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.

Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets | Prime Meridian, Cutty Sark & More

Tickets

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Royal Observatory Greenwich & Prime Meridian Entry Tickets

Stand on the Prime Meridian and explore the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time.

Everything you get: Entry to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and a multilingual audio guide (including British Sign Language).
Why choose this: Follow in the footsteps of astronomers at the Royal Observatory and stand on the world-famous Prime Meridian Line with this ticket.
Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass or enjoy early entry with an exclusive guided tour for a deeper visit of the Observatory away from the crowds.

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Check availability

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided tour

Stand on the Prime Meridian and explore the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time.

Everything you get: Entry to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich and a multilingual audio guide (including British Sign Language).
Why choose this: Follow in the footsteps of astronomers at the Royal Observatory and stand on the world-famous Prime Meridian Line with this ticket.
Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass or enjoy early entry with an exclusive guided tour for a deeper visit of the Observatory away from the crowds.

Inclusions

Entry ticket to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the Prime Meridian
Multilingual downloadable audio guide
Free downloadable audio tour (including British Sign Language)
Exclusive early access (as per option selected)
45-min guided tour (as per option selected)
English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Entry to Cutty Sark (as per option selected)
Access to The National Maritime Museum and The Queen's House (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Entry to the planetarium show

Guided tour
Food and beverages
Transportation to/from the Observatory

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID as proof may be required at entry.
Download the free audio tour in advance to avoid connectivity issues on site.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the Royal Observatory.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance animals.
Food and drinks are not permitted inside exhibition spaces.
Meals and outside food are not permitted on board the Cutty Sark.

Accessibility

The Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark are historic sites, and some areas are not fully accessible. The Octagon Room and Great Equatorial Telescope are only accessible via staircases.
An accessible version of the guided tour may be available upon request prior to booking.
Accessible parking is available only with the relevant car park ticket.
Free entry is available for one companion accompanying a disabled visitor, but they must be registered in advance.

Additional information

The standard entry ticket includes a self-guided visit
The exclusive-access guided tour ticket to the Royal Observatory Greenwich is available only on Saturdays
Shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium are not included with your ticket.
The Royal Observatory is open from 10am-5pm daily with last admission to each venue at 4:15 pm.
Children under 4 years are free but must be registered with a paying adult.
Guided tours are only valid alongside a corresponding Royal Observatory admission ticket for that date.
The guided tour route includes the Octagon Room and Great Equatorial Telescope, which are only accessible via staircases.
The downloadable audio tour includes British Sign Language.
Your visit to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory must be booked for the same day.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Tickets

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Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

Save time and discover the best of Greenwich, the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory, in one day with a single pass.

Everything you get: Entry to the legendary Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, the historic Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time, as well as access to National Maritime Museum and The Queen's house, with a multilingual audio guide.
Why choose this: Short on time? This pass is the most convenient way to explore Greenwich’s maritime and scientific heritage in a single day, helping you see more in less time.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Save time and discover the best of Greenwich, the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory, in one day with a single pass.

Everything you get: Entry to the legendary Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, the historic Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time, as well as access to National Maritime Museum and The Queen's house, with a multilingual audio guide.
Why choose this: Short on time? This pass is the most convenient way to explore Greenwich’s maritime and scientific heritage in a single day, helping you see more in less time.

Inclusions Validity: 24 hours/1 day

Downloadable multilingual audio guide at both attractions

Access to:

Museums: The National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory
Landmarks: The Queen’s House, Prime Meridian Line (Royal Observatory courtyard feature), Flamsteed House (within Royal Observatory) & Cutty Sark (historic ship & landmark)
Activities: Audio guide (Royal Observatory, multilingual), standing on the Prime Meridian Line, exploring ship’s wheel & deck of Cutty Sark
Discounts: Admission for children aged 4-15 years and disabled children (with appropriate ticket), children under 4 (must be registered with a paying adult), students with valid ID (with appropriate ticket), wheelchair users (with appropriate ticket), free entry for one companion accompanying disabled visitors.
Get all details here

Exclusions

Travel to and from the museum

Food or drink
Access to special exhibitions or guided tours at The Queen's House and National Maritime Museum
Entry for unregistered children below 4
Entry for additional companions beyond one per disabled visitor

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.
Have your booking confirmation, either digital or printed, ready for entry.

What’s not allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the venues.
Pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance animals.
Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not permitted in exhibition spaces.

Accessibility

Free companion tickets are available for visitors with disabilities.
The Royal Observatory has limited wheelchair accessibility.

Additional information

Multiple visits with the same day pass are not permitted.
Visits to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory must be booked for the same day.
Cutty Sark DLR station is closed until spring 2026. If you are traveling via the DLR, use Greenwich Station instead.
On selected summer dates, opening hours are extended. Check the calendar for the last admission.
Standard opening hours are 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4:15pm.
Children under 4 must be registered with a paying adult.

Tickets are available online for all attractions. To book online:

Select the site or exhibition you want to visit.
Pick your preferred date and entry time using the booking calendar.
Your tickets will be emailed as soon as you complete the booking process.
Make sure you bring your tickets on the day of your visit.
Tickets are also available at the admission desk, but online booking is recommended, especially for limited-capacity events. The booking office is open from 9am – 5pm.

