Royal Observatory Greenwich, London: Hours, Address, Royal Observatory Greenwich Reviews: 4/5
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Royal Observatory Greenwich
4
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observatories & Planetariums
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The prime meridian, zero degrees longitude, runs through the courtyard of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, which was founded in 1675 by King Charles II.
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from SGDÂ 28.94
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Top ways to experience Royal Observatory Greenwich
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Greenwich
Greenwich Mean Time starts here, so to speak, as the very concept of global time was established at Royal Observatory, just one of several buildings of architectural interest in Greenwich. Indeed, the whole of Greenwich's historic town center, its Royal Park and a number of related buildings (and one world famous ship, the Cutty Sark) make up the UNESCO World Heritage site known as Maritime Greenwich. Today a laser beam is shot out across the night sky from the Observatory to mark the location of the Prime Meridian. Other bold (some say brash) 21st century additions to the area include landmarks such as The O2 entertainment complex (previously known as the Millennium Dome) and the Air Line cable cars, which offer scenic transport across the Thames between North Greenwich and the Royal Docks.
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Popular mentions
4.0
3,512 reviews
Excellent
1,530
Very good
1,290
Average
490
Poor
139
Terrible
64
geord359
High Spen, UK8 contributions
This is a must see attraction if you're in Greenwich. The views from the Observatory offer stunning panoramas of London and the displays are well presented. The story of how mapping and the measurement of time were developed here is also well told and immersive.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Susannah Z
7 contributions
We were 2 families with 3 children aged between 9 and 12. We had pre booked tickets just for the Royal observatory as its somewhere we had always wanted to visit. In advance I thought the ticket prices fair for a London attraction but looking back I now feel this is over priced for what the museum has to offer.
The view from the top on a sunny day is definitely breath taking but you don't need to be be in the museum to have that view. The walk up through the park was steep but enjoyable. The meridian line inside the museum in the courtyard was the only fun enjoyable part for all of us. The rest of the museum really didn't have much to offer unless you were prepared to read lots of facts about clocks. I really expected some more interactive exhibits. Everything felt a little dated.
The view from the top on a sunny day is definitely breath taking but you don't need to be be in the museum to have that view. The walk up through the park was steep but enjoyable. The meridian line inside the museum in the courtyard was the only fun enjoyable part for all of us. The rest of the museum really didn't have much to offer unless you were prepared to read lots of facts about clocks. I really expected some more interactive exhibits. Everything felt a little dated.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
highlandbeachflorida
Highland Beach, FL1,715 contributions
Interesting site with a beautiful park close to the River. The hilltop Observatory offers panoramic views of London. There are
Several buildings on site with a varied collection of small exhibits.
Outside is a display of British standards of length including a yard, a foot, six inches and three inches.
Several buildings on site with a varied collection of small exhibits.
Outside is a display of British standards of length including a yard, a foot, six inches and three inches.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MyIronLung
Faversham, UK28 contributions
Our son is doing space at school at the moment and has developed a keen interest, so this was the perfect day trip to indulge him. We absolutely loved it. The displays are absolutely fascinating and the Meet the Neighbours show made us feel very humble indeed. Anyone who doesn’t get a small shiver down their spine watching just how vast space is, and how tiny we are…..well, you must be dead inside. It was breathtaking.
Staff were knowledgable and friendly. I thought the ticket prices were reasonable.
Yes, there is a steep hill to get to it but once you’re at the top the views are stunning - well worth being puffed out for!
Staff were knowledgable and friendly. I thought the ticket prices were reasonable.
Yes, there is a steep hill to get to it but once you’re at the top the views are stunning - well worth being puffed out for!
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
catp79
Winchester, UK875 contributions
My husband and I visited on a beautiful sunny day in September 2021. The walk up to the observatory is pretty steep but it’s a short walk so you won’t be puffed out for long if you’re not the fittest (like me!).
The views of Canary Wharf from the observatory are absolutely spectacular. You won’t need a ticket for this so definitely worth a trip.
Once inside the observatory, there is so much to see; the exhibits are fascinating.
The views of Canary Wharf from the observatory are absolutely spectacular. You won’t need a ticket for this so definitely worth a trip.
Once inside the observatory, there is so much to see; the exhibits are fascinating.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
brownsBedworth
bedworth18 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Myself and my two daughters visited the Sky Tonight exhibit.
The kids were thoroughly engaged the whole time and we all learned something new. The show taught us how to search the sky without the need for equipment and the takes behind the famous constellations.
The guide was an Astronomer which really impressed the children and she made the experience fun and engaging.
We thought we would go as it was something a bit different from the usual museums and wouldn’t take up a huge chunk of our day visit to London
The kids were thoroughly engaged the whole time and we all learned something new. The show taught us how to search the sky without the need for equipment and the takes behind the famous constellations.
The guide was an Astronomer which really impressed the children and she made the experience fun and engaging.
We thought we would go as it was something a bit different from the usual museums and wouldn’t take up a huge chunk of our day visit to London
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
georgiafbrown
York, UK31 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
My partner and I went to the Planetarium show, it was really interesting and informative! We were worried it would be all kids but it wasn’t it was definitely suited to adults as well! The lady who did the presentation was great and we would recommend. The show was beautiful.
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Krista P
Stratford, Canada396 contributions
Dec 2021
Views from the top are amazing. You can stand right on the prime meridian which is fun. Make sure you go at sunset for that golden glow!
