The only clipper ship left in the world was launched in 1869; by the end of its 52-year career, it had traveled the equivalent of to the moon and back, carrying cargos including tea, wool, and furniture. By the sunset of its sailing life, it was a decrepit old thing, renamed Ferreira, having survived hurricanes in America and the loss of its mast in Cape Town. It was eventually drydocked in Greenwich to show off for tourists, but worse indignities were yet to come: A 2007 fire twisted its iron frame and devastated its hull planking (fortunately, sails, masts, prow, figurehead, and deckhouses had been safely stored for a restoration). As you tour its hold, climbing stairs and weaving across decks (and accidentally banging your head on low thresholds), note that the whitepainted framework you see is original, while the grey is new. Restoration provided an opportunity for the present lavish presentation: Today, it’s as gorgeous as when Britain dominated the seas, and instead of floating in the Thames, it floats 3.6m (11 ft.) over a dry dock skirted by a glass canopy. At the end of a full ship tour, visitors can peep beneath the streamlined brassed keel. It’s a slight cheat, because the hull originally was coated with Muntz metal, bitumen, and felt, but hey, it looks incredible. It’ll never be speedy again, but it’s never looked hotter. If you’re also entering the Royal Observatory , buy a combo ticket and save a few pounds.