Essential information
| Type |
Family fun
Talks and tours
|
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and times | Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November 2026 | See page for details |
| Prices | Various | See page for details |
| Members visit for free. Not a Member? Join now |
Head to the Royal Observatory for a range of fun and spooky half term activities, from live demonstrations to talks and tours.
There's never been a better time to visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. This November, the iconic site closes for a major refurbishment project, so October half term will be your last chance to visit this year.
Take a look at the events below, and find out what other family activities you can do in Greenwich here.
Please note that all activities are included with admission and are suitable for ages 7+.
October half term activities for families
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Spooky Tour
Saturday 24, Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 October 2026 | 4pm | Included in admission
Come and discover the haunting history of Greenwich ghosts, treason and witchcraft at the Royal Observatory this spooky season.
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Royal Observatory Treasures Tour
Daily | 11am and 3pm | £5 Adults | £3.50 Students | £2.50 Children | In addition to Royal Observatory entry
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.
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Observatory Unlocked: Moon
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October, 10.15am-1.30pm | Saturday 31 and Sunday 1 November, 1.45-4.30pm | Included in admission
Join our astronomers as we take a closer look at our nearest celestial neighbour. Come and admire our Mirror Moon sculpture, a 2-metre scale model of the Moon by artist Luke Jerram, and hear from our astronomers as they explain all about the lunar surface, from mountains to maria. Learn why the Moon is far from the smooth ball it appears to be and even get the chance to make your own crater!
And, of course, our astronomers will be on hand to answer all of your questions about space and astronomy.
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Lunar Tours
Daily | 1.30pm | £5 Adults | £3.50 Students | £2.50 Children | In addition to Royal Observatory entry
Come and find out about our history of observing, mapping and exploring the Moon, our closest celestial neighbour. The Lunar Tour at the Royal Observatory looks at the Moon's impact on our world and humanity's dedication to figuring out its many mysteries.
You'll also have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Moon right here on Earth, with a talk around Luke Jerram's amazing new Mirror Moon art installation.
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Discover the Moon
Select dates | Included in admission
Join our Astronomy team and find out more about fascinating features, stories and science behind the Moon. Explore fascinating lunar images and objects and chat with our astronomers about everything from the Moon's surface and origins to future lunar missions.
Drop in during your visit and discover something new about the Moon.
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Volunteer talks
Daily | 10.30am and 4.30pm | Included in admission
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.
More half-term fun for October
What’s on
See more events for families at Royal Museums Greenwich.
