What is it?
The world's last surviving tea clipper was the fastest and greatest of her age. That was over a century ago now, but the Cutty Sark is certainly still a venerable sight, perched on her glass pedestal on the water's edge in Greenwich. It's still a big attraction for those visiting London.
Following a fire in 2007 the ship underwent extensive renovation, and a visit now includes the chance to stand directly underneath all 963 tonnes of her, thanks to the having been raised three metres above ground. Visitors can also discover the ship's history and explore the many cargoes that have filled the lower hold, from tea and whisky to wool and buffalo horns. The attraction also holds the world's largest collection of merchant-ship figureheads, which were donated to the Cutty Sark Society back in 1953.
Why go?
At Cutty Sark you get the opportunity to voyage through 150 years of seafearing history. There's films, photos and interactive maps to have a look at. For sailors in the making there's even the chance to grab the ship's wheel and imagine riding the waves.
Don't miss:
Keep an eye out for special events and occasions too, including afternoon tea, 'toddler time' shanty sing-alongs at 'musical mayhem' and meets with the Cutty Sark 'characters', where actors play crew from the Cutty Sark's past.
Time Out tip:
The Cutty Sark is one of the attractions clustered as the Royal Museums Greenwich: the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and the Queen's House complete the gang. I did all four in one day for the full experience.