London Tickets
Closed for renovations!

The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich closed on 8 September 2025 for the First Light renovation, which will run until spring 2028. When it reopens, you can explore brand-new galleries, interactive displays, and striking modern architecture!

Children gazing at stars inside Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Observatory Greenwich.













































































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Explore time & space at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Planning a trip to London? Be sure to add the Royal Observatory at Greenwich to your itinerary and explore the worlds of astronomy, navigation, and timekeeping. As the Home of the Prime Meridian, it’s the only place where you can stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and the other in the west. With views over Greenwich Park and the Thames, a visit to the Royal Observatory feels like stepping back in time, making it a must-visit in London.

Why visit the Royal Observatory at Greenwich?

Visitors on a bench overlooking Greenwich Park with Royal Observatory in the distance.
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Overview

Step into the home of the Prime Meridian in Greenwich and set off on a journey through time. Wander through Flamsteed House and the Octagon Room, explore galleries dedicated to longitude, and spot the Shepherd Gate Clock. Don’t miss the historic Time Ball dropping at 1pm each day!

About the Royal Observatory

Prime Meridian

Ever wanted to stand in two places at once? At the Prime Meridian you can! With one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western, this line, officially adopted as the world’s reference point in 1884, is one of the most photographed spots in Greenwich.

Astronomical significance & World Heritage site

Founded in 1675, the Royal Observatory became the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the heart of astronomical research that changed the way the world navigated. Its legacy is so important that it now forms part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Clock collection

The Observatory is home to some of the most remarkable timepieces ever made. See John Harrison’s revolutionary marine timekeepers (H1–H4), early sea clocks, precision astronomical regulators, the Shepherd Gate Clock, and the famous Time Ball.

More about the Shepherd Gate Clock

Things to know before booking your Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

  • Overview: The Royal Observatory is compact but packed with history and exhibits, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore fully. Make sure you time your visit to include trips to Flamsteed House, the Octagon Room, galleries, the Prime Meridian, and Cutty Sark for a holistic experience of the space.
  • Ticket options: You can choose from a range of ticket options at the Observatory including standard entry tickets, upgraded tickets with early access, or a full-day Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass.  For a more wholesome Greenwich experience, go in for combo options that grant you entry to the observatory along with a relaxing cruise on the river Thames.
  • Inclusions & upgrades: Standard tickets include entry to the Royal Observatory and a multilingual downloadable audio guide. Upgraded tickets include a few more benefits that include early access, guided tours, entry to Cutty Sark, and access to other Royal Museums Greenwich attractions.
  • Planetarium tickets: Tickets for the Planetarium shows (currently closed for renovation until 2028) are not included with standard tickets and must be purchased separately. The shows cover various topics, from the wonders of the night sky to special deep-space events, and are highly recommended for a more immersive experience.
  • Timing your visit: Plan your visit according to what you want to see at the Observatory. If you want to watch the iconic red Greenwich Time Ball drop atop Flamsteed House, be there around 12:30 pm. For a quieter experience without crowds, visit on weekday mornings just after opening (10 am).
  • Combo options: To make the most of your visit to Greenwich while saving time and money, combo tickets are a great choice. Combine entry to the Royal Observatory with experiences such as the Cutty Sark visit or a River Thames sightseeing cruise to cover two exciting attractions in one day.
Royal observatory greenwich route map

Explore Royal Observatory Greenwich

Plan your visit to Royal Observatory Greenwich

Visitor tips

  • Upgrade your tickets: Consider upgrading your Royal Observatory tickets or booking Planetarium shows separately. These shows are informative, beautifully presented, and highly recommended.
  • Time your visit: Plan to see the 1 pm red ball drop from the top of the Observatory, one of the earliest public methods of signalling time.
  • Plan a full day: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. A Royal Museum's Greenwich Day Pass provides access to all three.
  • Prime Meridian: If you’re visiting solely to see the Prime Meridian, you can find its continuation outside the Observatory. However, the museum’s exhibits and artifacts make the visit well worth your time.
  • Getting there: The Castle Hill route is steep, so climb slowly. The Avenue route is gentler but longer. To avoid hills, reach the Observatory via Blackheath.

Frequently asked questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours exploring the exhibits, walking along the Prime Meridian Line, and enjoying the panoramic views from the hill.