Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich
4
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksObservatories & Planetariums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The prime meridian, zero degrees longitude, runs through the courtyard of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, which was founded in 1675 by King Charles II.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Admission tickets
from £18.50
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Top ways to experience Royal Observatory Greenwich
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Greenwich
Greenwich Mean Time starts here, so to speak, as the very concept of global time was established at Royal Observatory, just one of several buildings of architectural interest in Greenwich. Indeed, the whole of Greenwich's historic town center, its Royal Park and a number of related buildings (and one world famous ship, the Cutty Sark) make up the UNESCO World Heritage site known as Maritime Greenwich. Today a laser beam is shot out across the night sky from the Observatory to mark the location of the Prime Meridian. Other bold (some say brash) 21st century additions to the area include landmarks such as The O2 entertainment complex (previously known as the Millennium Dome) and the Air Line cable cars, which offer scenic transport across the Thames between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Jens A
    Copenhagen, Denmark150 contributions
    Worth a visit
    Interesting exhibition about navigation and the importance of watches. If you're into that sort of thing - not everyone in our company was. Afterwards you can go for a walk in the large park and take the train back to London from Blackheath. We took the City Experiences boat from Tower Hill to Greenwich, which we can recommend in nice weather.
    Thank you for your comment "432jensa" Thank you for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed seeing our collection. The views available from the Observatory and Park are truly incredible and unique.
    Written 27 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 2 May 2023
  • AnaPiussi
    London, United Kingdom1,015 contributions
    Foot at East and foot at West
    I’ve been around the Observatory many times as I am always walking around there at the Park. I think it is a MUST go see place in London. From there you have a beautiful view of a vast area of London until The Shard. The museum it is interesting and being able to take a photo with one foot at the East sode of the world and one at the West side it is the main purpose. Thinking thar the GMT line was discovered in this specific spot it is amazing. You can see the main telescope that was used. And the imaginary line it is is market at the house walls and at the floor. If you don’t feel like paying you are still able to see from the gates where the line is crossing.
    Hi AnaPiussi Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful comment. As someone always in the park, I would recommend looking at Royal Museums Greenwich's Membership offers. It grants you free access to any of our sites, reduced prices on events, discount in our shops and cafe's as well as being kept up to date with what's happening here in Greenwich. We are glad that you had a wonderful time and we hope to see you again soon!
    Written 27 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 May 2023
  • Sai
    13 contributions
    The Royal Observatory is on a hill. It has a beautiful view and has the 0degree longitudinal line.
    The Royal Observatory is located on a hill. It is a very nice place. It costs 18pounds for an adult and 9pounds for a child(5-15years)(Under 4-Free) to enter the Royal Observatory. The Royal Observatory has a museum and the zero degree longitudinal line. It is easy to go there from Maritime Museum to Old Royal Naval College as there is a path surrounded with greenery. There is also a board showing the lengths of one foot, two feet, three inches, one yard and more other types of measurements.
    Hi User (or Maps40871465856 if that's the name you prefer to go by.) Thank you for posting this review. Not many people talk about the boards for measurements and it is one of the many parts of our collection that make the site special.
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 June 2023
  • violet339
    London, United Kingdom418 contributions
    I would personally give it a miss
    I understand the Observatory's significance but, for me personally, it's not a must-see attraction. I had family visiting who wanted to go so go I did but I have to say I found it pretty boring really. I thought the camera obscura was cool and of course the meridian line, although I've crossed that before in the tunnel. But it was hot and stuffy in the museum rooms and I didn't find the exhibits very engaging. The best part for me was the walk up and the views from the top... I do like Greenwich Park and the surrounding area. The ticket included the Cutty Sark which is well worth a look around, especially if you have kids in the group who will surely enjoy it.
    Hi Violet I'm really glad you enjoyed your trip to the Cutty Sark and that your parents enjoyed the trip here. Royal Museums Greenwich has something for everyone and the historical significance of one thing may not appeal to someone as much as another. To help with this We offer Day Pass tickets that combine the Observatory and the Cutty Sark and cut 25% off the admissions price.
    Written 4 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 July 2023
  • Alex570
    Tallinn, Estonia68 contributions
    Questionable value
    Greenwich itself is a large and beautiful place - there is a large park, a museum, the Cutty Sark ship and an observatory. The last of these is the least interesting; it might be a good idea to go in rainy weather; but otherwise not. Nothing much to see. At the same time, the planetarium show is quite interesting and a good way to rest your legs. Most tourists take pictures of themselves at the zero meridian.
    Hi Alex Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. There is an incredible amount to do in Greenwich, that is indeed true. I'm very glad you enjoyed your trip to the Cutty Sark at least. The National Maritime Museum, Queens House, Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory are all part of Royal Museums Greenwich. On the Royal Museums Greenwich website you can find our range of offers that improve the value of your tickets to our sites. The Royal Observatory is a major part of British History and our role in Navigation at Sea (Which was vital for ships such as the Cutty Sark), Time keeping, and the legacy of King Charles ii and Sir Christopher Ren. The Prime Meridian Line is also a point (Or line...) of global significance. Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world visit us every year to learn more about our stories and to stand where the East and West hemispheres begin. While the soothing sounds and voices within the Planetarium may tempt many with the opportunity for a nap. Our shows are so much more than just relaxing. With actual Astronomers taking you on journeys through space, we help introduce people to the vastness and complexities of our solar system and the universe. For anyone interested in the science and history of our world and beyond, the Royal Observatory and London's only Planetarium are a must.
    Written 24 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 21 August 2023
  • Łukasz K
    Wetzlar, Germany8 contributions
    Online guidance only
    Already been multiple times in London, never been in Greenwich though. Ticket was quite expensive -18£. Taking into consideration that it was not guided with human, but only with online video - make sure you have sufficient internet data, and also to take your own headphones. Other than that - it is definitely place worth visiting!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 19 September 2023
  • ndw78
    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom1,748 contributions
    A must see for its history & Amazing views of the city as well
    This is the place where all time starts. Stand on the GMT line and see what the time difference is for all around the world. Go through the museum and find out it’s past and how it was all discovered and used. First time I’ve been to this area and much history to see as well as amazing views of the city. Free for key workers via blue light too
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 3 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
3,631 reviews
Excellent
1,591
Very good
1,319
Average
501
Poor
146
Terrible
74

