National Maritime Museum London
Explore Britain's rich naval history with fascinating artifacts, ship models, and interactive exhibits for all ages. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
National Maritime Museum London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Britain's rich naval history with fascinating artifacts, ship models, and interactive exhibits for all ages. Free entry!
"A free gem in Greenwich, offering a deep dive into maritime history with family fun."
🚢 Boat to Greenwich
Take a Thames Clipper for scenic views! It's a fun journey and drops you right near the museum.
🎟️ Book AHOY Slots
The AHOY Children's Gallery is popular; book your free timed slot online in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
AHOY Children's Gallery
Sammy Ofer Wing
An interactive wonderland for under-7s, sparking young imaginations with maritime adventures. Book ahead!
+1
Nelson's Jacket
All Hands Gallery
See the actual jacket worn by Admiral Lord Nelson when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Ship Models Collection
Various Galleries
Marvel at an extensive collection of over 3,000 ship models, showcasing centuries of naval architecture and history.
The Cove Playground
Adjacent to the museum
A vibrant new outdoor playground for little adventurers to craft their own swashbuckling tales.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Rewards
+1Getting to Greenwich
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Boat to Greenwich
Take a Thames Clipper for scenic views! It's a fun journey and drops you right near the museum.
🎟️ Book AHOY Slots
The AHOY Children's Gallery is popular; book your free timed slot online in advance!
👟 Comfy Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking, exploring galleries and the new playground.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the boat ride and the beautiful Greenwich surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat to Greenwich
Take a Thames Clipper for scenic views! It's a fun journey and drops you right near the museum.
🎟️ Book AHOY Slots
The AHOY Children's Gallery is popular; book your free timed slot online in advance!
👟 Comfy Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking, exploring galleries and the new playground.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera for the boat ride and the beautiful Greenwich surroundings.
🗺️ Explore Greenwich
Combine your museum visit with Greenwich Park, the Observatory, and the market for a full day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Maritime Museum for its free entry, engaging exhibits, and family-friendly facilities like the AHOY gallery and The Cove playground. Many highlight the historical significance of artifacts like Nelson's jacket and the extensive ship model collection. Some reviewers note that while the core museum is excellent, certain sections might feel less captivating than others, and special exhibitions can add to the cost.
"A must-visit if you’re in London and interested in history, exploration, or simply a great day out.
The National Maritime Museum is a fantastic place to explore and learn about Britain’s rich naval history. The exhibitions are very well presented, with an excellent mix of historical artifacts, interactive displays, and modern storytelling. I especially enjoyed the galleries on exploration and navigation, which really bring the history of the sea to life.
The museum is family-friendly, spacious, and free to enter, which makes it even more impressive. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the surrounding Greenwich area adds to the charm with the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark nearby."
M Amin
"Located in the centre of Greenwich, at the bottom of Greenwich park. First visit, came to see the pirates exhibition. The exhibition was really good, mix of pirates in fiction and pirates in real life. A great deal was things you would find in any pirate exhibition but a few items stood out, like the Turkish flag, the Chinese flag, the wooden siding of an actual ship and a few other exhibits. Overall it was a worth a visit if your interested in the history of pirates. Afterwards we did go to see other exhibits there, like the Antarctic exhibition which was amazing. Lots to see here. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Cafe inside and a gift shop. Great place to visit."
Michael C
"Unfortunately this is nothing like I imagined it to be like. I thought it'd be similar to Portsmouth Historic Dockyards, specifically the battle of but Jutland exhibition. I thought that it'd contain a large amount of relics and tell the story of individuals.
Sadly it feels like entire museum is geared heavily for children. The majority of objects in the museum are replicas and not the real thing.
My biggest issue, and the entire reason we decided to come, was the new Pirates exhibition. Whilst the museum was free, this particular exhibition was £15 each and it's one of the worse things I've ever seen in a museum. The first half talks about pirates in books, films, computer games etc. The second half briefly touched upon what pirates really were. I didn't see a single artefact or compelling and real life stories. It took mere minutes to get through.
To top it all off, the staff in the cafe were abrupt and rude. Seemingly annoyed that I was placing an order for 6 people.
We made the mistake of going on a Saturday and there were hundreds of foreign teenagers in with their schools in etc. They had absolutely no respect or discipline and were continuously making it very difficult to take anything in.
All in all, a thoroughly disappointing day out and one that I would strongly advise you give a miss! Portsmouth Dockyards is far better!"
Jamie McIntosh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the National Maritime Museum via the Thames Clipper boat service from central London piers, offering scenic views. Alternatively, use the DLR to Cutty Sark station or the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich, followed by a bus or walk.
Yes, Greenwich is well-connected. The DLR (Docklands Light Railway) stops at Cutty Sark, and the Jubilee Line on the Underground serves North Greenwich. From either, it's a short walk or bus ride to the museum.
Many visitors recommend taking a Thames Clipper boat tour to Greenwich. It provides fantastic views of London's landmarks along the river and is a memorable way to arrive.
Driving is not recommended due to limited parking in Greenwich and potential congestion. Public transport or the boat service are generally more convenient and enjoyable options.
