Nauticalia

Nauticalia is a great shop dedicated to — you might have guessed this — all things nautical. The mixture of collectables, souvenirs and boating supplies might sound muddled, but actually works brilliantly. You can gaze wistfully at the more expensive items like Chinese porcelain from a shipwreck, reproduction antiquities and elaborate watches with tide and compass features; be fascinated by things most of us will never need — waterproof torches, portable wind instruments, kayaks; and then pick up a little lighthouse magnet or tiny model boat to take home.
Situated almost on the meridian line, it claims the title of ‘first shop in the world’. That’s debatable but it’s certainly one of the more interesting.

the first shop in the world, and in my opinion, one of the best! They sell everything from fridge magnets to high-​powered telescopes, with a ubiquitous splattering of nautical replicas (mirrors shaped like portholes etc). If you like gadgets, this is the place to be, and there’s loads of stuff for kids as well. Most items are reasonably priced (unless you want to buy the telescope that can see Pluto!), and even if your purse isn’t bulging, it’s still great to have a look around. Ths shop is laid out beautifully, and decorated with maritime charts and flags, and the staff are really friendly, and are happy to demonstrate any products for you. 5*!

Oooh this place it cute. And let’s just say right now that it’s the first shop in the world. Now, officially that’s probably not true. It’s probably the ‘first shop since Greenwich Meantime was invented (?) so more like the first shop since time began’… doesn’t really have the same ring to it does it? It also wouldn’t fit on the sign so forgive them for their misleading tagline, it’s turned them into a well deserved tourist spot.
If there was a joke that went along the lines of ‘how many tourists can you fit in to a novelty shop in Greenwich’ the answer would be here on a Saturday. It’s packed with them Everywhere. They jump out of corners at you.
But I can understand why. Go to Greenwich, buy a compass. I never have, but if someone gave me a compass I’d be really pleased. I think they’re romantic. Which makes me sound wierd. They actually don’t sell tat in here. It’s got some great stuff. Barometers and things like that. Of course, just the kind of stuff you need in your modern flat.
It’s not going to be everyones idea of a cool shop, but it’s a great part of Greenwich and it’s worth going in just for that. Bet you come out with a little toy boat.