Essential Information
| Type | Talks and tours |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | Daily tours at 11am, 3pm and 5.30pm | Mandarin tour on Saturdays at 1.30pm and Cantonese tour on Sundays at 1.30pm |
| Prices | £5 Adults | £3.50 Students | £2.50 Children | Members go free |
| Members visit for free. Not a member? Join now |
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.
Important information
This tour is suitable for children, but is recommended for ages 12+.
Please note that you must have also purchased Royal Observatory admission to attend the tour.
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.
The Bookings office is open 9am-5pm, Monday-Sunday. Telephone: +44 (0)20 8312 6608 | Email: bookings@rmg.co.uk
All you need to know
Tour timings
Tours run daily at 11am and 3pm. From 2 June to 31 August a third daily tour will run at 5.30pm as part of our summer late opening hours.
Duration
The tour will last approximately 60 minutes.
Meeting point
Please meet your guide near the Dolphin Sundial. In inclement weather, this may move to the first room inside Flamsteed House - please enquire with staff on the day.
How to book
Tickets can be purchased online or at our admissions desks in the Royal Observatory and Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Suitability
The tour is suitable for all ages, but recommended for 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. Please note that children under 4 will not be provided with headsets.
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.
The Bookings office is open 9am-5pm, Monday-Sunday. Telephone: +44 (0)20 8312 6608 | Email: bookings@rmg.co.uk
Can I have a bespoke group tour?
For bespoke tours, exclusive offers, or group (15+) enquiries, please make a group booking enquiry.
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More talks and tours at the Royal Observatory
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
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: All ages.
- 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
See more Royal Observatory events and planetarium shows.
