Cutty Sark afternoon tea
Last updated on January 28th, 2026.
As much fun as it’s traveling the world, it’s easy to forget about the many attractions in your own backyard.
So, when I was invited for afternoon tea on board the historical Cutty Sark, I jumped at the chance. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate more than 150 years of the world’s only surviving tea clipper.
What is the Cutty Sark?
The Cutty Sark is a clipper ship that was built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1869. Clippers have a long, narrow hull, a yacht-like appearance and a large sail area. They were designed to move quickly through the water.
The Cutty Sark first began life in the tea trade carrying goods from London to Shanghai. However, once the Suez Canal opened — also in 1869 — steamships had a shorter route to reach its destination.
Eventually, the Cutty Sark was pushed out from the business, and turned its attention to the wool trade.
Cutty Sark route to Australia
For 10 years, the clipper continued in the business, making the journey from London to Australia. However, after another round of improvements in steam technology, steamships gradually took over this trade route too. Once again, the Cutty Sark was out of a job.
After this period, the clipper was used as a cargo, and later as a cadet training, ship. It was eventually transferred to its home in Greenwich, London in 1954.
Present day Cutty Sark
Today, the Cutty Sark is part of the Royal Museums of Greenwich (get a pass for all the museums). It’s open to the public every day from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.15pm.
It can get busy depending on the time of year you visit. Saying that, you may prefer to book your tickets in advance. It costs slightly less than paying at the door, plus you get to skip the lines and go straight inside.
The Cutty Sark afternoon tea
From the many places where I’ve had afternoon tea in London, (see The Berkeley Hotel) the Cutty Sark has to be one of the most memorable. Its cafe is on the lower ground ‘deck’, giving you a view of the elongated bottom of the clipper.
In the far distance, you also catch a glimpse of the collection of colorful and theatrical figureheads. These are the wooden figures that decorate the ships’ prows. The Cutty Sark’s home to the world’s biggest collection of figureheads, with its own taking center stage.
Our traditional cream tea also marked another celebration that day, ‘National Cream Tea Day.’ Our eyes lit up in delight and our bellies grumbled at the sight. Trays piled high with finger sandwiches, cakes and of course scones with jam and clotted cream.
They serve it with tea in delicate Fine China teapots, but you can also ask for coffee if you prefer.
How did the Cutty Sark get its name?
The name Cutty Sark comes from a poem called Tam O’Shanter by Scottish poet Robert Burns. It refers to a nightdress worn by a young witch called Nannie, who’s one of the poem’s main characters.
Where is the Cutty Sark based?
The Cutty Sark’s located in Greenwich, south-east London. It’s a pretty, and very green, part of the capital, next to the river, with a great indoor market too.
What’s more, there are other top attractions nearby, like The Royal Observatory (home of GMT) and The National Maritime Museum.
How to reach the Cutty Sark
You can easily reach the Cutty Sark from central London by public transport. The tube station’s on the DLR, which stands for Docklands Light Railway. It’s a track that operates only in this area of London.
It’s impossible to miss the stop for the Cutty Sark, since it’s called ‘Cutty Sark (for Maritime Greenwich) DLR Station.
Alternatively, you can also take the train (National Rail) to Greenwich or Maze Hill from central London, or even the boat. MBNA Thames Clippers travel along the river, and can bring you to Greenwich Pier from London Bridge in 20 minutes.
What do you think of the Cutty Sark afternoon tea? Is it an attraction you’d like to see, and experience, in London? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: Although I was invited by Royal Museums Greenwich, all views expressed are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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That spread looks delicious. Scones with jam and clotted cream, cakes, and sandwiches - I would love to have some afternoon tea on the Cutty Sark. I like how you start with the history of this tea clipper. Plus, I had no idea that Cutty Sark has the world's largest collection of figureheads. Had no clue about that. Will definitely pay a visit when I am around.
It was such an interesting day, and I learned a lot about this doomed clipper!
This is the first time that I am reading about National Cream Tea day. Cutty Dark looks really like a nice place to be when in London. You got me at those scones, sandwiches, and cakes. I would like to enjoy an afternoon tea there.
It's a lovely place, and historic, for afternoon tea!
Cutty Sark is one of those London attractions that have always been on the list but I've never quite made it to yet. Sounds like a good thing to have on the list. Sounds like it's had quite a chequered history.
It did, and it's really one of those attractions you always mean to see but never get round to!
The afternoon tea at Cutty Sark looks so amazing! I just hope to see it on person as I love historical things. I want to visit London, UK after seeing this. I really hope to book my ticket soon going to London. I'm so excited!
I hope you get to visit one day soon!
The history of Cutty Sark makes fascinating reading. It must be such an incredible experience stepping on to this ship which has such a long and rich history. The icing on the cake is the excellent tea spread that you had. I was also riveted by the haunting sight of the figureheads. What a unique experience this must have been.
It was a great day out, and I learned something new too!
This is such a cool spot and I love that you learn about the history as you walk around -Sondra Barker
It really is! Come and visit yourself one day.
What a lovely afternoon! It’s great to read a lot of information about the Cutty Sark. I didn’t know about the National Cream Tea Day, sounds interesting! The figureheads are very creative – each one with a distinct expression. And those trays piled with sandwiches, cakes and cream are really tempting. You’ve certainly found a hidden gem in your backyard.
I have to agree 100% It was a nice day out!
I have never heard of Cutty Shark until now. I love this idea for a day trip with some of my friends. The food looks yummy.
It's the ideal London day trip! And now you know 🙂
I am a bit conflicted about the figureheads LOL! I love the craftsmanship of it, but then I also find it a tad creepy. Either way I would still love to get on this ship!
Do you know, I actually felt the same way at first! But, seriously it's such a cool ship to visit
The deck and the figurine and the afternoon tea made it so well worth to visit. The weather looks great too.
It's a great day trip in London and in a pretty part of London too 🙂
Why didn't I know about this before? I have visited London and this would have been a great thing to do especially the Afternoon Tea. Thanks for the explanation about the name Cutty Sark - who would have thought that it was that!. I guess you could spend a whole day in that area as well.
I think that when it's not in the center, travelers tend to miss out on other great sights 🙂
I've heard of cutters before, but didn't know what it meant. Thanks for the explanation. I'm glad you got to visit. I always love doing a bit of touring sometimes in my home town.
Me too! Sometimes you forget how many great things there are 🙂
This must have been an amazing experience!!! Oh and the food, omg!!! I would love to experience something like that soon, super cool
It was such a nice day!! Definitely consider visiting if you come to London, it's so interesting
I couldn't agree with you more, sometimes we totally ignore all great things around us to travel somewhere far away. I have been working on that recently! I love the idea of having tea on the ship, that makes it so much more memorable. The collection of figure heads are really cool too.
It's the largest in the world, who knew?! Exploring your own country is never a bad thing 😀
The Cutty Shark sounds like such an amazing place. The National Cream Tea Day celebration must have been quite an experience. The food looks delectable!
It was a great day, and we learned so much too!
Before reading you post, I hadn’t heard of the Cutty Shark. What a neat experience to have afternoon tea on a real tea clipper. The cream tea and the finger food look delicious and I hope you enjoyed them! Otherwise, I’m adding this to any future trip to England.
It's such an interesting ship with a colorful history behind it!