Validity

Before activation: Valid only on your selected start date.
After activation: Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction.

Please note: Visits to the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory must be booked for the same day.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Combos

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Combo (Save 12%): Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets + Thames River Cruise

Save money with this combo that includes entry to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and a relaxing Thames cruise.

Everything you get at Royal Observatory Greenwich: Entry to the Royal Observatory, a multilingual audio guide, and access to the Royal Observatory's interiors. Stand on the Prime Meridian Line and see the world's first public clock to display Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Everything you get with the Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames: Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames, flexibility to choose from 3 piers for boarding, live English commentary, recorded commentary in 14 languages, and open-air deck & heated indoor saloon.
Why choose this combo: Save money with this convenient pass that secures your spot to stand on the world-famous Prime Meridian Line and gain a relaxing river perspective of the city's landmarks.
Upgrades: Upgrade to the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass to save money, walk the decks of the Cutty Sark, and unlock the entire UNESCO World Heritage experience at the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House.

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Audio guide

Save money with this combo that includes entry to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and a relaxing Thames cruise.

Everything you get at Royal Observatory Greenwich: Entry to the Royal Observatory, a multilingual audio guide, and access to the Royal Observatory's interiors. Stand on the Prime Meridian Line and see the world's first public clock to display Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Everything you get with the Sightseeing Cruise on the River Thames: Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames, flexibility to choose from 3 piers for boarding, live English commentary, recorded commentary in 14 languages, and open-air deck & heated indoor saloon.
Why choose this combo: Save money with this convenient pass that secures your spot to stand on the world-famous Prime Meridian Line and gain a relaxing river perspective of the city's landmarks.
Upgrades: Upgrade to the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass to save money, walk the decks of the Cutty Sark, and unlock the entire UNESCO World Heritage experience at the National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House.

Inclusions Royal Observatory Greenwich

Entry to Royal Observatory Greenwich
Multilingual audio guide

Sightseeing Cruise on River Thame

Sightseeing cruise on the River Thames (route and timetable here)
One-way sightseeing ticket
Flexible boarding time
Flexibility to choose pier for boarding from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, or Tower Pier
Live English commentary
Recorded commentary in 14 languages
Open-air deck & heated indoor saloon

Additional paid upgrades:

Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
- Entry to Cutty Sark
- Entry to the National Maritime Museum
- Entry to the Queen's House

What to bring

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Make sure to bring your tickets, either printed or on your device, along with a valid photo ID for entry.

Thames River Cruise

Keep your cruise ticket ready, either printed or digital, and arrive at your selected pier a few minutes before departure.

What's not allowed

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Drones, bicycles, roller skates, balloons, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Pets are not allowed inside the venue.

Thames River Cruise

Drones, bicycles, roller skates, balloons, and selfie sticks are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

Royal Observatory Greenwich

The experience is partially accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers.
Wheelchair access is available at the Meridian Line, Meridian Building ground floor, Astronomer’s Garden, and Camera Obscura.
Older, Grade I listed buildings, including Flamsteed House and the Great Equatorial Telescope, are not accessible for wheelchairs.
Guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Thames River Cruise

The cruise is accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers.

Additional information

Thames River Cruise

The cruise typically takes 40 mins between piers, except for Westminster Pier to London Eye Pier, which takes 10 mins.
Facilities: restrooms and baby changing areas.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Tickets

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Cutty Sark Entrance Tickets

Step aboard London’s legendary tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, and relive maritime history up close.

Everything you get: Entry to the Cutty Sark, a free downloadable audio tour (including British Sign Language guide), and free entry for a companion of a disabled visitor.
Why choose this: This ticket gives you the chance to walk the decks of one of the fastest sailing ships of its time, while an audio guide shares the stories of its voyages.

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Check availability

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Step aboard London’s legendary tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, and relive maritime history up close.

Everything you get: Entry to the Cutty Sark, a free downloadable audio tour (including British Sign Language guide), and free entry for a companion of a disabled visitor.
Why choose this: This ticket gives you the chance to walk the decks of one of the fastest sailing ships of its time, while an audio guide shares the stories of its voyages.

Inclusions

Entry ticket to Cutty Sark
Multilingual downloadable audio tour (including British Sign Language audio guide)

Exclusions

Meals

Transfers to and from the attraction

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID if requested at the entrance.
Download the free audio tour in advance to avoid any connectivity issues at the site.
Ensure you have your car park ticket if you purchased the option with parking access.

What’s not allowed

Meals and outside food are not permitted on board.
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered assistance dogs.

Accessibility

The experience may not be fully accessible for all mobility needs due to the historic nature of the ship.
Only up to three wheelchairs can be accommodated on the ship at one time due to fire safety and evacuation procedures.
Accessible parking is available only with the relevant car park ticket.

Additional Information

Children under 4 and all children must be registered with a paying adult.
The downloadable audio tour includes British Sign Language.
Regular opening hours are 10am to 5pm (last admission at 4:15pm).
The car park is located on Park Row and closes promptly after 5pm.
Car park access is not included unless you have purchased the specific car park ticket.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside peak hours (12pm–3pm).

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Plan your visit to Royal Observatory Greenwich

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

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.

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.

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.

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.