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In the early hours of 21st May 2007, fire swept through Cutty Sark, the historic tea clipper, whilst she was undergoing conservation.

Images beamed around the world showed an icon of world maritime heritage seemingly lost for ever.

But all is NOT lost, more than half the ship's fabric was safely stored for conservation, and what remains has withstood the flames remarkably well.

Come and see aspects of the conservation project and learn about the ships fascinating history, in our temporary exhibition adjacent to the site.

Please be aware, when planning your visit that the ship is neither visible or accessible to the public.

As one of the best-loved London tourist attractions, the Cutty Sark was preserved as a memorial to the many seafarers who lost their lives at war on the high seas. She is an evocative and impressive vessel who still retains most of her original construction and materials.

One of the most famous Greenwich attractions, she is part of the World Heritage Site and has seen over 15 million visitors since she was restored and opened to the public. Her story begins in the 1870s and reflects the importance of overseas trade for Britain throughout our history.

During the 19th Century, The Cutty Sark, like many other clipper ships brought exotic goods to Britain from other countries and helped to found the British Empire at a time when Britain’s monopoly on these goods was unprecedented.