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Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
An exploration of time at the world-famous Prime Meridian Line
- Telescopes, historic clocks, astronomy, and more – a visit to the home of the Greenwich Mean Time promises a fun and educational time for the entire family.
- Walk on the historic Prime Meridian Line, and be among the lucky few who get to set one foot on the Western and one foot on the Eastern hemisphere.
- Witness history at work as you watch the Greenwich Time Ball, one of the world's earliest public time signals, drop precisely at 1pm, a tradition since 1833.
- Get lost in time with The Royal Observatory's multilingual audio guide that will share fascinating insights about the Observatory and its history.
- Upgrade your tickets to the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass which allows you to visit both the Observatory, the Cutty Sark ship, and more.
An exploration of time at the world-famous Prime Meridian Line
- Telescopes, historic clocks, astronomy, and more – a visit to the home of the Greenwich Mean Time promises a fun and educational time for the entire family.
- Walk on the historic Prime Meridian Line, and be among the lucky few who get to set one foot on the Western and one foot on the Eastern hemisphere.
- Witness history at work as you watch the Greenwich Time Ball, one of the world's earliest public time signals, drop precisely at 1pm, a tradition since 1833.
- Get lost in time with The Royal Observatory's multilingual audio guide that will share fascinating insights about the Observatory and its history.
- Upgrade your tickets to the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass which allows you to visit both the Observatory, the Cutty Sark ship, and more.
Inclusions
- Entry to Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Multilingual audio guide
Entry to (as per option selected):
- Cutty Sark
- National Maritime Museum
- Peter Harrison Planetarium
- Queen's House
Exclusions
- Planetarium show
- Tip: Don't forget to stand beneath one of the largest telescopes in the world, the Great Equatorial Telescope.
- Keep in mind that drones, bicycles, roller skates, balloons, selfie sticks, and photography of certain labeled objects are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- This experience is partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. Wheelchair access is limited to The Meridian line, Meridian building ground floor, Astronomer’s Garden, and Camera Obscura. There is no disabled access to the older, Grade I listed buildings including Flamsteed House and the Great Equatorial Telescope.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Save big with one pass and five incredible experiences!
- Time travel through London's nautical and astronomical past! Explore the Greenwich Observatory, Cutty Sark, and more in a single day with the Greenwich Day Pass.
- Step aboard the Cutty Sark, the world's last surviving tea clipper and imagine her adventures as she raced across oceans, carrying precious cargo from China.
- Visit London's only planetarium, the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and catch a show that will take you on a thrilling journey through the secrets of the universe.
- Understand the history of timekeeping as you explore the Greenwich Royal Observatory and step across the line that divides the world, the Prime Meridien.
- Marvel at the UK's largest refracting telescope, the Great Equatorial Telescope, and witness the Shepherd Gate Clock, the first public clock to display GMT.
Save big with one pass and five incredible experiences!
- Time travel through London's nautical and astronomical past! Explore the Greenwich Observatory, Cutty Sark, and more in a single day with the Greenwich Day Pass.
- Step aboard the Cutty Sark, the world's last surviving tea clipper and imagine her adventures as she raced across oceans, carrying precious cargo from China.
- Visit London's only planetarium, the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and catch a show that will take you on a thrilling journey through the secrets of the universe.
- Understand the history of timekeeping as you explore the Greenwich Royal Observatory and step across the line that divides the world, the Prime Meridien.
- Marvel at the UK's largest refracting telescope, the Great Equatorial Telescope, and witness the Shepherd Gate Clock, the first public clock to display GMT.
Inclusions
Entry to:
- Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Cutty Sark
- National Maritime Museum
- Peter Harrison Planetarium
- Queen's House
- Multilingual downloadable audio guide
Exclusions
- Food or drink
- Access to special exhibitions or guided tours at The Queen's House and National Maritime Museum
- Tip: Venture below deck to explore the ship's cabins, engine room, and other areas that offer a glimpse into life aboard a 19th-century clipper.
- Keep in mind that drones, bicycles, roller skates, balloons, selfie sticks, and photography of certain labeled objects are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- Most parts of this experience are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Unlock up to 50% savings on admission tickets with the London Explorer Pass which covers top attractions and hop-on hop-off passes with maximum savings.
- With one ticket, save more to go on an amazing London adventure to landmarks such as the London Eye, The Tower of London, Up At The O2, and Tower Bridge.
- Explore the best of London including Kew Gardens, London Aquarium, Westminster Abbey, The London Dungeon, and other popular attractions.
- Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of picking from different passes offering entry to attractions in London, based on your interests and our recommendations.
- Choose from 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions, valid from first use, and make the most of your trip to and around London, seeing its iconic landmarks.
- Unlock up to 50% savings on admission tickets with the London Explorer Pass which covers top attractions and hop-on hop-off passes with maximum savings.
- With one ticket, save more to go on an amazing London adventure to landmarks such as the London Eye, The Tower of London, Up At The O2, and Tower Bridge.
- Explore the best of London including Kew Gardens, London Aquarium, Westminster Abbey, The London Dungeon, and other popular attractions.
- Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of picking from different passes offering entry to attractions in London, based on your interests and our recommendations.
- Choose from 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions, valid from first use, and make the most of your trip to and around London, seeing its iconic landmarks.
Inclusions
- Access to 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions
- Museums: London Transport Museum, Charles Dickens Museum, The Guards Museum & more
- Zoos: London Zoo & SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- Landmarks: London Eye, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & more
- Bus tours and cruises: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Jason’s Canal Boat Trip, City Cruises Thames River Pass & more
- Guided tours: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, London Stadium Tour, Royal Albert Hall Tour & more
- Activities: London Bridge Experience, Ice-skating at QUEENS, Solve A Mystery: the Murder at Buckingham Palace & more
- Digital guidebook, map, and attraction information via Go City app
- Get complete details here
Exclusions
- Airport transfers
- Public transport
- Some attractions require bookings. Look out for the 'reservations required' stamp in the app when browsing attractions and click on the attraction to find all the info.
- You can visit each attraction only once daily.
- The app is available in English, French, German, and Spanish.
- Children under 5 get the pass for free.
- First, download the Go City App. Follow the instructions on your order confirmation to sync your pass with the Go City app.
- Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated! Are you feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
- The Go City app has many handy features to help you plan your itinerary, check attraction opening times, and reserve (where required).
Validity
- Before activation: 2 years from date of purchase
- After activation: 60 days from first use
- Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
- These tickets are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
- Seeking endless fun in London? Visit the best of London's attractions and access 90+ experiences with this London Pass® and save up to 50%!
- Enjoy must-see attractions such as the London Eye, Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, Windsor Castle, and even if you don't visit all, you still save.
- Get 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, Thames river cruise, or walking tours of 30+ iconic spots giving you the chance to explore the city with ease.
- You've got options galore. Whether you're in London for a quick visit or an extended stay with a range of day passes, choose as per convenience.
- Choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10-day London pass and enjoy skip-the-line access to top 80 attractions.
- Seeking endless fun in London? Visit the best of London's attractions and access 90+ experiences with this London Pass® and save up to 50%!
- Enjoy must-see attractions such as the London Eye, Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, Windsor Castle, and even if you don't visit all, you still save.
- Get 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, Thames river cruise, or walking tours of 30+ iconic spots giving you the chance to explore the city with ease.
- You've got options galore. Whether you're in London for a quick visit or an extended stay with a range of day passes, choose as per convenience.
- Choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10-day London pass and enjoy skip-the-line access to top 80 attractions.
Inclusions
- Pass valid for 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/10 days
- Museums: Household Cavalry Museum, The Queen's Gallery, Cartoon Museum & more
- Landmarks: Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Madame Tussauds London, London Zoo & more
- Bus tours and cruises: 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-day River Roamer, Jason’s Canal Boat Trip & more
- Guided tours: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour, Wembley Stadium Tour, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tour & more
- Activities: Frameless – Immersive Art Experience, The Dare Skywalk, Sherlock: The Official Live Game & more
- Get complete details here
Exclusions
- Airport transfers
- Public transport
- Some attractions require prior reservations. Look out for the 'reservations required' stamp in the app when browsing attractions and just click on the attraction to find all the info you need! Please check the official websites to book.
- You can visit each attraction only once.
- Children under 5 get the pass for free.
- Download the Go City App. Follow the instructions on your order confirmation to sync your pass with the Go City app.
- Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated! You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email or show your mobile pass.
- The Go City app has loads of handy features to help you plan your itinerary, check attraction opening times and reserve (where required).
Validity
- Before activation: You can activate your pass within 2 years from the date of purchase.
- After activation: Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for the number of calendar days (not 24-hour periods). For example, if you select a 3-day pass and visit an attraction on Monday afternoon, your pass is valid for the remainder of Monday, plus Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
- These tickets are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
LondonRoyal Observatory Greenwich
Top things to do in London
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Why visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich
- See the Prime Meridian: The Prime Meridian is the longitude that divides the world into the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is home to this extremely important point.
- Astronomical significance: Before the Royal Observatory, there was no standard way of measuring time. It was only after the establishment of Greenwich Mean Time, that the world got a universal measure of time.
- Amazing clock collection: The Royal Observatory Greenwich has an amazing collection of clocks! Their collection includes historic timepieces that have revolutionized the way we record, measure, and keep track of time.
- World Heritage Site: The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site since it is an incredibly important part of maritime history.
Which Royal Observatory Greenwich ticket is best for you
If you are a history buff
Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: No
Guide: Audio guide
- Explore the different attractions at the Royal Observatory Greenwich at your own pace.
- Learn about each attraction with an audio guide with accurate and interesting information.
Recommended tours
- Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets
If you are on a budget
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: Depends
Guide: Audio guide
- In addition to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, these tickets let you explore the Peter Harrison Planetarium, a Thames River cruise, or a trip to all other royal museums.
Recommended tours
- Royal Observatory + Planetarium Tickets
- Royal Observatory + Sightseeing Cruise on River Thames
- Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
If you are short on time
Go for: Planetarium tickets
Duration: 30 mins
Access to planetarium: Yes
Guide: Yes
- Visit London’s only operational planetarium, for a live show hosted by an astronomer.
- These tickets include access to The Sky Tonight show and special exhibitions.
Recommended tour
- Royal Observatory Planetarium Show Tickets
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Combo tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to Planetarium: No
Guide: Professional tour guide
- Upgrade entry tickets to include a visit to Cutty Sark for a small fee.
- A professional tour guide will share stories of sailors and the interesting history of the magnificent Cutty Sark ship.
Recommended tours
- Royal Museum Greenwich Day Pass
- London Explorer Pass by Go City
Explore Royal Observatory Greenwich
Peter Harrison Planetarium
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.
Prime Meridian Line
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.
Great Equatorial Telescope
If you look up while walking towards the Royal Observatory, you will see a distinctive onion-shaped dome. This dome is the roof of the Great Equatorial Telescope. Installed in 1893, the telescope was built by the Grubb Telescope Company in Dublin. The Great Equatorial Telescope is one of the largest refracting telescopes in the world and was originally designed to be used for astrophotography.
Shepherd Gate Clock
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 Shepherd Gate 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.
Octagon Room
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Octagon Room is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The high ceilings and high windows of the Octagon Room were designed to provide astronomers with an uninterrupted view of the night sky. The high ceiling of the room also allowed astronomers to install some of the most advanced clocks of the age inside the room.
Harrison Clocks
Designed by John Harrison, the Harrison Clocks are a beautiful amalgamation of innovative technology and stunning craftsmanship. Used mainly as a marine timekeeper, Harrison designed the H1, H2, H3, and H4 clocks. The Harrison Clocks were the first clocks 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.
Airy Transit Circle Telescope
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.
Plan your visit to Royal Observatory Greenwich
Timings
Location
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
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
- By rail: Direct trains from London Cannon Street and London Bridge
Nearest stops: Greenwich and Maze Hill - By tube: Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Nearest stops: Cutty Sark Station - By bus: 53, 54, 202, 380
Nearest stops: Royal Observatory Greenwich and Peter Harrison Planetarium
- Toilets and baby-change facilities: In the Historic Royal Observatory, an accessible toilet and baby-change facility is located on the right-hand side after exiting the Admissions area. Additional toilets are located at the base of the external staircases in front of Flamsteed House
- Lost property: Any found items or inquiries can be directed to one of the visitor assistants at the Royal Observatory.
- Changing rooms: The nearest changing places facility is down the hill from the Observatory, at the National Maritime Museum.
- Cafe: Located in the Astronomy Centre at the Royal Observatory, the Astronomy Café & Terrace is a relaxed spot to enjoy a light lunch before or after your visit. The café’s outdoor terrace is a coveted spot on sunny days and is open daily.
