers. :child:
Book Tickets Online
Essential for weekends & holidays to guarantee entry and avoid queues. :ticket:
Bring a Flashlight
Some visitors suggest it helps see artifacts better in dimly lit areas. :flashlight:
Kid-Friendly but Short Visit
Great for kids, but plan for 1-2 hours as it's not a full-day attraction. :clock:
Multilingual Information
Exhibits are often available in multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors. :globewithmeridians:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the National Maritime Museum to be a well-presented and informative institution, particularly praised for its engaging children's play areas. While some note it might not be a full-day attraction for all, its free general admission and excellent family facilities make it a popular choice.
"Pretty good. Obviously packed during the intermediate days of Passover.
Not a whole lot of interactive things to do. The models of historical Israeli ships were fascinating, but don't expect to spend many hours there with kids. 1-2 hours is enough time."
Aaron Glatt
"This was a lovely museum to visit in Haifa. I went with friends and spent just over an hour here. It's not a huge museum, and the top floor with archaeology was the most interesting, but the exhibit on astrophotography was really incredible. It's free on Shabbat, but the museum was full of small children who were very loud. Definitely kid friendly, and they had lots of activities to dress up in costumes, draw pictures and more."
Aeryn Rowe
"Sure is NOT worth the 3hr "Roundtrip" from Airbnb to THIS "So Called...Museum"! As SOON as I walked in the door, I was directed over to a Woman at the "Kids Books Cashier's Desk" by a young man sitting by the door; on his phone. I walked over, proceeded to get her attention, politely. She was holding a phone receiver in her hand. I think she was on hold with someone. After She started Talking in "Hebrew" to me...I spoke to her BACK (IN HEBREW) That: "I speak a little Hebrew; but not Good" and asked if she spoke English. MY GOODNESS, Her Response, was as if I shifted her life! SHE Pointed TO ME; Then, Pointed back OVER to the young man that sent me to HER! Said a bunch of stuff and didn't realize that I could understand "Some" of what she was saying. I picked up the words (American; Does not speak Hebrew; I'm on the phone; Get 35 Shekels from her.... blah blah blah)
I walked thru this "Drabby" Windowless, All the same 70's Style Colored Carpet Museum in about 20 minutes! The Lighting is Extremely Poor and You Can Hardly See The Glass Encased Artifacts. There's NOTHING Inviting About this place. Yes, if you like Historical Maritime Archeological Objects; You MIGHT Like it.
PS) Bring a Flashlight 🔦"
Beverly M Chapman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Maritime Museum is located in Greenwich, London. You can reach it via the DLR to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich, or by boat along the River Thames. Many visitors find the boat trip a scenic way to arrive.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in Greenwich. It's generally recommended to use public transport. There are some pay-and-display car parks nearby, but they fill up quickly.
Yes, there are cycle racks available at the museum. Greenwich is a pleasant area to cycle in, and it's a great way to explore the surroundings before or after your visit. :bike:
Taking the DLR to Cutty Sark station is a direct and efficient route. Alternatively, a Thames Clipper river bus offers a picturesque journey directly to Greenwich Pier, right next to the museum.
The National Maritime Museum is generally accessible, with lifts and ramps available. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the National Maritime Museum is free! However, some special exhibitions or the indoor play areas might have a small charge, especially on weekends and during school holidays. 
While general entry is free, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and school holidays, to guarantee your entry and manage visitor numbers.
The museum typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 5 PM. It's always best to check the official National Maritime Museum website for the most current opening hours, as they can vary. :clock:
As general admission is free, discounts are usually for special exhibitions or paid attractions within the museum. Check the website for details on family tickets or group rates if applicable. :moneybag:
One review mentioned the museum was free on Shabbat and very full, suggesting it's open. However, expect it to be busy with families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Ahoy!' gallery is a fantastic indoor play space for under 7s, and 'The Cove' is a newer, exciting playground. These offer hands-on fun and role-playing opportunities.
Most visitors find 1-2 hours sufficient for a general visit, especially if focusing on the main exhibits. If you plan to spend significant time in the play areas or exploring special exhibitions, you might stay longer.
Yes, the museum offers interactive displays and activities, particularly in the children's galleries. Some exhibits also include touch screens and models to engage visitors.
The museum aims to be accessible, with information often provided in multiple languages, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, books, and maritime-themed items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe offering a range of food and drinks, from light snacks to meals. It's a convenient option for refueling during your visit. :coffee:
Picnics are generally allowed in designated areas or nearby parks. Check the museum's policy on their website, but it's usually fine to bring your own snacks. :sandwich:
Greenwich offers a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and cafes just a short walk from the museum, providing plenty of dining options. :forkandknife:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain galleries to protect artifacts. Always look for signage. :camerawithflash:
The museum's architecture, the historic ships on display, and the views of the Thames can all make for great photos. The 'Ahoy!' and 'The Cove' areas also offer fun, candid shots of children. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 For slightly older children, 'The Cove' playground provides an exciting, ship-themed adventure. Weekdays offer free access to these play spaces, making it an economical choice. Remember to book tickets online, especially for weekends, to ensure entry. While the main exhibits might be more suited for older children or those with a keen interest in history, the interactive elements and the sheer fun of the play areas make it a hit for younger visitors. Plan for about 1-2 hours, focusing on the dedicated children's zones for maximum enjoyment.
Free & Budget-Friendly Visitors
+1 The real gem for saving money is the free weekday access to the 'Ahoy!' and 'The Cove' play areas. This makes it a perfect spot for families or anyone looking for engaging entertainment without a hefty price tag. While special exhibitions might incur a fee, the core experience of exploring the museum's main galleries and enjoying the children's facilities can be done for free on weekdays. Pack a picnic to save on food costs, as there are cafes on-site and plenty of green space nearby in Greenwich. :moneywithwings:
History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
While some reviews suggest a shorter visit might suffice for general audiences, enthusiasts can easily spend more time delving into the detailed displays, ship models, and historical narratives. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the sea's influence on history and culture. :ship:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Children's Galleries
+1More recently, 'The Cove' playground has opened, offering a multi-level ship structure where kids can explore different decks, pretend to fire cannons, and discover cargo holds. This outdoor space is perfect for burning off energy and provides a more adventurous play experience.
+1 These areas are often free on weekdays, making the museum a top choice for family outings in London. It's worth noting that while these play areas are a major draw, some reviews suggest the museum might not hold the attention of older children or adults for extended periods if they aren't particularly interested in maritime history.
Maritime History and Collections
The museum showcases a variety of artifacts, including ship models, navigational instruments, and personal items belonging to historical figures. The maritime archaeology exhibits are particularly noteworthy, offering insights into underwater discoveries and the preservation of historical shipwrecks.
For those interested in specific aspects of maritime history, the museum's collections are vast. Keywords like 'naval museums' and 'maritime museums' highlight the broad appeal of such institutions, and this museum certainly delivers on that front, offering a comprehensive look at seafaring heritage. [^SEO]
The Royal Connection
+1These royal visits often bring media attention and highlight the museum's significance as a cultural institution. While not a core part of the visitor experience, it underscores the museum's importance and its role in national heritage.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit