Essential information
| Type | Experiences |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and times | Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2026 | 11am-4pm |
| Prices | Free with entry to Cutty Sark - Adults £22 | Students £16.50 | Children £11 |
| Free for Members. Not a Member? Join now |
Climb on board Cutty Sark for a weekend of activities centred around an interesting period of Cutty Sark's history: its years in the hands of a Portuguese company as Ferreira.
Attend a talk about the Ferreira period, meet themed character actors, take part in a Portuguese colour rope walk, and get hands-on with craft activities.
Stay tuned for more information!
Recommended for ages 5+.
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Why did Cutty Sark become Ferreira?
In the 1890s Cutty Sark began to make less money, as more steam ships moved into the wool trade. Eventually the ship was sold to a Portuguese firm and renamed Ferreira. It was used as a general cargo ship, transporting goods between Portugal and its empire.
When Portugal declared war on Germany, the ship had to contend with unrestricted submarine warfare. Despite surviving this unscathed, by the 1920s the ship was in poor condition and unlikely to survive much longer.
After suffering damage during bad weather, the ship experienced astonishing good luck. Brought to Falmouth for repairs, it was spotted and recognised by local retired sea captain Wilfred Dowman. Determined to save the ship and restore it to former glory, he offered to buy it for £3,500 – more than what the ship was worth even in 1895.
The old name was restored in 1923, and Cutty Sark returned to British ownership.
Learn more about Cutty Sark's history
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