- Gift shop: Take home a souvenir from the Royal Observatory Shop. Choose from a wide range of unique items, from clocks and watches to telescopes and children's toys. Head to the shop next to the Meridian Courtyard, in the Astronomy Centre, or shop online.
- Wheelchair-access: The Royal Observatory and all other Royal Museums Greenwich sites have accessible toilets, and all cafés and gift shops are wheelchair-accessible.
- Wheelchair on loan: A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the Information Desk. We recommend booking these in advance, due to limited availability, by emailing bookings@rmg.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 8312 6608 (Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm).
- Partial accessibility: In the historic buildings, there is no step-free access to the upper floor of Flamsteed House in the Octagon Room, the Time and Society Gallery, the Great Equatorial Telescope, or the Camera Obscura.
- BSL tours: British Sign Language-supported and subtitled film and touchscreens are available at selected points within the permanent galleries. The Royal Observatory audio guide is also available with British Sign Language.
- Hearing aid loops: Induction loops for hearing aids are fitted at all information desks.
- Outside food and beverages aren’t allowed inside the exhibits, but you’ll find cafes nearby in Greenwich Park and the surrounding area.
- Photography is allowed in most areas for personal use, though tripods and flash are restricted. Be sure to ask staff if you’re unsure about a specific exhibit.
- Pets are not permitted inside, but service animals are welcome throughout the grounds and exhibits.
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
- Arrive early at the Royal Observatory Greenwich to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of London.
- Sign in to the free WiFi at the Observatory and download the Smartify app for free to learn more about the Observatory and its attractions.
- Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant: Be it breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner, Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant serves delicious contemporary European cuisine.
- Midpoint Restaurant: Enjoy sumptuous Turkish dishes in a modern yet rustic setting at the Midpoint Restaurant.
- Greenwich Tavern: Spread over three floors, the Greenwich Tavern is a bar and restaurant that serves yummy cocktails, and has a host of delightful British and European dishes to choose from.
- The Hill Restaurant: Serving Mediterranean cuisine, the Hill is a popular restaurant in the Greenwich area. From its patio gardens to airy rooms decorated with Ecuadorian art, the Hill is a must-visit restaurant.
- The Pavilion Cafe: Offering counter-style service, the Pavilion Cafe serves delicious snacks, Fairtrade coffee, and yummy cakes.
- Budget stays: St Christopher's Inn Greenwich (from £24 | 860 m), The Birds Nest (from £27 | 1.5 km), Travelodge London Greenwich High Road (from £44 | 1 km), ibis London Greenwich (from £74 | 680 m)
- Mid-range stays: The Brookmill (from £105 | 1.6 km), Innkeeper's Collection Greenwich (from £109 | 740 m), The Prince of Greenwich Pub (from £113 | 650 m), Radisson RED London Greenwich The O2 (from £117 | 1.8 km)
- Luxury stays: Lincoln Plaza London, Curio Collection by Hilton (from £200 | 2.7 km), Hilton London Canary Wharf (from £220 | 3 km), London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf (from £258 | 3.7 km), Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel (from £346 | 3.8 km)
- Greenwich Park (482 m): Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, offering landscapes, city views, and a chance to stand on the Prime Meridian line. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with a view.
- National Maritime Museum (643 m): The National Maritime Museum dives into Britain’s seafaring history, showcasing treasures from historic ships to tales of legendary explorers. Perfect for anyone curious about the nation’s naval past!
- Queen’s House (643 m): Step into the Queen’s House in Greenwich, a 17th-century royal villa filled with art and history at every turn. This architectural gem offers a glimpse into royal life and incredible views across Greenwich Park.
- Cutty Sark (965 m): Climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, and learn what life was like on the sea. This ship brings maritime history to life with interactive exhibits and river views.
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
How long should I plan to spend at the Royal Observatory?
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, Prime Meridian line, and taking in the views from the hill.
Are guides available at the Observatory?
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.
What’s special about the Prime Meridian Line?
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.
Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Royal Observatory?
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.
Do I need to arrive early for my time slot?
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.
What’s the weather policy?
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.
Is the Royal Observatory part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes! The Royal Observatory is part of Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes other historic landmarks in the area.