Awe-inspiring science, historic locations and stunning views combine at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, making it an unmissable day out in London.

Find out more about what to expect at the Home of Greenwich Mean Time.

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Couple on the Meridian Line

Stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line

Place one foot in the west and one in the east at the Prime Meridian of the world.

Learn all about Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and how Greenwich came to be the home of time.

Marvel at one of the UK's largest telescopes

The Great Equatorial Telescope is the largest of its kind in the UK. 

Anyone visiting Greenwich can see the telescope's distinctive 'onion dome' roof when they look up the hill towards the Royal Observatory. But to truly appreciate the scale of the Great Equatorial Telescope, you have to step inside...

Find out more

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People watching planetarium show

Get to know the stars in the Peter Harrison Planetarium

Get up close and personal with the stars in one of our planetarium shows led by one of our expert astronomers. Amazing visualisations and real-life space photography combine to provide a truly unique view of our night sky, while live commentary from Observatory astronomers help to make sense of the universe.

Please note that shows are not included with entry to the historic Observatory; find times, tickets and prices for all our shows here.

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A family enjoy looking through a telescope during a science demonstration at the Royal Observatory

Enjoy live science and astronomy demonstrations

Get hands-on with a telescope and discover fascinating facts about the Universe this summer!

Every weekend a space-tastic team of Observatory Explainers will be around the site, delivering live science demonstrations and astronomy sessions for all ages.

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

Download the free audio guide

Follow the tour on your phone! We're partnering with Smartify, the world's most downloaded museum app, to bring you this brand new way to explore the Royal Observatory. Simply download the app to begin.

Find out more

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A child looks through a wooden telescope in the Royal Observatory's historic Octagon Room

Make time for the Octagon Room

The Octagon Room is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

It was commissioned by King Charles II, designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1676.

Astronomical instruments and clock line the walls and windows, just as they would have been in the Observatory's early years.

Enjoy the best view in London

A Unesco World Heritage site in front, the towers of Canary Wharf behind and the snaking River Thames beyond – surely this view is worth the trip alone? Look to the left towards central London and see if you can spy the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and more.

Find out more

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Tell the time using the Shepherd clock

Accurately tell the time with this Shepherd Gate Clock, the first to ever show Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to the public. 

See the world famous Harrison clocks

Learn about John Harrison’s epic race to solve the problem of Longitude and admire the craftsmanship of the world famous Harrison timekeepers, including H1, H2, H3 and H4.

Find out more

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Wonder at Airy’s Transit Circle

Visit the telescope that determined the exact location of the Prime Meridian.

Visit Flamsteed House

The gracious apartments of Flamsteed House are where the Astronomers Royal lived and worked. Careful observation combined with intimate family life for these astronomers – proof that working from home is nothing new.

Find out more

Choose your tickets

A couple walks along the Prime Meridian Line in front of the historic Royal Observatory Greenwich building

Royal Observatory

  • Walk the Prime Meridian line
  • See the best view in London
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Audio guide included
  • Planetarium shows not included
Adult from £18
Child from £9
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A couple takes a selfie at the top of Greenwich Park, with the River Thames and Canary Wharf in the background

Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

  • Save 25% with combo ticket
  • Cutty Sark
  • Royal Observatory
  • Guaranteed entry time
  • Planetarium shows not included
Adult from £27
Child from £13.50
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Member tickets

  • Unlimited free entry
  • Priority booking and exclusive events
  • Access using your membership card
Membership card number required
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A father and son look through a porthole on the main deck of historic ship Cutty Sark

Become a Member

  • Unlimited entry all year
  • Royal Observatory
  • Cutty Sark
  • Planetarium Shows
  • Special exhibitions
Direct Debit One-off
Individual: £50 Individual: £60
Family: from £60 Family: from £70
JOIN TODAY