The Cutty Sark, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 18 Jun, 2023
- |
Welcome to a travel guide about a famous landmark in the city of London – The Cutty Sark! This historic tall ship was built between 1869 and 1872 and it was used for trade transport purposes. You’ll discover interesting facts about this vessel, its history, and why it’s so significant to London. Plus, there’s plenty of information about visiting the ship, as it’s now open to the public. We also have some great tips on nearby attractions and activities to pair with your visit. So keep reading to learn more about The Cutty Sark and the wonderful city of London!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About The Cutty Sark, London
1. The Cutty Sark was on the brink of being demolished in 1954 until an enthusiastic group of locals formed the Cutty Sark Preservation Society that saved her.
2. In 2007 the Cutty Sark was badly damaged in a fire, which happened during her major renovations and resulting in over £50 million worth of damage.
3. The Cutty Sark was the last ship to be built entirely of wood and was said to be the fastest sailing ship ever built in her time.
4. The Cutty Sark clipper played an important role in the tea trade and carried tea from Shanghai to London in the 19th century, taking around six months.
5. The ship is home to many artefacts on display including her original anchor and original figurehead.
6. One of the most unusual items on display is the Cutty Sark’s original anchor chain, which is made out of iron-galvanised steel, and is said to weigh over 4 tons.
7. The Cutty Sark was not the only two-masted clipper to sail, but she was the only one that remains today.
8. The Cutty Sark’s forecastle was known to feature a cast iron ventilator that dispensed rum and other spirits to the crew.
9. The Cutty Sark is said to be haunted by the old cptain, John Gray, who was first mate of the Cutty Sark from 1872 to 1877 and then became her captain from 1878 to 1880.
10. The Cutty Sark still sails today, hosting special occasions such as birthdays and weddings with a choice of packages available.
History & Information About The Cutty Sark, London
The Cutty Sark is a clipper ship that was built in Dumbarton, Scotland in 1869. The ship was built for the Jock Willis Shipping Line and was used to transport goods and passengers in the tea trade between England and China. Designed by Hercules Linton, the ship was built with a combination of steel hull and wood frame.
The clipper was known for its speed and was one of the fastest ships of its time, reaching speeds of up to 13 knots (15 MPH). The ship was also known for its crew, who were highly experienced and skilled mariners as well as loyal to the ship. The crew won multiple awards and were well known among other sailors.
In 1922, the Cutty Sark was retired and became a museum in 1954 following the death of its owner and last captain, Richard Woodget. In 2007, a fire caused substantial damage to the ship and required a major restoration, which was completed in 2012.
Today, the Cutty Sark stands as a reminder of England’s maritime past and is one of the last remaining ships of its type. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and is home to a variety of exhibitions, displays, and events.
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Travel Guide For Visiting The Cutty Sark, London
1. Getting There: The Cutty Sark is located in Greenwich, London. It is accessible by bus, rail, and boat. The closest railway stations are Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich station (DLR) and Greenwich station (National Rail).
2. Hours of Operation: The Cutty Sark is open daily, from 10am-5pm.
3. Admission: The admission fee for an adult is £13.50, for a student or senior is £11.50, and for a child under 16 it is £7.00. Discounts are available for family tickets and advanced online booking.
4. Food & Drinks: The Cutty Sark has a variety of food and drinks available. There are also several nearby pubs and restaurants.
5. Things to Do: Take a guided tour of the ship, explore the interactive Visitor Centre, and take in the views from the Observation Platform. Also, take a step back in time with the Poetry of the Sea exhibition.
6. Accessibility: The Cutty Sark is wheelchair and buggy accessible. An outdoor lift is available to access the upper levels of the ship.
7. Local Attractions: There are plenty of nearby attractions to enjoy in Greenwich, such as the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, and the Queen’s House.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cutty Sark, London
Q. Where is the Cutty Sark located?
A. The Cutty Sark is located in Greenwich, London.
Q. How old is the Cutty Sark?
A. The Cutty Sark is a Victorian clipper ship. It was launched in 1869 and is now 150 years old.
Q. Is the Cutty Sark open to the public and can I book a ticket?
A. Yes, the Cutty Sark is open to visitors with pre-booked tickets. Tickets are available on the official website.
Q. What kind of exhibits can I find in the Cutty Sark?
A. Visitors can explore the inner and outer decks of the Cutty Sark, as well as learning about the history of the ship and its crew. There are also interactive displays and exhibitions, along with audio-visual presentations.
Q. Are there guided tours of the Cutty Sark?
A. Yes, there are guided tours of the Cutty Sark led by expert guides. The tours provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history of the ship.