Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets

4.3(4,561)

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Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets
























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Jacqueline Hamilton
GB

Jacqueline

United Kingdom
Jul 2025
5/5
review-image
On the approach to the Royal Observatory the view of Blackheath Avenue with the monument at the head draws the eye towards the glorious vista of the London skyline. The Observatory Staff at the entrance gate were so welcoming and friendly with witty London banter which made us chuckle. We made our way through the buildings where we watched a video of the telescope being commissioned and the roof opening which really brought our trip to life. We headed then to use the toilets which were clean and tidy. Much appreciated 👍 Next was the Planetarium show. again the entrance staff were friendly and helpful and we joined the queue for the show with great expectancy. We were not disappointed! Comfy seats and a witty staff member were our introduction to the Universe. Colourful, relaxing and informative light and sound show.
Brigitta Toth-Feleki
GB

Brigitta

United Kingdom
May 2025
5/5
review-image
I visited the Planetary show with my son (7), my autistic daughter (9) and with my mother. For all of us it was a great and amazing spectacular. I was concern about my daughter as she may want to leave before the performance would finish, but it captured her heart as well... it was clearly a WOW-factor.... later we had a nice walk around the Observatory's area and in the park, spent there overall a 4 hours. Highly recommended.
Gervasio Parente
DE

Gervasio

Germany
Jul 2025
5/5
That's what we needed: I think that paying the single ticket isn't sometime worthy for some attraction but the London ticket prices was fair enough.
Abdulaziz Albassam
SA

Abdulaziz

Saudi Arabia
Apr 2025
5/5
The pass allowed for spontaneous planning and enabled easy access to multiple locations through one ticket. I loved the variety of options and how clear the instructions were.
Robert Eng
US

Robert

United States
Sep 2024
4/5
We chose 3 because we only had 1 day. It was great because it did not require reservations for Westminster Abbey which was sold out for the day.
Oliver Nash
GB

Oliver

United Kingdom
Aug 2024
5/5
The exhibition was phenomenal. Well worthy of a trip to London. 5 stars Like nothing we have ever seen before Great value as well Best wishes Oliver Nash Author of The Primate Puzzle
Shriram Vaidya
IN

Shriram

India
Jul 2025
5/5
Great we loved it! It was well organized. Planetarium was good show, may be we can have selective talking for related imp information & reduce talking time & more planetary show.. Mobile must be switched off mandatory in this planetary show.
Marko Lovrić

Marko

Jul 2025
5/5
Purchasing tickets in Headout is very simple, and what I like the most you see your upcoming appointments. No need to search through mail inbox or print the tickets. The Observatory is nice, my kids enjoyed it a lot.


Royal Observatory Greenwich | Home of the Prime Meridian

Is standing in the eastern and western hemispheres of our planet at the same time, a part of your bucket list? Tick this off your list by planning your visit to the Royal Observatory Greenwich! Located in Southeast London, the Royal Observatory is an unmissable attraction in the city!

Why visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich Prime Meridian
  • See the Prime Meridian: The Prime Meridian is the longitude that divides the world into the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is home to this extremely important point. 
  • Astronomical significance: Before the Royal Observatory, there was no standard way of measuring time. It was only after the establishment of Greenwich Mean Time, that the world got a universal measure of time. 
  • Amazing clock collection: The Royal Observatory Greenwich has an amazing collection of clocks! Their collection includes historic timepieces that have revolutionized the way we record, measure, and keep track of time. 
  • World Heritage Site: The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site since it is an incredibly important part of maritime history. 

Things to know before booking your Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

  • Book your tickets for the Royal Observatory Greenwich in advance to avoid queues and waiting times. Walk-in tickets may not be available if you plan to visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich during peak season. However, if you have already booked your tickets online you will be able to visit the attraction during peak season and times.
  • Booking your tickets online is recommended. When compared to offline purchases, online tickets are cheaper and more convenient to buy. You will find lots of special discounts and offers online. These benefits may not be available if you buy tickets including upgrades and combo tickets. 
  • Standard tickets for the Royal Observatory Greenwich include entry access to the attraction and the various exhibits inside the Observatory. You can upgrade your tickets to include a visit to Cutty Sark as well. 
  • Tickets for the Planetarium are not included with your entry tickets for the Royal Observatory, they have to be purchased separately. Planetarium shows are included with the Planetarium tickets but not the Royal Observatory tickets. 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.
  • Plan your visit around 12:30pm to see the iconic red Greenwich time ball drop from the top of Flamsteed House. 
  • Certain parts of the experience may not be accessible for people with reduced mobility. Please refer to your tickets for additional information.

