National Maritime Museum
A large, free museum in Greenwich exploring Britain’s relationship with the sea through ships, navigation, exploration, trade, conflict and everyday life. Highlights include Nelson’s Trafalgar coat, ship models, interactive galleries and the Great Map, with cafés and family facilities on site.
About National Maritime Museum
Worth knowing
Why visit?
Go for a substantial free museum visit that combines major historical objects with hands-on displays. Nelson’s Trafalgar coat, the ship-model collections, the walk-on Great Map and the family galleries provide memorable focal points, while the wider displays connect naval history with trade, science, migration, empire and life at sea. Its position beside Greenwich Park and close to the Queen’s House makes it particularly useful as part of a full Greenwich day. Families have several dedicated spaces, while adults interested in maritime history, cartography, design or global connections can spend several hours exploring the permanent galleries.
History & character
The National Maritime Museum was founded by Act of Parliament in 1934 and opened to the public in 1937. It forms part of Maritime Greenwich, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes Greenwich Park, the Old Royal Naval College, the Queen’s House and the wider historic town centre. The museum’s setting reflects Greenwich’s long association with the navy, navigation and royal maritime history. The Queen’s House, nearby, was completed in the 1630s and is an important work of British architecture. The National Maritime Museum itself combines purpose-built museum spaces with the historic Greenwich setting, linking collections about Britain at sea to the buildings and institutions that shaped naval administration, education and royal life.
What’s on here
Upcoming events at National Maritime Museum
Gallery
Images are shown with source/photographer credit where supplied.
Visitor themes
What visitors commonly mention
Visitors commonly describe the museum as large, varied and easy to combine with a day around Greenwich. Recurring positive themes include the quality of the ship models, the emotional impact of Nelson’s Trafalgar coat, the interactive Great Map and the range of material for both adults and children. The free permanent collection is frequently seen as strong value, while the building’s location beside Greenwich Park is another repeated advantage. Some visitors find the museum’s scale means it deserves more time than a quick stop, and a minority are less keen on recent changes or the increased emphasis on children’s provision.
This section summarises recurring visitor themes; it is not an endorsement by Welcome to Blackheath & Greenwich.
Useful visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
Is the National Maritime Museum free to enter?
Yes. The permanent galleries are free to visit, and you can either book a free ticket online or turn up on the day. Booking is recommended if you want to guarantee entry. Special exhibitions, events and some family activities may have separate charges or timed tickets.
How long should I allow for the National Maritime Museum?
Allow at least two hours for a focused visit. The museum is extensive, with multiple floors and galleries covering ships, navigation, oceans, trade, conflict and personal stories. Families using the interactive spaces or visitors combining the museum with cafés and special exhibitions may want half a day.
Are dogs allowed at the National Maritime Museum?
Regular dogs are not accepted inside the museum. Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum and cafés. If you are visiting with an assistance animal and have specific access questions, contact Royal Museums Greenwich before your visit.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. Children can explore interactive galleries including All Hands for ages 6–12 and Small Hands for under-fives. AHOY! offers timed play sessions for children under seven, although it is closed for maintenance on September 30, 2026 and is scheduled to reopen on October 3, 2026. The outdoor Cove playground is nearby.
Where are the nearest stations?
Maze Hill is the nearest National Rail station for the museum and Queen’s House. Greenwich station is also convenient, while Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich is the nearest DLR station, around a seven-minute walk away. Greenwich Pier is approximately five minutes on foot, and several local bus routes stop nearby.
Is there parking at the museum?
Yes, there is a secure car park on Park Row, SE10 9NG. It is mainly available at weekends, on bank holidays and during school holidays, with limited weekday availability. Parking costs from £14 for the day and can be booked in advance. Five accessible bays are available.
What accessibility facilities are available?
The museum has lifts to every floor, accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet, hearing loops, captions, tactile exhibits, sensory maps, ear defenders and seating throughout. A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed or pre-booked. Five accessible parking bays are available, and assistance dogs are welcome.