London Tickets

Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets

4.3(2,867)

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Royal Observatory Greenwich with brick architecture and dome under clear sky.
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.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 43 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.
Heith England
US

Heith

United States
Oct 2025
5/5
Really great interactive things to engage with while touring the ship. Lots of amazing information and history! I would recommend it to anybody visiting London
Gary purchade
GB

Gary

United Kingdom
Jun 2023
5/5
Never been as a kid. But it was most interesting. The weather was great and it's only just down the road from me . Not a bad price either. Try it
Scott Bester
GB

Scott

United Kingdom
Sep 2025
5/5
It was a great experience. The guide was very knowledgable and engaging. It was great being there before it was open to the public as you could easily look at things and ask questions without too many people in the way. Really made it come to life.
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.
KAREN WISE
GB

Karen

United Kingdom
Sep 2023
5/5
Easy to book, alot of information, we booked the cutty sark and observatory day pass so much to see, it was a full day, so much history, myself and my partner had a great day, everyone was so nice, I have to mention the guy who went into detail about the telescope at the end of the day, he was so nice, helpful and patient, it was the end of the day as they were closing but he was so professional and carried on with interest about the observatory and the telescope, what a ambassador you have to your museum 👍
Robin Moore

Robin

Oct 2022
4/5
Great visit, odly you have to email the ticket to the perople on the desk before they can issue a ticket, so ensure you can do this when you arrive but other than that the process was fine, visited the Cutty Sark and Greenich.

Top things to do in London

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.
Finger pointing at the Prime Meridian line at Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Child observing a historical telescope at Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Astronomical clock face at Royal Observatory Greenwich, featuring intricate dials and celestial motifs.
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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

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

Peter Harrison Planetarium

Explore the stars at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, led by expert astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Experience stunning visualizations, real-life space photography, and live commentary, making each show immersive and educational, perfect for visitors curious about the universe, astronomy, and celestial phenomena.

More about Peter Harrison Planetarium
Prime Meridian line at Royal Observatory Greenwich, London.

Prime Meridian Line

Stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and the other in the western, and tick off an iconic bucket-list moment. Learn what makes this line truly special with your multilingual audio guide.

Great Equatorial Telescope at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Great Equatorial Telescope

Spot the distinctive onion-shaped dome of the Great Equatorial Telescope, installed in 1893 by the Grubb Telescope Company. One of the largest refracting telescopes, it was originally designed for astrophotography and remains a remarkable feature of the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s historic scientific heritage.

Shepherd Gate Clock at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Shepherd Gate Clock

The Shepherd Gate Clock, installed at the Royal Observatory gates, was the first to publicly display Greenwich Mean Time. Featuring a 24-hour dial, it shows noon with hands pointing down instead of up, allowing visitors to experience timekeeping history in a unique and iconic way.

Read up on Shepherd Gate Clock
royal observatory greenwich tickets

Octagon Room

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Octagon Room is the oldest part of the Observatory. Its high ceilings and large windows provided uninterrupted night-sky views and space for advanced clocks, allowing astronomers to conduct precise observations and timekeeping in the heart of Greenwich.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Harrison Clocks

The Harrison Clocks—H1 to H4—were revolutionary marine timekeepers that allowed ships to calculate longitude at sea. Designed by John Harrison, these clocks are milestones in horology, showcasing ingenuity in timekeeping and maritime navigation, and remain a highlight of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Airy Transit Circle Telescope

Housed in the Transit Circle Room, the Airy Transit Circle Telescope, designed by George Biddell Airy, helped establish the world’s Prime Meridian. Its original mounting remains intact, marking a pivotal achievement in astronomy and global time measurement at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

royal observatory greenwich tickets

Flamsteed House

Flamsteed House was home to the Astronomer Royals, beginning with John Flamsteed under King Charles II. Visitors can explore where these astronomers lived and worked, witnessing the blend of daily life and groundbreaking scientific research that shaped the study of astronomy at the Royal Observatory.

Plan your visit to Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
  • Royal Observatory: 10am to 6pm daily, with last entry at 5pm.
  • Cutty Sark: 10am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 4:15pm.
  • Flamsteed House: 10am to 6pm daily, with last entry at 5pm.
  • Prime Meridian Line: 10am to 6pm daily, with last entry at 5pm.
  • Octagon Room: 10am to 6pm daily, with last entry at 5pm.
  • Peter Harrison Planetarium: Currently closed for a major renovation as part of the "First Light" project. It officially shut on September 8, 2025, and is scheduled to reopen in spring 2028.
Royal Observatory opening hours
Signpost with directions to Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, and Greenwich attractions.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

  • Weekdays: Monday to Thursday is ideal for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds. Arriving just after opening at 10 am or late afternoon near closing at 5 pm allows for a more peaceful visit.
  • Weekends: These days tend to be busier and more crowded, particularly in summer. Expect larger crowds, especially during school holidays and summer months.

Best time of the day

  • Early morning: Arriving just after opening or around lunchtime helps avoid the midday surge of visitors. To see the iconic red Greenwich Time Ball drop, plan your visit around 12:30 pm.

Best time of the year

  • Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer mild weather and smaller crowds, providing a calmer experience.

Peak vs. Low

  • Peak season: Summer (June to August) is the peak season, with long days and large tourist groups.
  • Low season: Winter (January to February) sees the fewest visitors, though the weather can be windy and cold.
Plan your visit to the Royal Observatory

Address: Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom | Find on maps

By train:

  • Nearest stations: Greenwich and Maze Hill
  • From London Cannon Street or London Bridge: Direct trains to Greenwich Station, approximately a 10–15 minute walk to the Observatory.

By DLR (Docklands Light Railway):

  • Nearest station: Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich
  • Note: The Cutty Sark DLR station is temporarily closed until spring 2026. During this period, it’s best to use Greenwich DLR Station, about a 10-minute walk away.

By Bus:

  • Routes: 53, 54, 202, 380
  • Nearest stops: Royal Observatory Greenwich and Peter Harrison Planetarium
  • Note: Bus services may change, so check local schedules before traveling.

By Car:

  • Via: A2 and Blackheath Avenue
  • Nearest parking: Greenwich Park Car Park (SE10 8XJ)

Note: Parking within Greenwich Park is limited and may close at dusk. Alternative options include Park Row Car Park (SE10 9HL) and Cutty Sark Gardens Car Park (SE10 9HT).

Getting to Royal Observatory
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

Toilets and baby-change facilities

  • Accessible toilets and baby-change facilities are available 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.
  • For a full Changing Places facility, head down the hill to the National Maritime Museum.

Cafe

  • The Astronomy Café & Terrace is located in the Astronomy Centre. 
  • It offers light meals, snacks, and beverages for a quick lunch or coffee before or after your visit.

Shop

  • The Royal Observatory Shop is next to the Meridian Courtyard, inside the Astronomy Centre.
  • It features clocks, watches, telescopes, educational toys, and unique souvenirs.

Other facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the Observatory. Connect and use the Smartify app to access detailed information about exhibits.
  • Lost property: Found items or inquiries can be directed to visitor assistants at the Observatory.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible routes are available for parts of the Observatory, including the Meridian Line, Astronomer’s Garden, and Camera Obscura.
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
  • Food and beverages: Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibits.
  • Photography: Photography is permitted for personal use, but tripods, flash, and professional equipment are restricted.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed inside, except for registered service animals.
  • Bags and personal items: Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are prohibited inside the buildings.
  • Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the Observatory and its buildings.
  • Audio and visual equipment: Audio devices must be used with headphones; loud equipment that disturbs others is not allowed.
  • Children: Children must be supervised at all times while inside the Observatory.
Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

The Astronomy Café & Terrace | Find on maps

Located in the Astronomy Centre, this café offers light lunches, snacks, breakfast, brunch, and hot and cold drinks. It features an outdoor terrace for seating on days with good weather. Additionally, there is a dedicated event catering service available for larger functions and galas.

Facilities:

  • Opening hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
  • Accessibility: The café is wheelchair accessible and has disabled toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available for visitors.

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

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

Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours exploring the exhibits, walking along the Prime Meridian Line, and enjoying the panoramic 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 place one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and the other in the Western. It’s an iconic photo opportunity as this is the only place on Earth where you can do this.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Royal Observatory?

The Observatory is family-friendly. While young children may find some exhibits challenging, interactive sections and the planetarium offer engaging experiences for all ages.

Do I need to arrive early for my time slot?

It’s best to arrive 10–15 minutes early, especially if you already have tickets. This gives you time to stroll through Greenwich Park and enjoy the views before your visit.

What’s the weather policy?

As parts of the Observatory are outdoors, plan accordingly. The site remains open rain or shine, though some outdoor exhibits may close temporarily in 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.