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Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

4.2 (272)

London, GB

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Experience the wonders of astronomy and space at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, a must-visit attraction in London. Stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the east and the other in the west, and immerse yourself in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Walk in the footsteps of the Astronomers Royal and explore the Octagon Room, designed by the renowned Sir Christopher Wren. Discover the inventions that changed the world, including Harrison’s clocks and the Shepherd Gate Clock, the first clock to show Greenwich Mean Time to the public. Marvel at the iconic red Time Ball and the Great Equatorial Telescope. With dramatic views of London and its landmarks, a visit to the Royal Observatory Greenwich is a truly unforgettable experience.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
2 hours
Suitable for 1-4 Participants
Self Guided Experience

Highlights

Walk in the footsteps of Astronomers Royal
Stand astride the Prime Meridian Line
Discover the inventions that changed the world
Experience dramatic views of London
Visit nearby attractions like the National Maritime Museum

Included

Attraction admission ticket

Not included

Transportation to/from attractions

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

A visit to London is not complete without experiencing the wonders of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Nestled within the lush Greenwich Royal Park, this iconic landmark offers an unforgettable journey through the realms of astronomy, space, and the stars. As you enter this fascinating world, prepare to stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the east and the other in the west, at the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Astronomers Royal as you explore the exquisite Flamsteed House and its well-preserved Wren interiors. Discover the groundbreaking inventions that changed the course of science and marvel at Harrison's clocks, a testament to human ingenuity. From the iconic Time Ball to the Great Equatorial Telescope, every corner of the Royal Observatory Greenwich holds stories waiting to be unraveled.

What to expect?

Embark on a 120-minute journey that will take you on an awe-inspiring adventure through the realms of astronomy and space. Upon arrival, be captivated by the breathtaking views of London from the hilltop location. Explore the Meridian Courtyard and stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, where the eastern and western hemispheres meet. Enjoy the complementary audio guide available in 7 languages, allowing you to delve deeper into the history and significance of this iconic landmark. Walk in the footsteps of the Astronomers Royal as you meander through Flamsteed House, marveling at the Octagon Room designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Witness the pioneering timekeeping devices that revolutionized navigation and learn about the ground-breaking discoveries made within these hallowed walls.

Who is this for?

This captivating experience is designed for anyone with a sense of wonder and a curiosity about the mysteries of the universe. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a science lover, or simply someone seeking a unique and enriching cultural experience, the Royal Observatory Greenwich offers something for everyone. Families can embark on an educational journey through the cosmos, couples can enjoy a romantic stroll through the beautiful Greenwich Royal Park, and solo travelers can immerse themselves in the stories of pioneering astronomers. No matter your age or background, the wonders of the Royal Observatory Greenwich are waiting to be discovered.

Why book this?

Unveil the secrets of the universe and witness history in action by booking a visit to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. This captivating experience offers a unique opportunity to stand at the very center of global timekeeping and marvel at the brilliance of human innovation. As you explore the grand Flamsteed House and its awe-inspiring collections, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the significant contributions made by great scientists and inventors throughout history. The panoramic views of London's skyline from the Observatory grounds add an extra touch of enchantment to this already captivating experience. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, a lover of history, or simply someone seeking an unforgettable sightseeing adventure, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is a must-visit destination that will leave you inspired and in awe.

Good to know

When visiting the Royal Observatory Greenwich, remember to set aside approximately 2 hours for the complete experience. Audio guides are available in 7 different languages, allowing you to explore at your own pace and delve deeper into the stories behind this iconic landmark. Alongside your visit to the observatory, take the opportunity to explore the nearby attractions, such as the National Maritime Museum and the famous tea clipper Cutty Sark. Enjoy free entry to these additional cultural gems, all conveniently located within walking distance. Don't forget to capture the stunning views of London across Greenwich Royal Park, the City of London, and the River Thames for a lasting memory of your time at this historical and celestial sanctuary.

Reviews

Visitors who have journeyed to the Royal Observatory Greenwich praise its immersive and enriching experience. Many express awe at the opportunity to stand on the Prime Meridian Line and witness the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time. The Flamsteed House and its well-preserved interiors receive high acclaim, with visitors marveling at the iconic Time Ball and the Great Equatorial Telescope. The audio guides are also commended for providing fascinating insights into the history and significance of the Observatory. Overall, individuals who have explored the Royal Observatory Greenwich describe it as a captivating and educational experience that offers a unique window into the wonders of the universe.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point & End point