Written 26 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew G
Penicuik, UK688 contributions
Dec 2021
We really just wanted to see the Meridian Line, but enjoyed the whole visit. Didn't pre-book, but walk-up tickets were available. Some areas of the museum appeared closed, and the cafe certainly was. We found a tearoom nearby. We visited 7 December 2021.
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David H
1 contribution
Dec 2021
This is a unique museum, and I want to support it, having come many times since I was a child (when it was free and actually offered much more to see of scientific interest). However, with more than half of the museum closed for refurbishment, the entrance fee cannot be justified. Not only that, but the price quoted on the website when I booked the tickets did not include VAT, which was only later added on when I received the bill. This is the kind of subterfuge I would expect of some dodgy online travel agent, not a national museum! So I won't be coming back - my memories of it are so much better, and still free.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eskimogirl25
Tunbridge Wells, Kent40 contributions
How long would you say you could do this in? We’re thinking of visiting the painted hall first and then coming here. Any advice? Any places to park a car? Thanks in advance.
AleksAE
London, UK24 contributions
Hello,
I think hour to hour and a half is more than enough for a quality visit at the observatory. I would recommend to first see the observatory (the Greenwich meridian), and then carry onto something else. As for the parking, not too sure as I don’t drive and we used the public transport. Best wishes and lots of fun
annne b
london7 contributions
Hi , is the laser along the meridian operating?
If so at what times?
Thank you
Anne
455Douglas1948
Uckfield, UK352 contributions
It's best to check with Observatory, as you will appreciate this is only seen in twilight dark, not during a daylight visit
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES2 contributions
Is it necessary to enter/pay in the Observatory to see the "Greenwich line" ? (é preciso entrar/pagara o observatório para ver a linha de Greenwich?
Anneke S
Sommelsdijk, The Netherlands780 contributions
the Greenwich line is free to see
AntoR_07
Bari, Italy366 contributions
Ciao, è possibile visionare meridiano e l'orologio senza prendere i ticket del Royal Observatory? Oppure sono attrazioni a pagamento? Grazie!
Massimo C
Rome, Italy49 contributions
Salve, da fuori è possibile vederli entrambi ovviamente non vedi la linea a terra con tutti i riferimenti e comunque tutto l'osservatorio merita la visita ed il prezzo del biglietto .
Io ho fatto un biglietto cumulativo che prevedeva visita al Cutty Sark e l'Osservatorio , fatto tutto on line ricevuti a casa i biglietti risparmiato il 10% .
saluti
Can anyone tell me the least busy times?
Anschwae
Zurich, Switzerland561 contributions
Esp Weekends before or after lunch. Opening hours 10.00-17.00. I recommend to be there at 10 am or during lunch or at 4pm. Best time might be 10am
Isabel M
Nacka, Sweden326 contributions
Hi! I wonder if we can se the Royal observatory Greenwich Clock without buying any tickets. Is the clock on the outside? I have the same question about the meridian. Is the meridian marked also outside the ticketed area? We can only stop there for a short moment, so it's not worth for us to buy tickets.
Thanks in advance!
Erik N
144 contributions
Yes, is outside.
Larry K
Nebraska397 contributions
Can any one tell me how long the audio tours are at the Royal Observatory?
ellenkay
Saint Louis, MO1,006 contributions
I would say allow an hour or two at least; maybe more if you wanted to spend some time at the planetarium part; we got there rather late in the day and had to rush through , but the good part of that is it was not crowded that time of day..... it is quite a hike to the top of the hill where the observatory is located ... in a pretty park; lovely views of London from up there... but it did take a bit of time getting up there and we were trying to rush to get there in time so I was quite out of breath!!!
JillThompson02
Barnsley, UK1,244 contributions
We are taking our two grandchildren age 7 and 10 to watch the new years eve fireworks
I am little concerned that it would not be child friendly at the paid viewing areas
I wondered have anybody
Watch them from the Park by the observatory and was the park open
Or where do they recommend to buy tickets to View
Very much appreciate any suggestions
384deano
Greater London, UK147 contributions
Views are great BUT you are outdoors very cold and damp even when it is dry...
What is the difference in the different tickets
There are planetarium tickets and then planetarium and royal Observatory tickets which are double the price
Just wondering if i need the full shabang
Judith
United Kingdom198 contributions
The Planetarium host actual shows about celestial bodies, the universe etc, whereas the Observatory houses the equipment - telescopes etc- necessary for stargazing and observing celestial bodies.. It also gives you the history of astronomy and timekeeping, so it's more like a museum if you will. Both are fascinating in their own way. Hope this helps. By the way, the view from the top of the hill in Greenwich is spectacular
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Royal Observatory Greenwich is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Royal Observatory Greenwich admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost S$28.76, while a popular guided tour starts around S$8.31 per person. See all 29 Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Royal Observatory Greenwich can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 29 Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Royal Observatory Greenwich:
- Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket (From S$28.76)
- Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London (From S$24.54)
- Greenwich: Explore Where Time Begins on a Self-Guided Audio Tour (From S$8.31)
- The London Pass®: Access 80+ attractions inc. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From S$124.67)
- Go City: London Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions (From S$68.39)
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- Restaurants near Royal Observatory Greenwich:
- (0.18 km) The Pavilion Cafe
- (0.44 km) The Plume of Feathers
- (0.62 km) The Prince of Greenwich Pub
- (0.50 km) Heap's Sausages
- (0.63 km) Goddards at Greenwich