From the 16th to the mid 19th century, the Age of Sail defined international history, when sailing ships were the primary means of global exploration, trade, and naval warfare. England, as a dominant maritime power, has many towns and cities that became synonymous with its seafaring reputation. These places played their part in history, and today they continue to attract those with an interest in nautical life.

PORTSMOUTH

Portsmouth, on the south coast of England, has been a crucial naval port for centuries and it remains one of the main homes of the British Navy. Its significance grew exponentially during the Age of Sail, and Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard is a treasure trove of maritime history, featuring iconic ships like HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar. And you can visit a museum space dedicated to the Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s warship that sank in 1545 and was raised from the sea bed in 1982, offering a unique glimpse into Tudor naval warfare.

PLYMOUTH

Plymouth is another key southern naval port. It was from here that Sir Francis Drake set out on his circumnavigation of the globe in 1577. Plymouth Hoe is famous for the legend of Drake playing bowls as the Spanish Armada approached. The Royal William Yard, a collection of historic naval buildings, stands as a testament to Plymouth’s maritime heritage. The Mayflower Steps, commemorating the departure of the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620, are another highlight, symbolising Plymouth’s role in global exploration and colonisation.

GREENWICH

As the capital city, a major port, and the heart of the British Empire, London was almost the centre of the world in the Age of Sail. The River Thames bustled with ships from around the world, carrying goods, explorers, and sailors. And the historic district of Greenwich, home to the Royal Naval College, played a vital role in naval education and strategy. Today, the National Maritime Museum houses extensive collections related to maritime history, including relics from Admiral Nelson’s career. And The Cutty Sark, a 19thcentury clipper ship, the fastest of the time, is instantly recognisable to anyone who watches the London marathon on TV every year. The ship is a major Greenwich tourist attraction, often described as the Concorde of her day.

CHATHAM

Chatham, east of London in Kent, is renowned for its historic dockyard, which was a major centre for shipbuilding and repair from the 16th century onward. Chatham Dockyard constructed numerous ships that became famous during the Age of Sail, including HMS Victory. Today, the dockyard is a museum complex where visitors can explore historic ships, naval artefacts, and learn about the craftsmanship involved in shipbuilding during this era. The Ropery at Chatham, where ropes for the Royal Navy were made, remains an impressive example of a highly specialised industrial heritage.4

BRISTOL

Bristol is a prominent port city in the west of England that played a significant role in maritime trade and exploration. The city’s Harbourside district, with its restored warehouses and historic ships, reflects a rich nautical history. The SS Great Britain, an iron-hulled steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is docked here and serves as a museum. Although it belongs to the period just after the Age of Sail, its presence highlights Bristol’s ongoing maritime importance. The city’s connection with the transatlantic slave trade also underscores the darker aspects of maritime history during this period.

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool’s rise as a major port during the 18th century was closely tied to the Age of Sail, as faster, more agile merchant ships came to be the dominant form of transport in international trade. The city’s docks, including the Albert Dock, were at the heart of Britain’s global trade network. The Merseyside Maritime Museum provides insights into Liverpool’s maritime history, including its role in the transatlantic slave trade, emigration to the New World, and shipbuilding. The museum’s exhibits on merchant ships and naval warfare place the city at the heart of the action, the dominant northwestern English port.

WHITBY

Whitby, on the northeast coast of England, is famously associated with Captain James Cook, one of the greatest 18th Century explorers. Cook apprenticed in Whitby and later used ships built in the town for his voyages of discovery. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in the building where Cook once lived, offers an intimate look at his early life and seafaring career. Whitby’s shipbuilding industry contributed significantly to the Age of Sail, constructing sturdy vessels that ventured into uncharted waters.