dena f
California301 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We enjoyed a little visit here and especially loved taking pictures standing on either side of the Prime Meridian. The exhibits were fascinating and enough to keep littles busy for a bit.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rob H
13 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
It's a beautiful venue with terrific views and holds an enormous amount of historical and interesting information. The walk up to it could be considered quite taxing and certainly gets one's circulation going, but the exercise is well worth while.

What let it down for me, (and I was working to a relatively tight time schedule), was that I couldn't find my way out of the building!!! Granted there is an occasional "EXIT" sign, not necessarily well placed, but I had little definitive help form the staff I asked. Putting my own wish to leave aside, it then occurred to me as to what would happen in the event of a fire or other emergency??? The building was quite crowded with at least one school party (and I've no objection to these per se having worked in education for 16 years before retirement).

But I do ask the open question, did I miss a trick as to how to get out easily or DO EXIT PROCEDURES HERE NEED FURTHER CONSIDERATION?
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary W
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
So much to see! Allot more time than you think for all there is to see. The observatory was fascinating, and the Painted Room was the highlight of our visit. Grab a savory pie and a pint at a shop in the village.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AstroTudor
Craiova, Romania1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
It was interesting. I went there because my passion is astronomy. The shop was a bit overpriced. But still, it deserves 5 stars!
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lucy M
Dorset, UK233 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
On a recent trip to London, we stayed in Greenwich so it made sense to visit the Royal Observatory!

Lovely walk through the park, then spent a fabulous morning meandering around, the camera obscura, the views, Flamstead House, and the 'history of time', looking at the clocks and understanding the importance of getting timing right with regards to navigation and sea travel.

Great attraction, highly recommend
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jen
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Staff so lovely and accommodating- we were running late for our show at the planetarium having underestimated how far and steep the walk was from the tube station (especially with 5 children - tip - leave yourself PLENTY of time to get there!) and they not only waited for us to arrive before they began the show, which we hadn’t expected, but were very kind and professional and didn’t make us feel like the fools that we were for not checking the walking distance! Also the girl who ran the show at the planetarium was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeannie O
Rotkreuz, Switzerland1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful views, but horrible customer service,not family friendly and too expensive for what it is. It's a complete contract to the customer service and family friendly Maritime museum.
Written 14 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ndw78
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK1,748 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This is the place where all time starts. Stand on the GMT line and see what the time difference is for all around the world. Go through the museum and find out it’s past and how it was all discovered and used. First time I’ve been to this area and much history to see as well as amazing views of the city. Free for key workers via blue light too
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Exploration724578
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
Very hard to get your money's worth (£18) for an adult ticket when the default position is to funnel you out of the museum. We went to a film in the planetarium, which is part of the complex, and the staff wafted us out the main gate after the performance, without asking what we actually wanted to do. We then had to come in again through the main gate, which of course, we could with our tickets, even though it felt like we were being a nuisance as we were, by then, past the last entrance time. This all took more time from our visit, so we decided to make a priority of seeing the equatorial telescope, after which - guess what? - we were automatically funnelled out of the museum. 'I feel like they're keen to get rid of us!' said my son, and I have to say it was frustrating. There is no sign at the bottom of the (one-way) staircase that you're about to visit the last exhibit it of the museum, only an exhortation to buy your gifts at the gift shop before going up the stairs (just the reasonable request of any shop, we thought). We didn't have the will to ask to come back in the gate a second time and gave up. A total of £30 for a planetarium show, a look at the telescope and seeing the prime meridian is extortionate )£18 for the entrance + £12 for the planetarium show). We had travelled from Manchester that day and were on a mission to make the most of the time we had (having to drive because of train strike complications) and staying overnight in London already took so much of our budget that we could only arrive when we did. Not all visitors are staying/living locally. Luckily the beautiful views (free) and the sunshine (lucky and free) made up for the disappointment of the museum experience.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Patric D
Sandbach, UK945 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Well where else could you stand with one foot in the west, and the other in the east (geographivally speaking)
Rgere is much to see so you should perhaps plan ahead a little so that you are clear on your priorities.
It is busy, of course, but no so crowded that you can't turn around
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost £19.01, while a popular guided tour starts around £15.31 per person.

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Royal Observatory Greenwich: