Part of Royal Museums Greenwich, this is the world's largest museum dedicated to maritime history, tracing Britain's naval, exploration and trading past through paintings, ship models and personal objects. Collections range from Nelson's uniform from Trafalgar to Arctic exploration gear and East India Company trade goods. It sits alongside the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, making Greenwich a full day out rather than a quick stop.
The National Maritime Museum on Romney Road in Greenwich, southeast London, holds the world's largest collection of maritime art, charts and artefacts relating to Britain's naval and seafaring history. Highlights include the Nelson gallery, displaying the coat Admiral Nelson wore at the Battle of Trafalgar, complete with the bullet hole that killed him, and the Great Map, a giant illustrated floor installation in the courtyard that visitors can walk across. The Polar Worlds and Traders galleries cover Arctic exploration and the East India Company's global trading networks. Housed in a stately colonnaded building at the foot of Greenwich Park, the museum connects directly to the Queen's House and sits a short walk from the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark. A visit typically takes around two hours, and general admission to the permanent galleries is free, with special exhibitions occasionally ticketed. The museum draws noticeably fewer visitors than London's central museums, making it a comfortable option even on weekends, and its riverside grounds and adjoining park make it easy to combine into a fuller day exploring maritime Greenwich.
| Admission | Free. Special exhibitions may charge. |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00–17:00 |
| Typical visit | 2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; quieter than central London museums |
| Getting there | DLR: Cutty Sark; 5-minute walk |
| Address | Romney Road, London SE10 9NF |
Location
Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
51.4815, -0.0059 View on map
Highlights
- Nelson gallery with the uniform worn at the Battle of Trafalgar
- The Great Map floor installation
- Polar Worlds exhibition on Arctic exploration
- Historic ship models and figureheads
- Riverside grounds connecting to Greenwich Park
Tips for visiting
- General admission is free with no advance booking required for permanent galleries
- Combine with Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory for a full Greenwich day
- Special exhibitions may require paid tickets, so check in advance
- The museum is quieter than central London museums even at weekends
- Allow time to walk across the Great Map installation in the courtyard
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest; the museum sees far lighter footfall than central London's major museums.
Accessibility
The museum has step-free access throughout, with lifts available and free wheelchairs at the entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the National Maritime Museum take?
Most visitors spend around two hours covering the main galleries.
Is the National Maritime Museum worth it for kids?
Yes, the Great Map and interactive galleries make it family-friendly.
Is photography allowed inside the National Maritime Museum?
Photography without flash is allowed in the permanent galleries.