Float your boat

The Cutty Sark: one of London's great ships

11 April 2012

If the Titanic exhibition floats your boat, why not check out these other great examples of nautical history around the capital

HMS Belfast Launched in 1938, this historic cruiser saw service throughout the Second World War and was finally demobbed in the Sixties. Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 (020-7940 6300). Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (last admission 5.15pm), £5.80, concs £4.40, under-16s free. www.iwm.org.uk/belfast.
The Golden Hind She sailed 140,000 miles in her time and is the ship most closely associated with the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Five decks, 22 cannons and lots of Tudor history. Phone ahead for visiting times, as she's often overrun with school parties. St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, SE1 (020-7403 0123). £2.75, child £2. www.goldenhinde.co.uk.

Cutty Sark

HM Submarine Ocelot Built for Cold War service, so an air of secrecy still hangs over Ocelot's activities - although we know she travelled over 90,000 miles. Explore her at Chatham, along with the 19th-century navy vessel HMS Gannet( still being restored) and Second World War destroyer HMS Cavalier. The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent (01634 823 807). Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (last admission 4pm), £9.50, concs £7, under-16s £6. www.chdt.org.uk.

Steam Tug Portwey A relic of 1927, this steam-powered Thames tug is said to be one of the last (if not the last) of her type in existence. Now being restored by a charitable trust --visitors and volunteers are welcome. West India Quay, E14 (below West India Quay DLR station). Usually open Wed 1.30pm-8pm (or by appointment on 01268 769 583). www.stportwey.co.uk.

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