Which Royal Observatory Greenwich ticket is best for you

Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

If you are a history buff

Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: No
Guide: Audio guide

  • Explore the different attractions at the Royal Observatory at your own pace. 
  • Learn about each attraction with an audio guide with accurate and interesting information. 

Recommended tours

  • Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

If you are on a budget

Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: Depends
Guide:
Audio guide

  • In addition to the Observatory, these tickets let you explore the Planetarium, a river cruise, or other royal museums.

Recommended tours

  • Royal Observatory + Planetarium
  • Royal Observatory + Sightseeing Cruise
  • Royal Museums Pass
royal observatory greenwich tickets

If you are short on time

Go for: Planetarium tickets
Duration: 30 mins
Access to planetarium: Yes
Guide: Yes

  • Visit London’s only operational planetarium, for a live show hosted by an astronomer.
  • These tickets include access to The Sky Tonight show and special exhibitions.

Recommended tour

  • Royal Observatory Planetarium Show Tickets
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: Combo tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to Planetarium: No
Guide: Professional tour guide

  • Upgrade entry tickets to include a visit to Cutty Sark for a small fee. 
  • A professional tour guide will share stories of sailors and the interesting history of the magnificent Cutty Sark ship.  

Recommended tours

  • Royal Museum Greenwich Day Pass
  • London Explorer Pass by Go City

Explore Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich with visitors exploring the historic building and surrounding gardens.

Peter Harrison Planetarium

Learn about the stars at the Peter Harrison Planetarium. All the shows at the planetarium are led by expert astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Visualizations, real-life space photography, and live commentary by astronomers add to the overall experience at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.

Prime Meridian Line at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Prime Meridian Line

Stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line and put one foot towards the east of the line and the other towards the left. You are standing on both the eastern and the western hemispheres of the world at the same time! Standing on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich is included with your entry tickets.

Great Equatorial Telescope at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Great Equatorial Telescope

Look up while walking towards the Royal Observatory, and you will see a distinctive onion-shaped dome—the roof of the Great Equatorial Telescope. Installed in 1893, it was built by the Grubb Telescope Company in Dublin. It is one of the largest refracting telescopes, originally designed for astrophotography.

Shepherd Gate Clock at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Shepherd Gate Clock

The Shepherd Gate Clock was the first clock to display the Greenwich Mean Time to the public. Installed at the gates of the Royal Observatory, the clock displays twenty-four hours on its face, instead of the usual twelve hours. This means that when it is noon, the hands of the clock will be pointing straight down instead of straight up.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Octagon Room

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Octagon Room is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The high ceilings and windows were designed to provide astronomers with uninterrupted views of the night sky. The high ceiling allowed astronomers to install some of the most advanced clocks inside the room.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Harrison Clocks

Designed by John Harrison, the Harrison Clocks—H1, H2, H3, and H4 clocks—are used mainly as a marine timekeeper. These clocks were the first ones that allowed ships to determine their longitude at sea. All four clocks, especially H1, are considered to be one of the greatest milestones in the history of clock-making.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Airy Transit Circle Telescope

Located in its original mounting in the Transit Circle Room at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Airy Transit Circle Telescope was designed by English mathematician and astronomer George Biddell Airy. It was this telescope that helped astronomers determine the location of the Prime Meridian in the world.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Flamsteed House

Visit Flamsteed House to see where the leading astronomers of the day, called Astronomer Royals, lived and worked. The Astronomer Royal’s position was introduced by King Charles II, leading the way in science and astronomy. See how John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal, and others who came after him balanced work with life.

Plan your visit to Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

Royal Observatory Greenwich is open daily from 10am to 5pm. The last entry to the attraction is at 4:15pm.

Best time to visit: For a comfortable and hassle-free experience, the best time to visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich is during weekday mornings, just when the attraction opens. You can also plan your visit to the Observatory during the late afternoon as well.

Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • By rail: Direct trains from London Cannon Street and London Bridge
    Nearest stops: Greenwich and Maze Hill
  • By tube: Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
    Nearest stops: Cutty Sark Station
  • By bus: 53, 54, 202, 380
    Nearest stops: Royal Observatory Greenwich and Peter Harrison Planetarium
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
  • Toilets and baby-change facilities: In the Historic Royal Observatory, an accessible toilet and baby-change facility are located on the right-hand side after exiting the Admissions area. Additional toilets are located at the base of the external staircases in front of Flamsteed House.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Sign in to the free WiFi at the Observatory and download the Smartify app for free to learn more about the Observatory and its attractions. 
  • Lost property: Any found items or inquiries can be directed to one of the visitor assistants at the Royal Observatory.
  • Changing rooms: The nearest changing places facility is down the hill from the Observatory, at the National Maritime Museum.
  • Cafe: Located in the Astronomy Centre, the Astronomy Café & Terrace is a relaxed spot to enjoy a light lunch before or after your visit. 
  • Gift shop: Take home a souvenir from the Royal Observatory Shop. Choose from a wide range of unique items, from clocks and watches to telescopes and children's toys. Head to the shop next to the Meridian Courtyard, in the Astronomy Centre, or shop online.
royal observatory greenwich tickets
  • Wheelchair-access: The Royal Observatory and all other Royal Museums Greenwich sites have accessible toilets, and all cafés and gift shops are wheelchair-accessible.
  • Wheelchair on loan: A few manual wheelchairs are available to borrow for free at the Information Desk. Booking these in advance by emailing bookings@rmg.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)20 8312 6608.
  • Partial accessibility: There is no step-free access to the upper floor of Flamsteed House, the Octagon Room, the Time and Society Gallery, the Great Equatorial Telescope, or the Camera Obscura.
  • BSL tours: British Sign Language-supported and subtitled film and touchscreens are available at selected points within the permanent galleries. The Royal Observatory audio guide is also available with British Sign Language.
  • Hearing aid loops: Induction loops for hearing aids are fitted at all information desks.
royal observatory greenwich tickets
  • Outside food and beverages aren’t allowed inside the exhibits, but you’ll find cafes nearby in Greenwich Park and the surrounding area.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas for personal use, though tripods and flash are restricted. Be sure to ask staff if you’re unsure about a specific exhibit.
  • Pets are not permitted inside, but service animals are welcome throughout the grounds and exhibits.
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
  • Upgrade your observatory tickets or book planetarium show tickets separately. These shows are quite informative and beautifully presented. You definitely do not want to miss these!
  • Time your visit to see the 1pm “red ball” drop from the top of the observatory and see one of the earliest ways time was signaled publicly.
  • Plan your whole day by visiting nearby attractions like Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. Book a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass for access to all three.
  • If you’re visiting just to see the Prime Meridian, you can find the continuation of the line outside the observatory premises. However, the museum is full of information and engaging artifacts and is well worth the visit.
  • The Castle Hill route is quite steep and we recommend climbing slowly. The Avenue hill is slightly easier to climb but it does take longer to reach the observatory. If you want to avoid climbing hills altogether, reach via Blackheath.
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
  • Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant: Be it breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner, Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant serves delicious contemporary European cuisine. 
  • Midpoint Restaurant: Enjoy sumptuous Turkish dishes in a modern yet rustic setting at the Midpoint Restaurant. 
  • Greenwich Tavern: Spread over three floors, the Greenwich Tavern is a bar and restaurant that serves yummy cocktails, and has a host of delightful British and European dishes to choose from.
  • The Hill Restaurant: Serving Mediterranean cuisine, the Hill is a popular restaurant in the Greenwich area. From its patio gardens to airy rooms decorated with Ecuadorian art, the Hill is a must-visit restaurant. 
  • The Pavilion Cafe: Offering counter-style service, the Pavilion Cafe serves delicious snacks, Fairtrade coffee, and yummy cakes.
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
  • Greenwich Park (482 m): Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, offering landscapes, city views, and a chance to stand on the Prime Meridian line. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with a view.
  • National Maritime Museum (643 m): The National Maritime Museum dives into Britain’s seafaring history, showcasing treasures from historic ships to tales of legendary explorers. Perfect for anyone curious about the nation’s naval past!
  • Queen’s House (643 m): Step into the Queen’s House in Greenwich, a 17th-century royal villa filled with art and history at every turn. This architectural gem offers a glimpse into royal life and incredible views across Greenwich Park.
  • Cutty Sark (965 m): Climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, and learn what life was like on the sea. This ship brings maritime history to life with interactive exhibits and river views.

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

How long should I plan to spend at the Royal Observatory?

Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, Prime Meridian line, and taking in the views from the hill.

Are guides available at the Observatory?

Yes! Knowledgeable guides are available for tours. Your tickets also include audio guides so you can learn more about each exhibit at your own pace.

What’s special about the Prime Meridian Line?

Standing on the Prime Meridian line lets you straddle two hemispheres—perfect for that one-of-a-kind photo op! This is the only place on Earth where you can place one foot in the East and the other in the West.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Royal Observatory?

The Observatory is family-friendly, but young children may find some exhibits challenging to understand. There are interactive sections and the planetarium that appeal to all ages.

Do I need to arrive early for my time slot?

Arriving 10-15 minutes early is generally enough, especially if you already have tickets. This gives you time to walk through Greenwich Park and enjoy the views.

What’s the weather policy?

Since part of the Observatory experience includes outdoor views, plan accordingly! The Observatory remains open rain or shine, though some outdoor exhibits may close temporarily during severe weather.

Is the Royal Observatory part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes! The Royal Observatory is part of Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes other historic landmarks in the area.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.