How to visit Royal Observatory Greenwich

• Plan around the closure: The Royal Observatory closes to the public on 2 November 2026 for a long-term renovation. Book an Observatory visit for a date before then.
  
• Stand on the Prime Meridian: See the historic line marking 0° longitude and take a photograph with one foot in each hemisphere.
  
• Explore the history of time: Discover John Harrison’s marine timekeepers, the Shepherd Gate Clock and instruments used to study the stars.
  
• Choose your ticket: Options include standard admission, guided or early-access experiences, a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass and combination tickets.
  
• Allow 1.5–2 hours: Set aside enough time for the historic rooms, clocks, telescopes and views across Greenwich.
  
• Know what’s closed: The Peter Harrison Planetarium and Astronomy Centre are already closed for renovation. Planetarium shows are not included in Observatory admission.
  
• Make it a Greenwich day out: Choose a Day Pass for multiple Royal Museums Greenwich sites or a combo with the Cutty Sark, Thames River Cruise, Tower of London or London Eye.

Closure notice: The Royal Observatory Greenwich closes on 2 November 2026 for a long-term renovation. The information below explains the Observatory’s permanent history and highlights, but standard public visits should be planned before the closure. Check the latest official updates before booking.

Things to know before booking Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

• Book for a date before the closure: The Royal Observatory is scheduled to close to the public from 2 November 2026 for a long-term renovation project, and is likely to open sometime in the summer of 2027. If you want to see the Prime Meridian Line and the Observatory’s historic interiors in person, check availability for a date before the closure. Ticket calendars and opening arrangements can change, so confirm the date and entry time before paying.
  
• Know what standard admission covers: The standard Royal Observatory ticket covers admission to the Observatory and access to the Prime Meridian Line, with a downloadable multilingual audio guide that includes British Sign Language. Guided tours, early-access experiences and access to additional Royal Museums Greenwich sites are not automatic inclusions; they depend on the ticket variant selected.
  
• Don’t book expecting a planetarium show: The Peter Harrison Planetarium and Astronomy Centre have been closed since September 2025 for a long-term transformation project. A planetarium show is not included in standard Observatory admission. 
  
• Decide whether a combo suits your day: The Cutty Sark and Observatory combo covers two Greenwich landmarks, while the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass includes the Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House. Other combinations connect the Observatory with a Thames River Cruise, Tower of London or London Eye. Observatory-inclusive combinations should be booked only for dates when Observatory access is available.
  
• Check cancellation terms and timed entries: The standard Observatory ticket and several combination tickets are listed as non-cancellable and non-reschedulable. The Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass has a different cancellation policy, with a full refund available when cancelled at least 24 hours before the experience start time. The Tower of London combination also has a timed-entry window for the Tower, so allow for both attractions’ schedules.
  
• Allow time for the walk uphill: The Observatory is in Greenwich Park, above the town centre and riverside. From Greenwich Station or Cutty Sark DLR, allow extra time to reach the entrance on foot, including the uphill section through the park. Check current transport and park access before travelling; routes and station arrangements can change.
  
• Plan around accessibility needs: Accessibility varies across the historic buildings and instruments. Some ground-level areas and the Meridian Line may be accessible, while spaces such as the Octagon Room and Great Equatorial Telescope involve stairs. Assistance animals are permitted. 

Royal Observatory Greenwich map

Visitor tips for Royal Observatory Greenwich

• Arrive before midday if you want to see the Time Ball: It is scheduled to drop at 1pm daily when operating. Confirm the day’s programme and aim to arrive around 12:30pm.
  
• Leave time for the climb: The Observatory sits uphill in Greenwich Park. Wear footwear suitable for walking and allow extra time if approaching from the station or riverside.
  
• Check the date before paying: The whole site is scheduled to close on 2 November 2026. Make sure your selected ticket date falls within the available visiting period.
  
• Choose a combo based on your priorities: The Day Pass covers multiple Royal Museums Greenwich sites, while the Cutty Sark, Thames cruise, Tower of London and London Eye combinations offer different ways to extend the day.
  
• Don’t assume the planetarium is included: The Peter Harrison Planetarium and Astronomy Centre are closed for renovation, and standard Observatory admission does not include a planetarium show.
  
• Check access before your visit: Some historic spaces involve stairs. Contact the venue if you need step-free access or want to confirm which areas will be accessible.