The Royal Observatory Greenwich, founded by King Charles II in 1675, was Britain's first purpose-built scientific research facility, beginning with Flamsteed House designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It is world-famous as the home of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), adopted as the global reference at the 1884 International Meridian Conference and the origin point of Greenwich Mean Time and the world's time zones. Visitors can straddle the Meridian Line with one foot in each hemisphere and see the Harrison marine timekeepers that solved the longitude problem, alongside the great Victorian telescope. As of 2026 the Peter Harrison Planetarium is closed for a major transformation project (due to reopen in spring 2028), with an interim planetarium experience running at the nearby National Maritime Museum.
The Prime Meridian Line - stand astride 0° longitude with one foot in the Eastern and one in the Western Hemisphere
Harrison's marine timekeepers (H1-H4) - the clocks that cracked the 18th-century longitude problem
The Greenwich Time Ball - dropping daily at 1pm since 1833, one of the world's earliest public time signals
The Great Equatorial Telescope (28-inch, 1893) - the UK's largest refractor, housed under the onion dome
The Shepherd Gate Clock and sweeping panoramic views over London from the top of Greenwich Park
Good to know
RulesEntry is ticketed and can sell out at peak times, so book online in advance via the official RMG website. Confirm current prices and opening hours before you go.
RulesThe Peter Harrison Planetarium is closed for redevelopment and is expected to reopen in spring 2028. If you want a star show, check whether the interim experience at the National Maritime Museum is running.
SeasonThe Observatory sits at the top of a hill in Greenwich Park, a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the stations. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a windproof layer in spring, autumn and winter as it is exposed and breezy at the top.
CautionBuy tickets from the official website rather than third-party resellers that add a mark-up. If you also want to see the Cutty Sark, the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass can be better value.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets around the busy Meridian Line and on public transport (DLR and buses). Keep bags in front of you and split up your passport and cash.
MannersQueues for the Meridian Line photo can be long, so wait your turn, and keep noise down in the galleries and indoor viewing spaces. Follow any no-flash or no-tripod rules when photographing exhibits.
Practical info
From central London take the DLR to Cutty Sark or Greenwich station, then walk 10-15 minutes uphill through Greenwich Park (buses 53, 54, 202 and 380, the Greenwich Pier riverboat and Maze Hill rail station also serve the area). The site typically opens at 10am with extended evening hours in summer; check the official website for the latest ticket and Day Pass prices and exact opening and last-entry times.
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