Our specially tailored u3a offer combines a tour led by one of our expert guides with an engaging talk inspired by objects from our world-class collection of more than 2.5 million items – the largest collection of its kind in the world.
Whether your group is interested in art, architecture, astronomy, exploration or royal history, we can create a memorable and enriching visit for your group.
Talks and tours for u3a groups are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year, subject to availability. Optional refreshments, lunches, and afternoon tea experiences are also available for groups.
To find out more about organising a u3a group visit, please contact us on traveltrade@rmg.co.uk.
Planning your visit
There are two options available for u3a group visits: a morning option and an afternoon option. Both include a private guided tour of one of our four historic sites followed by a talk from one of our expert guides about an item in our collection.
Morning option
| 10.30 – 11.30am | Guided Tour |
| 11.30 – 12.00pm | Break |
| 12.30 – 1pm | Gallery Talk |
Afternoon option
| 1 – 2pm | Guided Tour |
| 2 – 2.30pm | Break |
| 2.30 – 3pm | Gallery Talk |
Explore our sites
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National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum explores our relationship with the sea through stories of exploration, trade, conflict, and everyday life.
The museum was opened by King George VI in 1937. Since then, we have grown to house some of the most important holdings in the world on the history of Britain at sea, including art, maps, manuscripts, public records, ship models and plans.
With more than 2.5 million objects in our collection, it is the largest maritime museum in the world. Highlights include Nelson’s Trafalgar coat in the acclaimed Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery, a pocket watch recovered from the RMS Titanic, and many other objects that reveal centuries of global maritime history.
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Cutty Sark
Step aboard the world’s only surviving tea clipper and experience life at sea on the fastest ship of the Victorian age. Built in 1869 to serve the China tea trade, Cutty Sark went on to become iconic for its record-breaking 1886 voyage, sailing from Sydney to London in just 73 days.
No visit to Cutty Sark is complete without seeing the captain’s cabin and crew’s quarters, taking the helm with the ship’s wheel in your hand, and spotting the many famous figures in the largest collection of ship’s figureheads in the world.
Explore the decks, learn the stories of the sailors who lived and worked aboard, and walk beneath the ship’s striking copper hull in the purpose-built dry berth.
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Queen's House
Designed by celebrated architect Inigo Jones, the Queen’s House is Britain’s first classical building and a masterpiece of 17th-century design. A royal 'House of Delights', the House was a luxurious retreat for kings, queens, and court favourites, and a thriving studio for artists and craftsmen.
Today, the Queen’s House is one of London’s best-loved art galleries, home to more than 450 works of art, including unmissable highlights like the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, the Solebay Tapestry, and works by Turner, Canaletto, and many more.
Discover elegant interiors, internationally renowned artworks and fascinating royal history in this peaceful historic setting at the heart of Greenwich.
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Royal Observatory Greenwich
Home to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian Line, the Royal Observatory is Britain’s oldest purpose-built scientific institution and has been at the centre of astronomy and navigation since it was founded by Charles II in 1675.
Discover the fascinating stories behind the highlights of our collection, from the Harrison Clocks that revolutionised navigation, to the Great Equatorial Telescope, one of the largest telescopes in the world, and the Greenwich Time Ball, one of the world's oldest public time signals still in use today.
Stand with one foot in each hemisphere, enjoy spectacular views across Greenwich Park and London, and discover how the stars shaped our understanding of time and the world.
Frequently asked questions
Is there step-free access at your sites?
All Royal Museums Greenwich sites have accessible toilets, and our cafés and gift shops are wheelchair-accessible.
All floors of the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House have lift access.
All floors of the Cutty Sark have lift access, however some areas of the Main Deck are not wheelchair accessible.
Due to the historic nature of the site, some areas of the Royal Observatory have no step-free access. Click here for full details.
A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. We highly recommend booking these in advance due to limited availability by emailing bookings@rmg.co.uk
What should I do if I’m running late?
If you're running late, please contact our bookings team on 020 8858 4422 to let us know.
Where should we meet on the day?
After you place your booking, you will receive email confirmation and further information on where to report, who to ask for and a contact number to call if you have any questions.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is allowed.
What is the maximum number of people?
The maximum number of people per guide is 25. Groups that are bigger than this will be split into smaller groups.
