Nautical History in London / South England

[MikeTurner]

We're planning a trip London (not, unfortunately, by boat). Any recommendations for museums and other sites with a bent towards sailing and nautical history? We made a quick trip to Greenwich once before and plan to spend more time there on this trip. Other recommendations? We do plan some day/overnight trips out of the city so would be interested in recommendations for Cowes, Bristol, etc.

Also, any suggestions for chandleries we might want to visit, particularly for used sailing equipment? We're always looking for gear for our 32' schooner, particularly items we might not be able to find here in the USA.

Many thanks in advance,

Mike Turner
Lazyjack 32 schooner "Mary'Lis"
Mobile Bay, Alabama USA

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by MikeTurner

We're planning a trip London (not, unfortunately, by boat). Any recommendations for museums and other sites with a bent towards sailing and nautical history? We made a quick trip to Greenwich once before and plan to spend more time there on this trip. Other recommendations? We do plan some day/overnight trips out of the city so would be interested in recommendations for Cowes, Bristol, etc.

Also, any suggestions for chandleries we might want to visit, particularly for used sailing equipment? We're always looking for gear for our 32' schooner, particularly items we might not be able to find here in the USA.

Many thanks in advance,

Mike Turner
Lazyjack 32 schooner "Mary'Lis"
Mobile Bay, Alabama USA

Kent Visitor Attractions, places to visit, Museums, Warships, Ropery, Submarine

Museums

Boat Jumble Association

Enjoy your visit folks... hope these are of some use

[savoir]

Portsmouth isn't too far away. Easy train ride.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

[Astrid]

Also the HMS Belfast anchored in London on the Thames, and one might find the Imperial War Museum of interest.

Imperial War Museum London
Lambeth Road
London SE1 6HZ
United Kingdom

HMS Belfast
Morgan's Lane
Tooley Street
London SE1 2JH

[swagman]

If you are in London wander along and visit St Catherines Dock. It's history in action just below Tower Bridge. St Katharine Docks is one of the best kept secret locations in Central

If you aim to leave London for the south coast (Cowes etc) then dependent on timing there could be lots you could see. For example - on the Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th June there is the Old Gaffers Association Regatta at Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival

If you are visiting the Solent before mid June let us know if you want to link up ............. for a historic pint or two.

Cheers
JOHN

[nigel1]

Dont forget the Greenwich Observatory, not sure if the Cutty Sark is open to public yet but you'll get to see the vessel.

[David_Old_Jersey]

London Eye (the big wheel) - not very nautical, but will give you a good view of London / the river. and maybe a trip (or 2) down the Thames.

[wolfaroo]

if you're heading south, the little-known and fantastically-named Buckler's Hard is worth a visit; Buckler's Hard Maritime Museum in the New Forest, Hampshire

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by wolfaroo

if you're heading south, the little-known and fantastically-named Buckler's Hard is worth a visit; Buckler's Hard Maritime Museum in the New Forest, Hampshire

Just come back from a BBQ on the grass by the waters edge

Round the Island Race on the 25th June, 1200 yachts to date and numbers rising.


J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 - Press releases

Pete

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Just come back from a BBQ on the grass by the waters edge

Round the Island Race on the 25th June, 1200 yachts to date and numbers rising.


J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 - Press releases

Pete

Pete... hope you and Dochead are participating on behalf of the CF members.... with Burgee fluttering bravely in the breeze....

[st599]

Originally Posted by Pete7

Just come back from a BBQ on the grass by the waters edge

Round the Island Race on the 25th June, 1200 yachts to date and numbers rising.


J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 - Press releases

Pete

They had 1700+ on the start line last year - will beat that this year - looking forward to it immensely - we came in top 30% last year - aiming for top 20% this year which will be hard with all the little boats racing.

[Eleven]

There is a reconstructed Golden Hind in central london, a search will find it, it's up by the Globe Theatre. The Water boats run an excellent and economical service up and down the Thames with many stops on a day ticket. Well worth a trip to St Catherine's Docks where the Super boats hang out and there are nice cafe's just down stream of the Tower of London. Some good old wooden masted baots there usually, including the Thames Barges (old Sailing Lighters).

[MikeTurner]

Thanks to all for your suggestions! We spent a month in London in June. Just missed the Old Gaffer's Festival, would have liked to have seen that, maybe another trip. Did a ton of nautical stuff - Greenwich (of course), Science Museum (ships models), Canal Museum, took a canal boat ride in St Regents, did several Thames Path walks which gave lots of opportunities to see river cruisers, went to the Royal Henley Regatta, saw Golden Hind and HMS Belfast, walked around St Katherine's Docks, and other stuff I've probably skipped over. Had a great time! Thanks again.

Mike Turner
Lazyjack 32 schooner "Mary'Lis"
Mobile Bay, Alabama