Your Itinerary

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Make your way to the Royal Observatory Greenwich which is located on a hill in Greenwich Royal Park. As you do, you will enjoy dramatic views of London across Greenwich Royal Park, the City of London and the River Thames. Once inside, you can pick up a complementary audio guide. There are 7 languages available. Your visit will begin in the Meridian Courtyard where you will stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the east and the other in the west at the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The tour will take you through Flamsteed House where you will walk in the footsteps of the Astronomers Royal. Visit the Octagon Room which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is one of the best preserved Wren interiors in London. See Harrison’s clocks, the inventions that changed the world. Discover the Shepherd Gate Clock, mounted outside, which was the first clock to show Greenwich Mean Time to the public. Learn about the discoveries of great scientists and inventors based at or associated with the Royal Observatory, including Harrison, Newton, Halley, Bradley, Maunder, Harrison, Airy, Einstein. The bright red Time Ball on top of Flamsteed House is one of the world’s earliest public time signals and was first used in 1833 and still operates today. Don’t miss the Great Equatorial Telescope, located in the huge iconic onion dome, which gave astronomers new views of the universe over 100 years ago. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House are both located within a short walking distance from the Observatory and are free to visit. Cutty Sark, the world’s sole-surviving tea clipper is now an award-winning museum and visitor experience and is a must-see when visiting Greenwich.

Admission Included

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under the age of 4 years are free to enter the attraction
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Reviews

(272)

4.2 (272)

721amim

We visited the Royal Observatory Greenwich on a sunny morning in May 2024. We took the Uber boat from London city to Greenwich pier. The observatory is around 20 min walk from the pier and we have to pass through the Greenwich park which is very huge and great for a picnic on a good day. The observatory is a slight climb and is a decent museum. Visitors were mostly interested in the meridian line and clicking pics.. Our tickets were part of the London pass. You also get a beautiful view of the city from there. In all; Greenwich along with the Royal observatory is a good half day trip from London.

931videshm

Highly recommend a trip to the Royal Observatory. I booked directly on the Royal Observatory website and included a Planetarium show. There is so much more to see that just standing on the meridian line. You get to learn about early British astronomers, the construction of the Observatory, a history of time and navigation. So much of what we take for granted today in terms of GPS navigation has roots here and it's well worth taking the journey to see how far we've come.

Rhinog F

What a shame. £20 spent on a museum that is mostly closed down and outdated. No longer able to visit “Time for the Navy”, the Altazimuth Pavilion or the Weller Astronomy Galleries. Even Yuri Gagarin has left the building. The staff are friendly but apologetic and at times blunt bordering on rude. The whole site relies on the arbitrary meridian and the wonderful Harrison Sea Chronometers and even of these H4 is missing without explanation. Most of the other clocks no longer function although the staff claim they will but are not maintained and wound by a horological specialist. The shame is this was once a wonderful example of the best of British maritime history, time keeping and global time discovery and distribution. It seems it’s now just a cash cow and a very disappointing one at that!

chwaca777

We arrived 20 min before closing and the rude employee didn't let us to buy a tickets. Then I heard him shouting on some other customers, making him sounds very important, but this pathetic behavior was ridiculous. When I checked the ticket price this morning I was in shock, they are charging tourist £26 for seeing the line ? Seriously ? Something that use to be free ? What service do they provide for those £26 ? I wonder. Well nothing, accept rude staff. Very disappointing.

Balaji_V

It was a great feeling to know that we were standing at the precise spot where the East and West of the globe get divided.

helga1985

We visited this on a lovely sunny day and it was quite a walk up to the Observatory but the park and surrounding area was beautiful. The tour started with a talk in the courtyard and this was really interesting and I would say a must so you know what it’s all about. How GMT works . Then we had a tour of the house which was quaint, the clock room and the telescope. Really interesting reading the history and then standing either side of the meridian line so one foot East one foot south (well it’s a great pic opportunity) We had a drink in the cafe and walked back through the park and into Greenwich town

Rita_H

We really liked seeing the Prime Meridan, but the walk up to the observatory was way longer than we knew about. Also, there was an area closed off and we didn't know until we walked that direction and then had to walk even further to get up the hill.

Katie B

Firstly, it's a lonnnng walk up a very steep hill- not accessible for those with mobility challenges. But...once you get there its a lovely site with amazing views over London. Lots of interesting historical bits and bobs to look at, a shame there isn't much to interact with though. Friendly and helpful staff, and a lovely little gift shop.

Nellie83_13

Not great , The signage and tour guides are very poor , Its quite a long walk up hill to the Observatory The route is blocked by works in the park . There are no refreshments available even the ice cream hut is shut . we wandered into the shop looking for some sort of sustenance ,when we tried to go back into the museum a member of staff became confrontational about our route of entry . I can only assume he has power issues , suggest he takes training .

pakabay

Yes, it’s historically significant and yes, it’s a ‘must do’ on a trip to Greenwich but at £20 per person it could & should be a better experience. And why wasn’t the 1:00pm ‘time ball’ not operating. No reason given. Many of the displays were difficult to read &/or see with so many lights not working, and anti reflective coatings & films on display cases is not new technology. I’m glad that we went, I hadn’t been here in more than 45 years and it is certainly an interesting place holding significant historic & cultural significance. As they say (somewhat incorrectly), it’s where time begins.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-20 12:05