National Maritime Museum

Inside a graceful stone structure, this edifying museum has a broad scope, addressing the nation's involvement with water and the sea throughout its long history. Themed galleries set the scene, organizing everything from maritime art to navigational instruments, maps, portraits, and ship models. British exploration features prominently, along with exhibits on ocean liners, modern shipping, and international trade. Plus, interactive galleries delight and educate children. The nearby Royal Observatory and a planetarium add to the appeal of the Greenwich scientific complex. And if you still have energy left after you have looked around this museum you can run up and down Greenwich park hill before taking in the Cutty Sark.