InfoBritain

 

National Maritime Museum, London

 

The National Maritime Museum has around two million items relating to maritime history. Collections range from charts and maps, to ship plans and models, figureheads, coins, uniforms, historic photographs, flags, and time keepers. The collection of time keepers is particularly poignant at Greenwich, since time difference east or west of Greenwich allows the calculation of longitude, and it was the building of clocks able to keep time at sea that finally allowed ships to accurately plot their position. Greenwich as a whole is fascinating from the point of view of maritime history. The Old Royal Naval College and the tea clipper Cutty Sark are close to the museum. On Flamsteed Hill above the museum lies the Royal Observatory where astronomers spent years plotting the movements of the moon against the stars, in an attempt to help navigators accurately plot their position far from land.

Two restaurants offer refreshments.

Statue of Nelson outside the National Maritime Museum

Opening Times: opening is daily, 10am- 5pm. The Caird Library dedicated to maritime literature and documents is open 10am - 4.45pm. To visit the library on a Saturday an appointment is necessary. Identification is required for entry to the library.

Directions: Car parking is difficult, so it is best to use public transport if possible. The Docklands Railway runs to Island Gardens, where there is a foot tunnel which takes you to Greenwich. Alternatively there are regular river boat sailings from central London. This is a great way to get to Greenwich. Go to www.tfl.gov.uk for details of sailings. Click on "River". Click here for an interactive map centred on the Queen's House and National Maritime Museum.

Access: All galleries are accessible to wheelchair users. Parking for disabled visitors can be booked in the car park. Ring 020 8312 6608 giving at least twenty four hours notice. Also use this number to book touch tours.

Contact:

phone: 020 8858 4422

web site: http://www.nmm.ac.uk/index.php