The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich (by Robert)

Robert, who's 10, writes:

"When you think of London you think of a loud city full of crowded streets, expensive souvenirs and giant queues but there's another side to England's Capital with breathtaking views, beautiful scenery and amazing buildings and artwork that date back centuries. This is Greenwich and this section of south east London has so many things to see and do but my favourite has got be the National Maritime Museum

[caption id="attachment_1626" align="alignnone" width="940"] This was the coat worn by Admiral Nelson when he was shot. You can actually see the hole on the shoulder.[/caption]

In the National Maritime Museum you learn about the British Navy and experiences on boats. There was something for every age there ranging from simulators to exhibitions. Personally I extremely enjoyed learning about Admiral Nelson, it was cool seeing the clothing he actually wore when he was shot. I also enjoyed other sections like joining the navy or learning about the slave trade.

[caption id="attachment_1624" align="alignnone" width="940"] Trying out the Great Map with an iPad[/caption]

The Great Map was a fun thing for the kids as it was a gigantic map of the earth. Once you picked up an iPad, you then got to build your own ship and sail around the world. If you pointed the Ipad at a country it would appear on the screen of the tablet and you would be able to collect special objects from that place. You need to be patient though with the iPads as the app is quite glitchy.

While your parents are reading something boring, you can go to a  special place for 6-12 year olds called All Aboard. Here you can learn morse code, shoot cannons, become a sailor and have lots of fun.

The museum also has a temporary show on until the end of August. It was made by the company PunchDrunk and is brilliant. The show is called Against Captain's Orders and it is unique as you are inside it. After being split into four groups  - Salvage, Navigator, Watchman and Midshipman - you go downstairs. Then, what starts off as a boring lesson turns into an adventure as you are running, treasure hunting and shouting. I cannot say too much about it or it wouldn't be a surprise but I know you will love it whoever you are. The adults are involved as much as the children and you should definitely go.

Once you are finished with the museum you can have a lovely lunch in the cafe. It sells a variety of foods, not just sandwiches and crisps. You can also have a picnic on the grass if it is a nice day. The scenery there is wonderful.

I loved every moment and I would thoroughly recommend it."

The National Maritime Museum is free to visitors and is open from 10am to 6pm every day. It sometimes has special events on, so you should check the website. Against Captain's Orders is on until the end of August. It costs £15 per ticket and is recommended for 6-12 year olds. 

Read our post on what to do in Greenwich with kids - including a cable car ride across the Thames!