Essential Information

Type Talks and tours
Location
Date and Times Second Wednesday of every month | 11am-3pm | Drop-in
Prices Free for Cutty Sark ticket holders

Year-round entry for members. Not a member? Join now

Book your tickets

Maintaining Cutty Sark is no mean feat. Luckily, we have our dedicated shipkeeping team and volunteers who are committed to preserving Cutty Sark for future generations - and if you time your visit right, you can see them on board every Wednesday.

Come along to Shipkeeping Wednesdays' special focus events each month to learn more about historic and modern shipkeeping techniques and get hands-on with shipkeeping activities.

This is a drop-in event open to all Cutty Sark ticket holders. Sessions take place on the second Wednesday of every month at 11am-3pm and are suitable for all.

Upcoming sessions

DateActivity
September 2025Meet a rigger
October 2025Conservation talk 
November 2025Gilding workshop

Activities

A man polishes the gold lettering of 'Cutty Sark', where the ship's name is displayed on the stern

Gilding activity

Look around the hull of Cutty Sark and admire the gilded gingerbread. Gilding is a process that was carried out on vessels for centuries and is still practised on Cutty Sark today. 

Find out more about this eye-catching craft, give it a go yourself, and uncover the story of the gingerbread's centrepiece, The Star of India.

Person holding up a braided rope on the main deck of Cutty Sark

Meet a rigger 

Look up at Cutty Sark and you’ll be greeted by a sea of ropes, yards and masts. Come and hear how the rig is cared for by our traditional rigging specialist, T.S Rigging, and hear the dramatic story of how Cutty Sark nearly met her fate with a terrifying dismasting in a storm.

Photo of volunteer caulking on CS deck

Caulking activity

Dates upcoming

Gain hands-on experience and discover what’s involved in caulking the deck of Cutty Sark. Find out how the crew kept the ship watertight and in peak condition, and explore the fascinating history of this essential maritime skill which is still practiced on board today.

Plan your visit to Cutty Sark
Opening times, tickets, visitor information and helpful guides to Greenwich's historic ship
Getting to Royal Museums Greenwich
Travel information for the National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark and Queen's House
Top things to do at Cutty Sark
From the dizzy height of the main mast to the surprises below deck, step aboard and discover the best Cutty Sark has to offer

Visit Cutty Sark

Set sail for Greenwich and discover what life was like on board this iconic sailing ship
Find out more See what's on

Explore Cutty Sark's conservation

Keeping Cutty Sark ship-shape: repairing the poop deck

Between 2023 and 2024, the poop deck of Cutty Sark was replaced as part of a major conservation project. Discover how a team of shipkeepers keep the vessel in peak condition

Ship Keepers in Action: Cutty Sark’s stern gingerbread

Discover the story of Cutty Sark's magnificent gilding

Ship Keepers in Action: The Ship’s Wheel & Steering Gear Housing

The ship's wheel is one of the most recognisable parts of Cutty Sark, and is also one of the most photographed items on board. But its popularity can also be its downfall.

Choose your tickets

Shipkepeing in action takes place on board Cutty Sark. Activities are free with entry to the ship.

Cutty Sark

  • Explore the main deck
  • Walk beneath the ship
  • See how the crew lived
  • Family activities and interactives
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Audio guide included
Adult£22
Child£11
BOOK NOW