Ticketed and free

Essential Information

Location
Date and Times Daily | See page for details
Price Treasures Tour: £5 adult, £3.50 student, £2.50 child | Volunteer talks are free

Treasures Tour is free for Members. Not a member? Join now

The Royal Observatory Greenwich has a rich history that dates back to its founding by King Charles II in 1675. Over the centuries, the Observatory firmly established itself as a pioneering place for astronomical discovery, timekeeping, and navigation.

Amongst many achievements, in its famous walls some of Britain’s greatest minds played a crucial role in solving the problem of longitude and, in 1884, the Royal Observatory was established as the location of the Prime Meridian of the World.

Learn about pioneering discoveries, the people who made them and the objects that they used with one of our knowledgeable staff and volunteers. See our available talks, audio guides and tours below. 

For bespoke tours, exclusive offers, or group (15+) enquiries, please make a group booking enquiry.

Image
The Great Equatorial Telescope at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Treasures Tour

Explore some of the Royal Observatory's most treasured objects, learn all about the astronomers who lived and worked here, and explore how they helped us understand space, time and navigation. This guided experience will allow you to explore the history of the site from its very first observations, all the way up to the present day.

  • Timings: Tours run daily at 11am and 3pm.
  • Duration: Approximately 60 minutes.
  • Meeting Point: Near the Dolphin Sundial. In inclement weather, this may move to the first room inside Flamsteed House - please enquire with staff on the day
  • Prices: £5 for adults, £3.50 for students, £2.50 for children and free for Members.
  • How to book: Tickets can be purchased online or at our admissions desk in the Royal Observatory.
  • Suitability: Suitable for all ages, recommended ages 12+.
  • Audio headsets: You will be provided with an adjustable audio headset. These can be used alongside hearing aids, and tour guides can use an induction loop upon request.
  • Accessibility: The tour passes through several spaces that can only be accessed by stairs, and due to the historic nature of the site there may be some areas inaccessible (the Octagon Room and Great Equatorial Telescope) to visitors with access requirements. An alternative tour route may be available upon request - for those looking to attend a step-free tour, please enquire with our Bookings Team. 

    Before your visit

    Book tickets

    Book Member tickets

Treasures Tour - Mandarin

The Treasures Tour will run in Mandarin on select Saturdays at 1.30pm.

Scroll down on the bookings page to select the right tour and to see which dates the tour is running.

Book ticketsBook Member tickets

Treasures Tour - Cantonese

You can join a Treasures Tour in Cantonese on select Sundays at 1.30pm.

Scroll down on the bookings page to select the right tour and to see which dates the tour is running.

Book ticketsBook Member tickets

Image
A woman holds her phone as she listens to the Royal Observatory audio tour, with the Observatory buildings in the background

Treasures Tour Audio Guide

Can't make the in-person Treasures Tour, or want to take things at your own pace? The audio Treasures Tour is a self-guided equivalent that you can listen to as many times as you like.

  • Price: £7

Buy the Treasures Tour

Image
A sumptuous golden clock with its inner mechanism visible, on display in a glass case at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Volunteer talks

Discover the fascinating history of the Observatory and some of our most popular objects with our volunteer team. Come along to learn about the Prime Meridian, the importance of the Time Ball and the story of John Harrison and his marine timekeepers.

  • Timings: Subject to availability - our Volunteer team aim to deliver daily talks, but we advise visitors to enquire with our staff on site for more information.
  • Location: Talks take place in various galleries and spaces across the Observatory. Speak to staff for more information on the day.
  • Price: Included with admission.
  • Suitability: No age-sensitive topics discussed.
  • Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the site, some areas, such as the Great Equatorial Telescope and Octagon Room, may not be accessible. Flamsteed House and the Time and Longitude Gallery are accessible via lift.

What’s On

Find more events at the Royal Observatory.

Experiences | Royal Observatory 350th anniversary

Observatory Unlocked

Drop by and chat with our Royal Observatory Explainers as they bring science and astronomy to life
Saturdays and Sundays
Included with Royal Observatory admission
Royal Observatory
Events and festivals

350 years of Royal Observatory Greenwich

Celebrate the anniversary of one of the most important scientific sites in the world
Throughout 2025
See page for details
Royal Observatory
Talks and tours

Royal Observatory Treasures Tour

Explore some of the Royal Observatory's most treasured objects with a guided tour
Daily tours at 11am and 3pm | Mandarin tour on select Saturdays at 1.30pm and Cantonese tour on select Sundays at 1.30pm
£5 Adults | £3.50 Students | £2.50 Children | Members go free
Royal Observatory