"National Maritime Museum" National Maritime Museum Tip by hayward68

This museum in London is a must if you've any type of fondness for the sea or the history of Britain's maritime might. It was expanded in recent years and now holds thousands of ship models, paintings, charts and ship plans. Many different galleries to explore including the Nelson Gallery showing everything to do with Horatio Nelson. For the morbid you can even view the coat he was wearing when he was killed, complete with bullet hole.
Guided tours are available or you can wander about on your own, my preferred way of visiting museums.
Various temporary exhibits come and go from this museum and I was lucky enough to see the Elizabeth I exhibit while it was on from May to Sept 2003. 2003 was the 400th anniversary of Elizabeth's death.
I love reading about the history of the age of Elizabeth I and this exhibit gave me the opportunity to view objects associated with her life and time on the throne. Also in the exhibit were items of her mother, Anne Boleyn. I am especially intrigued by Elizabeth and Anne because we supposedly come from a common ancestor on the Boleyn line.
My favourite part of the exhibit was viewing the Armada portrait, a painting of Elizabeth with a view of the Armada behind her, a painting I'd seen in history books my whole life. Suddenly, there it was right in front of me, quite a thrill I must say.
Once you've finished touring the Martime Museum head up the Hill to the Royal Observatory for one of the best views of London. My cousin drives to work past this hill and then in front of the museum and he says it's the best part of his day as it's such a beautiful view.
The Museum includes the Queen's House a 17th Century bulding and the Observatory.
Admission to the National Maritime Museum is free though you will pay for special temporary exhibits.

Address: Greenwich, SE10
Directions: If you're coming from the waterfront, walk past the Cutty Sark up the street and turn left down Park Row. I took a boat tour down the Thames to Greenwich and disembarked there. You can also take the Cutty Sark DLR stop.
Phone: 020 83126565
Website: http://www.nmm.ac.uk