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Mist Royal Observatory Greenwich
About Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Greenwich Meridian Line, Longitude 0°, is the centre of world time, defined by a transit instrument and line across the Observatory courtyard. Endorsed by international
agreement in 1884 as the Prime Meridian of the world, it attracts visitors from around the
globe to stand astride the line that divides East and West. You can see the 17th century rooms occupied by the first Astronomer Royal, the observation room with its early Tompion clocks and displays on the development of improved navigation at sea that led to Britain’s leadership in world exploration and trade for several centuries.
The most important, intricate, marine timekeepers of John Harrison, the carpenter/inventor, are all on display alongside the earliest accurate clocks used to establish Greenwich as the world standard for accurate time signals. These Greenwich clocks became the centre for sending the time signal throughout Britain and later by cable to synchronise with other nations. New galleries explore how time impacts on our daily life and the giant 28” refracting telescope can be seen.
Planetarium
Take a journey through time and space at London’s only public planetarium. The planetarium’s visually captivating shows provide a magnificent introduction to the mysteries and wonders of the universe, with information from NASA telescopes and the latest terrestrial technology revealing the secrets of pulsars and black holes. All shows are hosted by Royal Observatory astronomers who are available to answer questions after the main programme. All shows are suitable for children aged 7+. Secret of the Cardboard Rocket and Stargazing for Beginners are also suitable for under-5s.
Visitors can also try their hand at being an astronomer, guide a space mission or touch a meteorite which is over 4.5 billion years old at the Astronomy Galleries in the Astronomy Centre.
Royal Observatory Greenwich Facilities
| Opening times: | 10.00 – 17.00. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
|---|---|
| Booking and payment details | Free |
Royal Observatory Greenwich Address
| Address: | Greenwich Park Greenwich SE10 9NF |
|---|---|
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 8312 6565 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 8312 6632 |
| Email: | bookings@nmm.ac.uk |
| Website: | www.nmm.ac.uk |
Prices:
| Adult: | Free |
|---|---|
| Child: | Free |
| Family: | Free |
| Concession: | Free |
Location Information for Royal Observatory Greenwich
| Address: | Greenwich Park Greenwich SE10 9NF |
|---|---|
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 8312 6565 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 8312 6632 |
| Email: | bookings@nmm.ac.uk |
| Website: | www.nmm.ac.uk |
| Public transport: | DLR – Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich* By boat – from most central London piers)* Bus 53 from Oxford Circus stops at park gates. * 15 minute walk through park to Observatory. |
Getting to Royal Observatory Greenwich using public transport? Find the fastest route below:
© Collins Bartholomew 2008What else is near Royal Observatory Greenwich?
Traveller Rating:
Based on 9 reviews
Latest 5 reviews of Royal Observatory Greenwich
One of my favourite places in London
Greenwich is one of my favourite areas in London and the observatory is well worth a visit especially if you are around Greenwich. It is surrounded by the park and has the best view of East London.
I actually went in to the observatory when I was a little girl but remember having to observe the stars and the whole theory of astronomy and planets were explained. I still go around there now. Greenwich altogether is a very peaceful place to be.
To get to is might be a bit of a struggle as you have to walk up to the top where it is. But if you are going by car you enter from the top of the park in that case you are just few minutes walk away from it.
The closest station is Maritime Greenwich DLR (Dockland Light Railway) and it takes about 10 minutes to walk there. The Cutty Sark is on the left as you come out of the station but however due to the fire it has been closed.
6 November 2008
Stand on the line and take your photo!
After a good amount of walking from the Docklands light rail, via Canary Wharf, thru a couple small streets, thru a beautiful pak, then up a mid-sized steep hill, you reach the Maritime line. The views to London, especially the Canary Wharf office buildings are amazing. Specular fun to have your photo taken on "the line" by yourself or with your friends; and even a quaint gift shop, too. Although its a good hike to get there from London Central, plan a good hour at least, it's just plain fun! I will always remember it, that's for sure. Clearly a world renown tourist sight! Remember to wear comfortable shoes!
24 August 2007
Just be there!
Royal Observatory is a small museum with few items to see and quite narrow - easily gets crowned.
Nonetheless, it is almost an obligatory stop on a day in Greenwich, and feel the primary Meridian.
It is a short walk in the park, altghough up hill to reach the observatory from the National Maritime Museum. Close by there is also Naval Academy and the Cutty Sark also worth a visit.
3 June 2007
A unique and terrific place!
Gettting there was easy - take the Tube to the railway line and switch over (underground) at no extra cost using your Oyster card. This above ground rail line passes through attractive areas enroute.
Get off at the Royal Greenwich Observatory train stop. There's an excellent Tourist Information Office is across the street from the burned out Cutty Sarc ship. Lots of little places to eat in the town.
I also enjoyed visiting the small, but lovely, Fan Museum.
The Greenwich Observatory park is lovely, green and serene after the hubub of London itself. It's a World Heritage site. The Observatory and all the other buildings are superbly done. Free admission. Very well organized - lots for adults to see and learn and lots to interest children, too. The buildings are located at the top of the hill. A nice walk and a great view at the top. But, you might have to stop once, or twice, to get your breath :). You can stand on the 0 Meridian Line and learn how it all came about. A fascinating story. It is all beautifully done. There are wonderful old clocks and exqusite pieces of old equipment and telescopes etc. A good section on Space. The Maritime Museum (at the bottom of the hill) is excellent, too. Also free and the people at their Information Desk were very helpful.
2 June 2007
A nice little excursion
As part of trip out to Greenwich, then this is worthwhile. It is now free. I do not think it would have been worth it if you had to pay to visit the Royal observatory.
This is the place they formulated meridian time line, and you have to opportunity to cross the line. This place is not only important for the development in in the time line but navigation and astronomy through the centuries.
It is remarkably busy and the surrounding area is very picturesque which makes the visit worthwhile.
14 July 2006
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Events at Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Anniversary of the Telescope Exhibition
Recurring event
Telescopes on display and an interactive telescope exhibit which tells the story of the telescope.Astronomy Galleries - Astronomy Inspires Exhibition
Recurring event
The Astronomy Inspires gallery showcases an orrery from the 19th century which demonstrates the motion of the planets. Alongside it is a projection wall showing how the universe was formed.Astronomy Galleries - Astronomy Questions Exhibition
Recurring event
This exhibit will show how the universe was formed, offer interactive exhibits and on-screen experts will answer the big questions. The exhibits will offer participants the chance to try being an astronomer, guide a space mission or touch a meteorite that is over 4.5 billion years old.Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity - Planetarium Show Show/display
Recurring event
Narrated by Academy-Award nominated actor Liam Neeson, this show brings the current science of black holes to life. Discover the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies, and a simulated flight to a super massive black hole lurking at the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy.
