What is Cutty Sark?
Cutty Sark is the name of a whisky, or a pub, or a hotel, or a legend. However, the original Cutty Sark was a tea clipper.
What is a clipper?
A very fast sailing ship. Cutty Sark was a cargo ship from 1869 to 1922.
Where did Cutty Sark sail to?
At first, directly from London to China. Later, she sailed to Sydney to pick up coal and then on to Shanghai to pick up tea.
Where does the name Cutty Sark come from?
Her name derives from the poem Tam O’Shanter written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. In a nutshell, Tam, a farmer, is chased by a witch called Nannie. She was wearing a short shift called cutty sark, an archaic Scottish term. She managed to cut Tam’s horse’s tail. The witch is represented by the figurehead on the Cutty Sark’s bow, complete with horse’s tail in her hand.
To visit Cutty Sark, you need to make your way to Greenwich, a 20 minute rail journey from Cannon Street station in London. You may want to purchase your ticket online ahead of time to avoid long lines during peak season and holidays.
You walk down Victorian and Georgian streets to King William Walk, and then down to the river and Cutty Sark. You’re greeted with a strange vision; a glass, steel and wood construction that looks like a spaceship with old fashioned masts.
You go inside the Visitors’ Centre and up to the various decks. Here, you learn about the clipper’s history and see what it would have looked like back then and what the sailors’ living conditions were. You also learn about the tea trade mainly between China and the UK and other trade routes round the world. Maybe even some world history too.
You climb the narrow steep stairs to the main deck, where you’re regaled with views of Greenwich, the River Thames and famous London landmarks in the distance.
You decide it’s time for a cup of tea and yes, maybe a slice of Victoria sponge cake you like so much. You make your way to the Even Keel Café underneath the bronze-clad hull.
A colourful group of people at the far end catches your attention. You realize, on closer inspection, that it’s a collection of figureheads. This is the largest collection of Merchant Navy figureheads in the world. They come mostly from 19th century vessels. You cock your ear, trying to catch what they’re saying. They might just be reminiscing about old adventures on high seas, of braving foul weather to reach port and deliver their precious cargo.
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Ana Travels and Writes 
WOW!! Last time I’ve been to Greenwich the Cutty Sark was still under renovation. Seems like I need to check this out pretty soon. Looks great!
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One reason to go back 🙂
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I love the Cutty Sark. You can actually get off the DLR (docklands light railway) at Cutty Sark station which is just 2 minutes from the Ship and the Thames, but then you miss walking through Greenwich
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Good tip, thanks!
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Definitely one to visit on my next trip to London. 🙂
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Fun and quirky little post about an unquestionably unique museum! Thanks!
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My pleasure!
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Thank you!
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I did not know about Cutty Sark, the ship, so I learned something today.
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Glad to help 🙂
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I hadn’t heard of the Cutty Sark before. What a cool museum concept! Looks like an interesting place to visit whilst in London.
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It’s a nice outing if you include the Maritime Museum as well
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I love old sailing ships. I used to live in San Diego and they have the Star of India, which is an iron sailing ship. It is part of San Diego’s Maritime Museum.
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The Star of India sounds very grand. She must be beautiful.
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I love reading about unique things to do in well-trodden places. This looks like a great spot to add to a London itinerary!!
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I hope you enjoy your visit.
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I find the ship’s name too quirky and cute! What’s your favorite part of the tour?
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Tea and cake at the end! Actually, I liked the views from the top deck.
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I’ve actually been here and loved it! I’m a huge fan of ships, especially older ones like the Cutty Sark. It’s not a bad whisky either, just mix it with coke 😉
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I don’t care for whiskey but I see your point 😉
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Interesting visit. The whiskey branding goes a long way to showing what the ship looked like but I bet it was good to see in real life!
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It is beautiful and imposing.
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A lovely place. I passed it on the river a couple of days before you were there. There is always something to do in London that is fascinating.
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It must be a wonderful sight from the river!
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great view from the river
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