Alas, poor Greenwich. The classic example of what Private Eye magazine calls "Dumbed Down Britain".
Once arguably the world's best maritime museum, Greenwich has fallen precipitously from those lofty heights in the last 30 years or so.
This reviewer first visited Greenwich in 1975. He regretted only having a day to spend there – two would have been more appropriate.
On his most recent visit, two years ago, an hour was more than enough.
What an enormous waste of wonderful resources. Greenwich still has all the stuff, the problem is that you just can't get to see it.
The current vogue among "professional" museum managers for intensely focused displays has practically destroyed the place.
There are a couple of excellent bookshops and some cosy pubs in the town next door. Despite the poor English fare, they are more enticing than the long lamented museum.
Location/Contact:
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
London SE10 9NF
United Kingdom
PH: +44 20 8858 4422
Web: www.nmm.ac.uk
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (6:00 pm in January, ticket sales until 30 minutes before closing)
Closed December 24-26, and December 31
