Essential Information
| Type | Events and festivals |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | Sunday 9 and Tuesday 11 November 2025 |
| Prices | All activities included in entry price |
Join us at the Royal Observatory for special commemorative Remembrance Day events.
On 9 and 11 November our knowledgeable team will deliver talks that uncover stories of Greenwich during wartime, exploring the impact on the local community and the important role the Observatory played in Britain’s wartime history.
In addition, at 11am on 11 November the time ball on Flamsteed House will drop to commemorate those who served during times of war.
All activities are included with entry to the Royal Observatory. Your ticket also includes access to the whole Royal Observatory site, including the Prime Meridian line and Flamsteed House, Great Equatorial Telescope, Time and Longitude gallery and more.
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War-themed talks
9 and 11 November
Learn more about the history of the Observatory during the First and Second World Wars with our friendly Front of House and volunteer teams.
Talks are suitable for all ages.
Details:
- Volunteer talks take place throughout the site from 12-5pm each day. For precise times please see notices on the day.
- If you want to experience a full tour of the Observatory site, check out our special Treasures Tour (additional charges apply).
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Additional time ball drop
11 November
This year we will revive an old custom to mark Remembrance Day by lowering the time ball at 11am to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
Whilst it is not clear from public records when this practice began, each of the annual reports of the Astronomer Royal for June 1937 to June 1940 mention dropping the ball "in accordance with customs at 11am on November 11."
Please note that the time ball will also drop at 1pm as normal, but might not operate during particularly windy weather.
Make the most of your day
Check out some of the ways you can add to your day out at the Royal Observatory. Additional charges apply.
Remembrance: A Call to Mind
From films to dance performances, this year's Remembrance Day commemorations at the National Maritime Museum focus on the often unseen struggles faced by returning veterans and their families
Tours and talks
Delve deeper into the history of time, space and navigation with talks and tours at the Royal Observatory
Plan your visit
