When people think of UK Maritime history, they probably picture a dock near the seaside, or perhaps the iconic ports in Liverpool that saw the creation of such well known ships such as the Titanic.
Despite the fact that the Thames runs right through the middle of our capital, London’s importance to our naval and maritime history is often overlooked. The Thames itself is one of the most important rivers in the building and creation of not on the London we know today, but in making the UK such a leading power!
Private tours in London are becoming increasingly popular with tourists, as you can avoid being crushed or lost in the winding streets of the capital. You also get the advantage of being able to create and design your very own tour route which will take you to the landmarks and museums that you really want to see! You can skip over places that hold no interest for you and take advantage of the well of knowledge of your tour guide in a much smaller group. This personal touch definitely beats having to fight with a large group of possibly disinterested people in order to try and hear what your tour guide is trying to say!
There are a couple of maritime specific private tours in London but make sure that they include some of these famous locations and landmarks:
Royal Greenwich
The birthplace of many kings such as Henry VIII, the Royal Greenwich has been closely linked with all aspects of British Naval history for hundreds of years. Home to the Royal Observatory, the home to the restored Cutty Sark. Tour the tranquil parklands and marvel at the Neo Georgian architecture before exploring the antique stores, book shops and charming street markets that populate this beautiful part of London.
The Royal Naval College
One of the most important ensembles in European baroque architecture and the centrepiece of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. The Royal Navy left in 1997, but this historic landmark is now open to the public and is a wealth of Maritime history. Various events are held at the Royal Naval College throughout the year, why not time your private London tour alongside one of the spectacular events to make the most of your time in the capital!
The National Maritime Museum
Currently displaying an exhibit based on the difficulty of ancient sailors to plot out longitude and how their discoveries still affect the science we use today! This Longitude Season is to mark the 300th anniversary of the passing of the Longitude Act in July 1714, which offered a national award to whoever could solve the ‘unsolvable’. There are various events and exhibits celebrating this important scientific discovery. Visit the museum’s website page for specific dates and events to make the most of your time in London.
A good London private tour guide will always include transport, so make sure what exactly your tour includes to make sure that you can truly relax and absorb the maritime history of London!