In this article, I present the Cutty Sarkan iconic London ship used in the 19th century to bring back tea from China!
Here you'll find
- A presentation by Cutty Sark
- What you can see and do on your visit
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information: opening hours, anecdotes and tour tips
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on the Cutty Sark, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Cutty sark: article summary
Cutty Sark: the last witness to an era of great sea voyages
Visit visiting London and in along the ThamesYou're sure to spot this ship sitting triumphantly on the quayside. It is the Cutty Sark! It's a clipper (or boat with three or more masts) used to bring back wool from New Zealand and Tea from China.
Let me introduce you to this marvel!
Introducing the Cutty Sark
Built in Scotland in 1869Cutty Sark takes its name from a witch in a poem by Robert Burns, in which the witch wears a "cutty Sark". short shirt. It's the language translation Skots (a derivative of the English spoken in Northern Ireland and Scotland) from Cutty Sark.
This is one of the clippers to have seen the light of day, at a time when these imposing vessels were used to transport goods from one end of the world to the other. It's also the last model in its current state, which makes it a key historical landmark for the history of the United Kingdom.
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This sailing boatknown for its speed and ease of maneuvering, would nevertheless be overtaken by competition from steel ships and steamships by the end of the XIXᵉ century.
It is then recovered by the Portuguesewho call him Pequena Camisola (equivalent to Cutty Sark in Portuguese). They used it for a few years, before it was acquired by Captain Wilfred Dowman in 1922. He gave her back her original name and shape, transforming her into a as a training ship.
The in 1954 that the Cutty Sark is dry-docked on the banks of the Thames, just opposite the Isle of Dogs and the district now known as Canary Wharf. He joins the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Now it stands as an emblem of a bygone era in Greenwich.
A vast renovation project from 2006 to 2009In the early hours of May 21, 2007, the building suffered a serious fire. Fortunately, most of its components had been removed for renovation. As a result, the damage remains minor, despite the need to replace the steel structure and the floor of the inner deck.
Whether or not you are a sailing enthusiastIt's a visit not to be missed, with fascinating stories about the brave sailors who brought back the precious tea for the English people!
Facts and figures about this ship
- Cutty Sark measures 85.4 metres long ; its weight is 921 tonnes and its 3 000 m2
- The holds could accommodate up to 600 tonnes of tea from ChinaThat's about 10,000 tea chests!
- Her crew consisted of 28 to 35 members
- He has twice taken part in the Tea Racewhich was to designate the ship that would bring tea from China to London the fastest. On both occasions, he was beaten by the competition!
- Among its fine performances, it is worth noting a trip of only 67 days to connect Australia and London!
- It is 3 metres above the ground, following the renovation project.
What can you see and do at Cutty Sark?
The Cutty Sark can be visited, as it is now a museum. The well-organized space allows you to learn a great deal about the construction of this impressive ship, its use and daily life on board.
Here's how the tour works.
The Cutty Sark's hold
Visit visit to the slipways is very playful, with reproductions of the tea chests and equipment used during the most eventful crossings. Between the explanatory panels and the models, it's an educational visit that will delight parents and children alike.
Indeed, some interactive activities will allow the youngest to feel like sailors!
The upper deck
In the top of the Cutty SarkThe cabins of the sailors can be discovered, with sizes depending on their rank. As you can imagine, officers were much better off than ordinary crew members. The latter were forced to live in almost Spartan conditions!
On deck, you'll visit a number of rooms that will give you a better understanding of the daily routine on board, and you'll discover the view. on dog island facing the ship.
Among the little experiences that can't be missed, there's the one that consists of take the helm to grow a captain's soul!
The figurehead collection
Here you can see the the world's largest collection figureheads. These wooden figures were placed at the bow of ships for quick identification as they approached a port.
The ship's hull
The ship impresses with its its surface area and the finesse of its design. The hull is made of copper and zinc, to prevent marine pests cling to it. See it from the outside!
How to reach the Cutty Sark easily?
The Cutty Sark is located at the following address: King William Walk, London SE10 9HT
This is an area to the east of London, which you can reach easily via :
- The buslines 129, 177, 180 and 188
- DLR (London Light Rail), getting off at Greenwich Station
- Visit river shuttlewith a stop in front of the boat named Greenwich Pier
Cutty Sark: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information to help you organize your visit to the Cutty Sark!
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: £18.00
- Children's ticket (4 to 15 years): £9.00
- Free for children under 4
You can buy your tickets directly on site. Or you can book them through the official website of the Royal Museums of Greenwich, which manages it >>. See the official website
Opening hours
You can visit the Cutty Sark every day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4:15pm.
Practical information
While most of the information presented is in Englishmultilingual audio guides are available to help you understand everything!
What to see and do in the area?
Although fairly far from the areas with London's most famous monuments, the area around Cutty Sark is a great place to discover :
- Visit Musée Nationale de la Marinewith interactive activities, simulators and games for all ages
- Visit Royal Naval Collegelocated within a university. It frequently hosts exhibitions and boasts an admirable painted ceiling.
- The original Fan Museum dedicated to fans and how they're made: a very rewarding visit that's off the beaten track!
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