Essential information
| Type | Experiences |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and times | Saturdays and Sundays |
| Prices | Included with Royal Observatory admission |
| Free entry for Members. Not a Member? Join now |
Get hands-on with a telescope, explore the surface of Mars, try your hand at using a sextant and see the invisible at the Royal Observatory Greenwich with our weekend interactive Observatory Unlocked sessions.
Every weekend our space-tastic team of Observatory Explainers will be around the site, delivering live science demonstrations and astronomy sessions for all ages.
All activities are included with entry to the Royal Observatory, and you can drop in any time to sessions that are running. Check out the highlights below for a taste of what's on offer.
Whether you're searching for answers about life in the Universe or are just curious about what it's like to look through a telescope, head for the Royal Observatory.
- Sessions typically run on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 2.30pm.
- Activities will vary depending on weather, time of year and availability - see below for what's currently on offer.
- Suitable for all ages unless specified.
- All activities are free with entry to the Royal Observatory.
Image
Learn about exoplanets
Come to John Flamsteed’s famous Octagon Room and join our Observatory Explainers for an exploration of exoplanets.
Take part in a hands-on experiment to learn how astronomers have found over 6,000 planets around other stars, and discover how the world’s most powerful telescopes are searching for signs of a world capable of supporting life.
Image
Experiment with historic tools and technology
Enjoy drop-in activities led by volunteers at the Royal Observatory. Learn more about the iconic Time Ball and the history of the Royal Observatory, or take part in exciting demos showing how a compass or a camera obscura works. For exact timings, listen out for announcements on the day.
Find more ideas for your day out in Greenwich
Top things to do at the Royal Observatory
History-making discoveries and cutting edge astronomy at the home of Greenwich Mean Time
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is full of hidden gems, from gardens and playgrounds to viewing points, museums and cafes. Here's all you need to know about visiting
For families at the Royal Observatory
Bring your little astronauts to the Royal Observatory for space-themed fun
ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition
See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Visit Greenwich
Green space, historic London attractions and beautiful city views - discover the best that Greenwich has to offer
The Great Equatorial Telescope
Stand beneath the magnificent onion dome and marvel at one of the largest refracting telescopes in the world
Visit the Royal Observatory
Home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian of the World.