When you get off the boat at Greenwich, you'll find the Cutty Sark immediately in front of you. This handsome vessel is a tea clipper and one of the most famous ships in the world. She was built to bring tea quickly from China.
The odd name comes from a short story by Robert Burns. It tells of a farmer named Tam O'Shanter who saw a beautiful witch dancing in a short petticoat, which was called a 'cutty sark' in ancient regional Scottish. Overcome by the dance, he called out "Weel done 'cutty sark'!" and was then chased by the witch, who was furious to have been spied. She was hot on his heels until he crossed the River Doon and was saved -- witches cannot cross running water.
The Cutty Sark is currently undergoing repairs for wear and fire damage, but is still fun to see. Check the progress on the Cutty Sark website.
After you're done looking at the Cutty Sark, head downstream beside the Thames (same direction that your boat was going – not towards the round structure) until you come to the center sidewalk of the Old Royal Navy College. From here you have a fine view up through the College, past the Queen's House to the Old Royal Observatory. Proceed towards the hill through the Old Royal Navy College.