The National Maritime Museum is generally accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts and ramps available. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the National Maritime Museum is free! However, special temporary exhibitions may have an admission fee, so it's worth checking their website for current offerings.
Yes, the AHOY Children's Gallery, designed for under-7s, requires a free timed entry ticket. It's highly recommended to book these online in advance as slots can fill up quickly.
The museum typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 5 PM daily. However, hours can vary, especially during holidays or for special events, so always confirm on their official website before your visit.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, such as the popular 'Pirates' exhibition. Check the National Maritime Museum's official website for details on current and upcoming ticketed exhibitions.
While general admission is free and usually doesn't require booking, it's advisable to book timed entry for the AHOY Children's Gallery and any special exhibitions to guarantee your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Admiral Lord Nelson's jacket, the vast collection of ship models, and the interactive displays. For families, the AHOY Children's Gallery and The Cove playground are highlights. +2
Absolutely! The AHOY Children's Gallery is specifically for under-7s, and the new outdoor playground, The Cove, offers fun for all ages. There are also interactive elements throughout the museum.
The museum is located in Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and Greenwich Market, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
To fully explore the museum and perhaps enjoy the playground or nearby attractions, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you're combining it with other Greenwich sites, a full day is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe offering light meals, snacks, and drinks. For more options, Greenwich Market and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Picnics are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there are often designated areas or nearby parks like Greenwich Park where you can enjoy your own food.
Greenwich offers diverse culinary options, from traditional British pubs to international street food at Greenwich Market. You'll find everything from fish and chips to global cuisines.
The museum cafe is usually family-friendly, and the proximity to Greenwich Park provides ample space for picnics. Many local eateries also cater to families.
Greenwich Market and the surrounding streets have numerous cafes and restaurants that offer a good selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes to suit various dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum. However, always check for specific signage regarding restrictions on flash or tripods.
The grand architecture of the museum itself, the ship models, and any special exhibitions offer great photo opportunities. The views from Greenwich Park overlooking the museum and the Thames are also stunning.
Absolutely! Your phone camera is perfect for capturing memories at the museum and in the surrounding Greenwich area.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission from the museum. For personal use, you should be fine, but always adhere to any posted rules.
Be mindful of other visitors' privacy. While capturing your own child's enjoyment is fine, it's best to avoid photographing other children without their guardian's explicit consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Don't miss The Cove playground, a new outdoor space perfect for energetic youngsters. +1 Many Reddit users highlight that while the museum itself is great, the playground and the surrounding Greenwich Park are often the biggest draws for kids. Consider arriving by Thames Clipper boat for an exciting journey that adds to the adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
This allows you to immerse yourself in maritime history without significant cost. While special exhibitions may have a fee, the core experience is accessible to all. To keep costs down, consider packing your own lunch and enjoying it in Greenwich Park, or exploring the affordable food options at Greenwich Market.
+1couples
Combine your museum visit with a romantic stroll through Greenwich Park, enjoying the panoramic city views, or a leisurely boat trip along the Thames at sunset.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Day Out in Greenwich
Beyond the museum's walls, Greenwich boasts the stunning Greenwich Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic city views from its hilltop. Nearby, you can visit the Royal Observatory, where the Prime Meridian line is located, and the iconic Cutty Sark, a preserved 19th-century tea clipper. The vibrant Greenwich Market provides a lively atmosphere with diverse food stalls and artisan crafts, perfect for a lunch break or souvenir hunting.
Combining these attractions creates a rich and varied experience. Whether you're interested in maritime history, astronomy, beautiful parks, or bustling markets, Greenwich offers something for everyone. Planning your route and considering transport options, like the boat or DLR, will help maximize your time in this captivating part of London.
Family Fun at the Museum
+1Adding to the family appeal is The Cove, a relatively new outdoor playground located near the museum. This vibrant play area allows children to burn off energy and engage in imaginative, swashbuckling adventures amidst a maritime theme. It's a fantastic spot for kids to enjoy the outdoors while parents can relax nearby.
+1 Many parents on Reddit mention that while the museum has great exhibits, the playground and the nearby park are often the biggest hits with younger children. Beyond these dedicated spaces, the museum's general exhibits, such as the ship models and stories of famous voyages, can also capture the imagination of older children. The Nelson's Jacket exhibit, for instance, offers a tangible link to a significant historical event. Combining a museum visit with a boat trip to Greenwich and exploring Greenwich Park further enhances the family day out.
Exploring Maritime History
A key highlight is the All Hands Gallery, which houses significant artifacts like Admiral Lord Nelson's uniform jacket, complete with the bullet hole from the Battle of Trafalgar. This powerful exhibit connects visitors directly to pivotal moments in British history. The museum also delves into the broader impact of maritime activities, including exploration, trade, and the often-complex stories of empire and slavery.
While the museum offers a comprehensive overview, some visitors suggest that certain sections might feel less engaging than others. However, the sheer breadth of the collection, from ancient navigation tools to modern naval history, ensures there's always something to capture your interest. For those keen on specific aspects, like naval battles or famous explorers, the museum provides detailed narratives and visual aids to deepen understanding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit