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An exploration of time at the world-famous Prime Meridian Line
An exploration of time at the world-famous Prime Meridian Line
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Entry to (as per option selected):
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Catch a captivating astronomical show in the only operational Planetarium in London!
Catch a captivating astronomical show in the only operational Planetarium in London!
Inclusions
Exclusions
5% off
Explore and catch a show at the Royal Observatory, at a discount!
Explore and catch a show at the Royal Observatory, at a discount!
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Royal Observatory Greenwich
Royal Observatory Planetarium Show
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Royal Observatory Planetarium Show
5% off
The best of exploring London's history with a leisurely cruise to relax
The best of exploring London's history with a leisurely cruise to relax
Inclusions
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Entry to (as per option selected):
Flexible Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Flexible Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
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Validity
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Validity
Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: No
Guide: Audio guide
Recommended tours
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: Depends
Guide: Audio guide
Recommended tours
Go for: Planetarium tickets
Duration: 30 mins
Access to planetarium: Yes
Guide: Yes
Recommended tour
Go for: Combo tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to Planetarium: No
Guide: Professional tour guide
Recommended tours
Learn about the stars at the Peter Harrison Planetarium. All the shows at the planetarium are led by expert astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Visualizations, real-life space photography, and live commentary by astronomers add to the overall experience at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line and put one foot towards the east of the line and the other towards the left. You are standing on both the eastern and the western hemispheres of the world at the same time! Standing on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich is included with your entry tickets.
Look up while walking towards the Royal Observatory, and you will see a distinctive onion-shaped dome—the roof of the Great Equatorial Telescope. Installed in 1893, it was built by the Grubb Telescope Company in Dublin. It is one of the largest refracting telescopes, originally designed for astrophotography.
The Shepherd Gate Clock was the first clock to display the Greenwich Mean Time to the public. Installed at the gates of the Royal Observatory, the clock displays twenty-four hours on its face, instead of the usual twelve hours. This means that when it is noon, the hands of the clock will be pointing straight down instead of straight up.
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Octagon Room is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The high ceilings and windows were designed to provide astronomers with uninterrupted views of the night sky. The high ceiling allowed astronomers to install some of the most advanced clocks inside the room.
Designed by John Harrison, the Harrison Clocks—H1, H2, H3, and H4 clocks—are used mainly as a marine timekeeper. These clocks were the first ones that allowed ships to determine their longitude at sea. All four clocks, especially H1, are considered to be one of the greatest milestones in the history of clock-making.
Located in its original mounting in the Transit Circle Room at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Airy Transit Circle Telescope was designed by English mathematician and astronomer George Biddell Airy. It was this telescope that helped astronomers determine the location of the Prime Meridian in the world.
Visit Flamsteed House to see where the leading astronomers of the day, called Astronomer Royals, lived and worked. The Astronomer Royal’s position was introduced by King Charles II, leading the way in science and astronomy. See how John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal, and others who came after him balanced work with life.
Royal Observatory Greenwich is open daily from 10am to 5pm. The last entry to the attraction is at 4:15pm.
Best time to visit: For a comfortable and hassle-free experience, the best time to visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich is during weekday mornings, just when the attraction opens. You can also plan your visit to the Observatory during the late afternoon as well.
Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, Prime Meridian line, and taking in the views from the hill.
Yes! Knowledgeable guides are available for tours. Your tickets also include audio guides so you can learn more about each exhibit at your own pace.
Standing on the Prime Meridian line lets you straddle two hemispheres—perfect for that one-of-a-kind photo op! This is the only place on Earth where you can place one foot in the East and the other in the West.
The Observatory is family-friendly, but young children may find some exhibits challenging to understand. There are interactive sections and the planetarium that appeal to all ages.
Arriving 10-15 minutes early is generally enough, especially if you already have tickets. This gives you time to walk through Greenwich Park and enjoy the views.
Since part of the Observatory experience includes outdoor views, plan accordingly! The Observatory remains open rain or shine, though some outdoor exhibits may close temporarily during severe weather.
Yes! The Royal Observatory is part of Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes other historic landmarks in the area.