Observatory highlights
Stand on the Prime Meridian Line
Visit the historic Prime Meridian of the World at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Enjoy a family day out this summer
Live science demonstrations, out-of-this world planetarium shows and fascinating talks are just some of the activities in store this summer
The Sky Tonight 1675
Celebrate 350 years of the Royal Observatory Greenwich by exploring the past and present night sky with our astronomers
Marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope
Stand beneath the magnificent onion dome and marvel at one of the largest refracting telescopes in the world
Visit the Octagon Room
Step inside the room designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and the oldest part of the Royal Observatory
350 years of Royal Observatory Greenwich
Celebrate the anniversary of one of the most important scientific sites in the world
Tours and talks at the Royal Observatory
Delve deeper into the history of time, space and navigation with talks and tours at the Royal Observatory
Find more things to do
History-making discoveries and cutting edge astronomy at the Home of Greenwich Mean Time
A journey of discovery
See amazing views of the night sky and get expert insight from Royal Observatory astronomers in our daily planetarium shows. Are you ready to take a tour of the universe this summer?
Plan your visit
How to book
We recommend booking tickets to the Royal Observatory online in advance to guarantee entry. Tickets on the day are subject to availability.
Use the booking calendar to select your visit date and entry time, then select the number of tickets you require and click 'Add to basket'. Your tickets will be sent to you by email once you've completed your booking.
Members enjoy free unlimited entry to the Observatory and all other Royal Museums Greenwich sites, and do not need to book.
Planetarium shows are not included in entry to the Royal Observatory. View the Planetarium schedule and book tickets.
Planetarium bookings
Please note that Planetarium show tickets are not included in entry to the Royal Observatory and must be booked separately.
Eat and drink
The Astronomy Café and Terrace, located inside the Astronomy Centre close to the Planetarium, is open every day for visitors and the public.
You can also pick up refreshments from stalls just outside the main entrance to the Observatory, or head towards the Parkside Café just down the hill at the National Maritime Museum.
Shop
Find the perfect museum gift, from books and prints to models, toys and games. Visit us next to the Meridian Courtyard, in the Astronomy Centre, or shop online.
Accessibility and facilities
Find useful information about facilities at the Royal Observatory including cloakrooms, baby change and accessibility, and information for disabled visitors coming to any of our sites.
Audio guides
The Royal Observatory audio guide is available in different languages to help you make the most of your visit.
Royal Observatory closures
Occasionally some closures may affect your visit to the Royal Observatory and the Peter Harrison Planetarium. Please see this page for details about upcoming closures.
Tickets and Opening
| Adult: | £24 |
|---|---|
| Child: | £12 |
Summer opening hours
June-August: 10am-7.45pm (last entry 7pm)
September: 10am-6pm (last entry 5.15pm)
Standard opening hours
10am-5pm (last entry 4.15pm)
- Greenwich Station
- Maze Hill Station
- Greenwich Pier
Stay connected
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news, stories and events from the Royal Observatory.
What’s On
Find Planetarium shows and Observatory events.
Stories
Read more about space, astronomy and the history of time
The world's greatest space photography
Explore some of the stunning images shortlisted in ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025. Who will take home the grand prize?
Zooming in on conservation: the treatment of a 17th century telescope
This beautiful 17th century telescope needs careful treatment before going on display. Object Conservator Rachel Roberts eyes up the issues
Who was John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal?
Meet the man tasked with mapping the night sky from Greenwich, and discover how a feud with Isaac Newton shaped the early history of the Royal Observatory
History of the Royal Observatory
Find out more about the founding of the Royal Observatory, and how Greenwich came to be known as the 'Home of Time'
Astronomy highlights in 2025
What's worth looking up for in 2025? Discover this year's must-see moments with Royal Observatory astronomers
Astronomy with the naked eye
Learn what you could see in the night sky with no equipment from the Royal Observatory Greenwich; from galaxies and meteor showers to comets, star clusters, cloud formations and more
How could humans live on Mars?
Astronomer and author Brendan Owens examines the challenges of sending humans to Mars - and what the future holds for our study of the Red Planet
What is the Prime Meridian and why is it in Greenwich?
How Greenwich found its place in the centre of global time and navigation
The BBC pips: the Royal Observatory and the Greenwich Time Service
Discover the story behind the Greenwich time pips, first broadcast by the BBC over 100 years ago in 1924
Time before Greenwich Mean Time: the confusing case of the traveller's watch
Before time became standardised, different areas of the country all kept their own 'local time'. This gold traveller's watch with two minute hands shows how tricky that could be
A stellar duo: two young astrophotographers shooting for the stars
Meet the youngest entrants in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024: brothers Benjamin and Joshua Lawler
15 awe-inspiring astronomy discoveries
Discover 15 incredible astronomy facts that might just change how you see the Universe
Discover our shops
Choose your tickets
All visitors to the Royal Observatory must have a ticket to enter. Book online in advance to guarantee entry. Please note: planetarium shows are sold separately. See all tickets and prices
Royal Observatory
- Visit the Prime Meridian line
- See the best view in London
- Guaranteed entry time
- Audio guide included
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | £24 |
|---|---|
| Child | £12 |
Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
- Save with a combo ticket
- Entry to Cutty Sark
- Entry to Royal Observatory
- Guaranteed entry time
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | £38 |
|---|---|
| Child | £19 |
Member tickets
- Unlimited free entry
- Priority booking and exclusive events
- Access using your membership card
| Membership card number required |
|---|
Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
|---|---|
| Individual: £65 | Individual: £75 |
| Family: from £75 | Family: from £85 |