A must-visit: The National Maritime Museum in the UK

Located in Greenwich, southeast London, the National Maritime Museum is often overlooked by visitors who are drawn to the nearby Royal Observatory. However, this museum, situated at the foot of the hill where the observatory stands, is a hidden gem worth exploring. The museum building, originally constructed in 1807 as a school for seafarers' children, was officially established as the National Maritime Museum by an Act of Parliament in 1934 and opened to the public in 1937. Admission to the museum is free, though donation boxes are placed throughout the floors and galleries to support its operations. Visitors are encouraged to donate £10, but this is entirely voluntary and not mandatory. The museum closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. The museum spans three floors, with the ground floor featuring large artifacts and artworks perfect for photos and social media posts. However, the basement level's special exhibition hall remains temporarily closed to the public. The museum houses a vast collection of maritime artifacts and artworks spanning several centuries. Permanent exhibitions showcase items collected from British colonies, artifacts from British polar expeditions, and a gallery dedicated to Admiral Nelson, a national hero, featuring numerous related relics. A visit to the museum not only enriches your understanding of Britain's maritime history and naval achievements over the centuries but also offers a chance to admire a wide array of precious artifacts collected from regions such as the Americas, Africa, Atlantic islands, and Pacific islands. How to get there: Take the London DLR to Greenwich station and walk for 10 minutes, or descend from the Royal Observatory through Greenwich Park for a 5-minute walk.