Climbing the rigging of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich - review

On April 2, 2022, The Cutty Sark launched a new experience giving visitors the chance to climb the rigging to see views of Greenwich from above.

I recently got to experience the climb first hand and I will say that this experience was unlike anything else I’ve ever done.

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The Cutty Sark was once one of the fastest ships in the world transporting tea from Asia and later wool from Australia to the UK until its final trip in 1877.

The ship eventually became a training ship before it opened to the public in Greenwich 1957.

Visitors can climb the rigging of the 18th century Tea Clipper (Image: Emily Davison/Wire & Sky)

In 2007, it was damaged by a fire and repair works were carried out before it reponed again in 2012.

The Rig Climb is a relatively new experience, open for children as young as 10 years of age to climb.

Visitors can either try for a Rig Climb Experience where they climb the ratlines to reach a platform before being lowered to the deck in a controlled descent.

Or if you are feeling a little bolder you can opt for the Rig Climb Plus Experience where you can climb out onto the Lower Topsail Yard where you will see several Greenwich landmarks and views of London beyond.

The climb gives visitors views of Greenwich and the London skyline. (Image: Wire & Sky)

Tickets for the Rig Climb Experience start at £41 for an adult and £26 for a child and tickets for the Rig Climb Plus Experience start at £55 for an adult and £40 for a child.

Rig climbs are available on Saturday and Sundays between 10am – 4pm and normally takes around an hour to complete.

Me and my plus one first began by being taken down to the lower ground floor underneath the hull of the ship in the cafeteria area.

There we met with our guide Linda who kitted us out in gilet, helmet and harness and gave us a rundown of the climb and what to expect.

We were also given wristbands with a QR code which gives you access to purchase and download photos taken you on of the climb later, as phones are strictly not allowed during the climb.

They also have lockers to store your belongings if needed.

After that we made our way through the ship to the upper deck where our climb would begin.

Climbing the Lower Topsail Yard (Image: Wire & Sky)

A word of advice, the Cutty Sark overlooks the river and on winter days like right now it can get very cold up there, so be sure to wear warm, sensible clothes and shoes to climb with on the day.

The way the climb works is that you go up one at a time, where you are connected to a suspension system with a harness so there’s no risk of you falling off.

You climb up stretches of ropes called the ratlines whilst you hold onto metal pols called the shrouds.

It was at this point where I did note my short legs and the difficulty they pose when climbing, but I began my climb spurred on by the encouragement of Linda to reach the platform.

The further up I climbed the harder it became, mainly because the ratlines get smaller the further you go up.

So, I found that I had to reach out and climb on another stretch to give myself more space to move.

I wondered if sailors were picked on account of their eyesight as well as their agility, being visually impaired myself I found that I had to feel for each set of ropes.

Returning to the upper deck at a controlled descent (Image: Wire & Sky)

We were told sailors at young as 14 who were apprenticed would climb the rigging when it was a working vessel, so I tried my best to be stoic about the experience.

Once you get near the platform you will be guided on how to get up by Cutty Sark climbing staff who explained on how to climb the last part of the rigging at that point.

This was the more precarious part as this is where there’s a lot more ropes to try and negotiate as you near the platform.

But after a very small, but intense workout using my miniscule upper body strength I was able to pull myself feeling slightly out of breath on the platform.

At this point I was greeted by two friendly members of staff Rachel and Ellis who explained the final part of my climb.

They connected me to the second part of the system and made sure that my harness was secure before taking a quick photo and sending me on my way.

As I had the Plus Experience, I was able to climb further to walk along the Lower Topsail Yard which gives you better views of the river and surrounding area of Greenwich.

This part was the more difficult part of the climb overall, I had to climb diagonally up the rigging to reach the tope to stand on.

At this point I had to stretch out quite far to reach the rope, not an easy for a 5 ft 1 adult.

However, once I had made it safely I was able to walk along the Lower Topsail Yard at a side step looking out of views of Greenwich, the Royal Naval College and the Thames.

It was such a thrilling experience to have the wind in my face and the feeling of standing on up high on one of the most iconic of Greenwich’s landmarks.

I remained there for a few moments, however my short stature meant I had to stand in a squat position.

After climbing back down to the flatform I posed for a few shots before being lowered to the upper deck feeling rather pleased with my accomplishment.

Once on the deck we were taken downstairs where we removed our equipment and retrieved our belongings.

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A ticket for the Rig Climb Experience also gives you access to the Cutty Sark, so we took the opportunity to explore the ship and exhibits.

All in all, the experience was a great way to try something that feels like you’re reliving a part of bygone history and to see some great views of Greenwich from above.

It was a fun and memorable experience and it’s one I’m glad I got to try first-hand for myself.