Robert, who’s 10, writes:
“When you think of London you think of a loud city full of crowded streets, expensive souvenirs and giant queues but there’s another side to England’s Capital with breathtaking views, beautiful scenery and amazing buildings and artwork that date back centuries. This is Greenwich and this section of south east London has so many things to see and do but my favourite has got be the National Maritime Museum
In the National Maritime Museum you learn about the British Navy and experiences on boats. There was something for every age there ranging from simulators to exhibitions. Personally I extremely enjoyed learning about Admiral Nelson, it was cool seeing the clothing he actually wore when he was shot. I also enjoyed other sections like joining the navy or learning about the slave trade.
The Great Map was a fun thing for the kids as it was a gigantic map of the earth. Once you picked up an iPad, you then got to build your own ship and sail around the world. If you pointed the Ipad at a country it would appear on the screen of the tablet and you would be able to collect special objects from that place. You need to be patient though with the iPads as the app is quite glitchy.
While your parents are reading something boring, you can go to a special place for 6-12 year olds called All Aboard. Here you can learn morse code, shoot cannons, become a sailor and have lots of fun.The museum also has a temporary show on until the end of August. It was made by the company PunchDrunk and is brilliant. The show is called Against Captain’s Orders and it is unique as you are inside it. After being split into four groups – Salvage, Navigator, Watchman and Midshipman – you go downstairs. Then, what starts off as a boring lesson turns into an adventure as you are running, treasure hunting and shouting. I cannot say too much about it or it wouldn’t be a surprise but I know you will love it whoever you are. The adults are involved as much as the children and you should definitely go.
Once you are finished with the museum you can have a lovely lunch in the cafe. It sells a variety of foods, not just sandwiches and crisps. You can also have a picnic on the grass if it is a nice day. The scenery there is wonderful.
I loved every moment and I would thoroughly recommend it.”
The National Maritime Museum is free to visitors and is open from 10am to 6pm every day. It sometimes has special events on, so you should check the website. Against Captain’s Orders is on until the end of August. It costs £15 per ticket and is recommended for 6-12 year olds.
Ting at My Travel Monkey
Having lived in London pretty much most of my life, I am ashamed to say I haven’t really explored Greenwich much. The National Maritime Museum looks so interesting – I love the big map, I think I would really enjoy the interaction of collecting things from each country. Great review!
Sarah Ebner
You really should go sometime. It’s really beautiful in Greenwich and they have done a great job with the museum.
Kate Peers
That sounds good, have you been to the one in Falmouth?
Sarah Ebner
No, but it sounds like perhaps we should…..
Stella
This looks like a fun place to go. I should really explore London some more.
Sarah Bailey
This is one museum I have never actually made it to – it looks like a wonderful place to explore. x
Robert
It really was wonderful! You should go.
trekking morocco
Thanks for sharing this very informative post! I absolutely enjoyed reading it! I am looking forward to reading other stuff on your blog! keep up the great work!
mellissa williams
I didn’t know this place existed. Looks an entertaining day out, and I love the sound of All Aboard
Robert
It was really good, you should visit.
Michelle
Greenwich is such a great part of London! That giant map is pretty epic, looks and sounds like you had a great time! x
Emma
That great map looks like brilliant fun! Greenwich is such a lovely part of London to visit, we will put this on our list for next time! 🙂
Robert
I loved Greenwich. The views of London were beautiful!
Jen
I always wish that we lived nearer to LOndon to take the boys to visit these things.
Sarah Ebner
We are very lucky to be near so many great things!
oana79
Never mind the little ones, my hubby would absolutely love this experience and the All Aboard :-)!xx
Gemma
This looks like a great place to visit! Thanks for sharing
Robert
Thank you! I loved it.
Rachel
This looks like a really fab place to visit and living in London, I have no excuse really do I? x
Kate Williams
That looks great, haven’t been to Greenwich in ages so might have to give it a try next time.
Pinkoddy
That museum looks a lot of fun.
Robert
It was.
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
Greenwich is an area I’m starting to explore more when I get down to London. Great post.
Robert
Thank you.
Sonia
Oh I’d love to visit here. I really need to get down to London to explore more often x
mama syder
I’ve never visited the maritime museum at Greenwich before, it looks fun x
Sarah Ebner
It really is – and for all ages too. It’s quite a refreshing change from many of the museums we’ve been to.
Cass@frugalfamily
Oooh this looks fab – we’d love it here by the sounds of it. Thanks for sharing x x
Kara
We visit Portsmouth Martime museum quite regularly and the kids love it.
lisa prince
aw he looks like he had a great time look at that smile
Robert
Thanks
Kizzy
This looks like an amazing day out, I’ve not been for years!
Jolanta | Casual Traveler
That sounds like an awesome place. We didn’t get to visit Greenwich last time we were in London, but will have to make time for it next time we go, whenever that happens.
Robert
Mum says that Greenwich has her favourite views of London, and I liked the restaurants and going to the museums. You should go 🙂
Mags
This looks amazing! I’ve been to London several times but never checked out the Maritime Museum. I’ll have to make it happen next time.
Joanne Dewberry
Wow! Looks like you had great fun! I didn’t even know about the maritime museum! So many hidden gems in London!
Robert
I hadn’t heard of it either but I had a really good time.
Laura
I keep meaning to go here! Looks like great fun!