Overview

The Cutty Sark is a historic ship dating from 1869, with excellent step free access since a recent restoration. I've previously reviewed the Cutty Sark for EG, and in this review I will include the group afternoon tea we enjoyed during our visit.

Transport & Parking

I travelled to the Cutty Sark by boat and from Greenwich Pier there was a step free route to the ship. The nearest station is Cutty Sark on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) which has step free access.

Access

There is step free access throughout the ship. There is one exception and that is part of the main (top) deck where there is only s short flight of steep stairs with no handrail to access the ship's wheel and the master's cabin. Entrance from street level is via the shop and up a permeant ramp to the lower hold. On this floor is a small cinema area with seating and the film has captions. There is a tactile model of the ship and an information board with braille and raised lettering. There are stairs with a handrail or a lift to the 'tween deck and main deck. Since my last visit in March 2019, disabled people are now no longer able to use the lift independently. The lifts now require a member of staff to operate then. The explanation given was that children were playing with the lifts. However, this means that disabled people have lost their independence to access the ship. I had to look around the lower hold and 'tween deck to find a member of staff to enable me to continue the tour. When I visited there appeared to be one member of staff on each level. This involved having to walk round and find them to gain access to the lift. I was with a group and said that I would see them up there when they used the stairs. It took me a while to catch up with my group. I would ask the Cutty Sark to find another solution to enable disabled people to have the dignity to access the ship independently. From the main deck there is a lift shaft next to the ship which takes you down to the -1 dry dock level, where the ship figure heads are and the cafe. There is a platform lift there to the viewing platform and a 2nd lift to the Lower Hold. AFTERNOON TEA Afternoon tea was served in the -1 dry dock level, which is below the ship and looking up to its hull. I was attending as part of a large group. A long table had been set out. There were signs for where people with dietary requirements should sit. Any dietary requirements have to be booked at least 72 hours in advance. The tea is served on a three tiered cake stand. Sandwiches at the bottom, cakes in the middle and scones and cream on the top. There is a choice of teas. The group enjoyed their afternoon tea. I really enjoyed my delicious vegetarian afternoon tea and it was plentiful. Food is not replenished. When we visited (May 2023) it cost £38 but that also included admission to the Cutty Sark (which costs £18) which equated to the afternoon tea costing £20 which for London is excellent value. It's a nice space to have afternoon tea, and there is an accessible toilet on that level.

Toilets

There were 2 accessible toilets, one on the main (top) deck and one on -1 dry dock level, by the cafe. The toilets were clean and large but there was a large bin next to the toilet, which would make transfers difficult. There was grab rails and emergency cord.

Staff

There were staff checking tickets and welcoming people at the entrance. On level 0 and 1 I had to find a member of staff to enable me to access the lift. They were very friendly and helpful but you have to find them first. The staff in the cafe were efficient and friendly in managing our large group.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Overall I'm very impressed with access around the Cutty Sark and highly recommend the afternoon tea, which combined makes a memorable day out. However, I hope the staff will seek a different solution regarding the lifts. Since my last visit disabled people have lost their independence to navigate the ship, this means we are no longer on par with non disabled visitors. Given this is something that was provided for and has not been relinquished it is a backward move with regards to disabled access. The Cutty Sark need a more creative solution, by putting a code on the lift or some other measure so disabled visitors can operate it independently.

Photos