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Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets
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Combos
4.3(2,210)
Combo (Save 12%): Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets + Thames River Cruise
from £40.50
£35.62
12% off
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LondonRoyal Observatory Greenwich
Make the most of London
Why visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich
- See the Prime Meridian: The Prime Meridian is the longitude that divides the world into the Eastern and Western Hemisphere. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is home to this extremely important point.
- Astronomical significance: Before the Royal Observatory, there was no standard way of measuring time. It was only after the establishment of Greenwich Mean Time, that the world got a universal measure of time.
- Amazing clock collection: The Royal Observatory Greenwich has an amazing collection of clocks! Their collection includes historic timepieces that have revolutionized the way we record, measure, and keep track of time.
- World Heritage Site: The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site since it is an incredibly important part of maritime history.
Which Royal Observatory Greenwich ticket is best for you
If you are a history buff
Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: No
Guide: Audio guide
- Explore the different attractions at the Royal Observatory at your own pace.
- Learn about each attraction with an audio guide with accurate and interesting information.
Recommended tours
- Royal Observatory Greenwich Tickets
If you are on a budget
Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Access to planetarium: Depends
Guide: Audio guide
- In addition to the Observatory, these tickets let you explore the Planetarium, a river cruise, or other royal museums.
Recommended tours
- Royal Observatory + Planetarium
- Royal Observatory + Sightseeing Cruise
- Royal Museums Pass
If you are short on time
Go for: Planetarium tickets
Duration: 30 mins
Access to planetarium: Yes
Guide: Yes
- Visit London’s only operational planetarium, for a live show hosted by an astronomer.
- These tickets include access to The Sky Tonight show and special exhibitions.
Recommended tour
- Royal Observatory Planetarium Show Tickets
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Combo tours
Duration: Flexible
Access to Planetarium: No
Guide: Professional tour guide
- Upgrade entry tickets to include a visit to Cutty Sark for a small fee.
- A professional tour guide will share stories of sailors and the interesting history of the magnificent Cutty Sark ship.
Recommended tours
- Royal Museum Greenwich Day Pass
- London Explorer Pass by Go City
Explore Royal Observatory Greenwich
Peter Harrison Planetarium
Learn about the stars at the Peter Harrison Planetarium. All the shows at the planetarium are led by expert astronomers from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Visualizations, real-life space photography, and live commentary by astronomers add to the overall experience at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Prime Meridian Line
Stand on the historic Prime Meridian Line and put one foot towards the east of the line and the other towards the left. You are standing on both the eastern and the western hemispheres of the world at the same time! Standing on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich is included with your entry tickets.
Great Equatorial Telescope
Look up while walking towards the Royal Observatory, and you will see a distinctive onion-shaped dome—the roof of the Great Equatorial Telescope. Installed in 1893, it was built by the Grubb Telescope Company in Dublin. It is one of the largest refracting telescopes, originally designed for astrophotography.
Shepherd Gate Clock
The Shepherd Gate Clock was the first clock to display the Greenwich Mean Time to the public. Installed at the gates of the Royal Observatory, the clock displays twenty-four hours on its face, instead of the usual twelve hours. This means that when it is noon, the hands of the clock will be pointing straight down instead of straight up.
Octagon Room
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Octagon Room is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The high ceilings and windows were designed to provide astronomers with uninterrupted views of the night sky. The high ceiling allowed astronomers to install some of the most advanced clocks inside the room.
Harrison Clocks
Designed by John Harrison, the Harrison Clocks—H1, H2, H3, and H4 clocks—are used mainly as a marine timekeeper. These clocks were the first ones that allowed ships to determine their longitude at sea. All four clocks, especially H1, are considered to be one of the greatest milestones in the history of clock-making.
Airy Transit Circle Telescope
Located in its original mounting in the Transit Circle Room at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Airy Transit Circle Telescope was designed by English mathematician and astronomer George Biddell Airy. It was this telescope that helped astronomers determine the location of the Prime Meridian in the world.
Flamsteed House
Visit Flamsteed House to see where the leading astronomers of the day, called Astronomer Royals, lived and worked. The Astronomer Royal’s position was introduced by King Charles II, leading the way in science and astronomy. See how John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal, and others who came after him balanced work with life.
Plan your visit to Royal Observatory Greenwich
Timings
Location
Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
Royal Observatory Greenwich is open daily from 10am to 5pm. The last entry to the attraction is at 4:15pm.
Best time to visit: For a comfortable and hassle-free experience, the best time to visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich is during weekday mornings, just when the attraction opens. You can also plan your visit to the Observatory during the late afternoon as well.
Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
- By rail: Direct trains from London Cannon Street and London Bridge
Nearest stops: Greenwich and Maze Hill - By tube: Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Nearest stops: Cutty Sark Station - By bus: 53, 54, 202, 380
Nearest stops: Royal Observatory Greenwich and Peter Harrison Planetarium
- Toilets and baby-change facilities: In the Historic Royal Observatory, an accessible toilet and baby-change facility are located 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.
- Free Wi-Fi: Sign in to the free WiFi at the Observatory and download the Smartify app for free to learn more about the Observatory and its attractions.
- Lost property: Any found items or inquiries can be directed to one of the visitor assistants at the Royal Observatory.
- Changing rooms: The nearest changing places facility is down the hill from the Observatory, at the National Maritime Museum.
- Cafe: Located in the Astronomy Centre, the Astronomy Café & Terrace is a relaxed spot to enjoy a light lunch before or after your visit.
- Gift shop: Take home a souvenir from the Royal Observatory Shop. Choose from a wide range of unique items, from clocks and watches to telescopes and children's toys. Head to the shop next to the Meridian Courtyard, in the Astronomy Centre, or shop online.
- 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.
- Outside food and beverages aren’t allowed inside the exhibits, but you’ll find cafes nearby in Greenwich Park and the surrounding area.
- Photography is allowed in most areas for personal use, though tripods and flash are restricted. Be sure to ask staff if you’re unsure about a specific exhibit.
- Pets are not permitted inside, but service animals are welcome throughout the grounds and exhibits.
- Upgrade your observatory tickets or book planetarium show tickets separately. These shows are quite informative and beautifully presented. You definitely do not want to miss these!
- Time your visit to see the 1pm “red ball” drop from the top of the observatory and see one of the earliest ways time was signaled publicly.
- Plan your whole day by visiting nearby attractions like Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. Book a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass for access to all three.
- If you’re visiting just to see the Prime Meridian, you can find the continuation of the line outside the observatory premises. However, the museum is full of information and engaging artifacts and is well worth the visit.
- The Castle Hill route is quite steep and we recommend climbing slowly. The Avenue hill is slightly easier to climb but it does take longer to reach the observatory. If you want to avoid climbing hills altogether, reach via Blackheath.
- Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant: Be it breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner, Bill’s Greenwich Restaurant serves delicious contemporary European cuisine.
- Midpoint Restaurant: Enjoy sumptuous Turkish dishes in a modern yet rustic setting at the Midpoint Restaurant.
- Greenwich Tavern: Spread over three floors, the Greenwich Tavern is a bar and restaurant that serves yummy cocktails, and has a host of delightful British and European dishes to choose from.
- The Hill Restaurant: Serving Mediterranean cuisine, the Hill is a popular restaurant in the Greenwich area. From its patio gardens to airy rooms decorated with Ecuadorian art, the Hill is a must-visit restaurant.
- The Pavilion Cafe: Offering counter-style service, the Pavilion Cafe serves delicious snacks, Fairtrade coffee, and yummy cakes.
- Budget stays: St Christopher's Inn Greenwich (from £24 | 860 m), The Birds Nest (from £27 | 1.5 km), Travelodge London Greenwich High Road (from £44 | 1 km), ibis London Greenwich (from £74 | 680 m)
- Mid-range stays: The Brookmill (from £105 | 1.6 km), Innkeeper's Collection Greenwich (from £109 | 740 m), The Prince of Greenwich Pub (from £113 | 650 m), Radisson RED London Greenwich The O2 (from £117 | 1.8 km)
- Luxury stays: Lincoln Plaza London, Curio Collection by Hilton (from £200 | 2.7 km), Hilton London Canary Wharf (from £220 | 3 km), London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf (from £258 | 3.7 km), Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel (from £346 | 3.8 km)
- Greenwich Park (482 m): Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park, offering landscapes, city views, and a chance to stand on the Prime Meridian line. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with a view.
- National Maritime Museum (643 m): The National Maritime Museum dives into Britain’s seafaring history, showcasing treasures from historic ships to tales of legendary explorers. Perfect for anyone curious about the nation’s naval past!
- Queen’s House (643 m): Step into the Queen’s House in Greenwich, a 17th-century royal villa filled with art and history at every turn. This architectural gem offers a glimpse into royal life and incredible views across Greenwich Park.
- Cutty Sark (965 m): Climb aboard the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, and learn what life was like on the sea. This ship brings maritime history to life with interactive exhibits and river views.
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets
How long should I plan to spend at the Royal Observatory?
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, Prime Meridian line, and taking in the 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 straddle two hemispheres—perfect for that one-of-a-kind photo op! This is the only place on Earth where you can place one foot in the East and the other in the West.
Are there any age restrictions for visiting the Royal Observatory?
The Observatory is family-friendly, but young children may find some exhibits challenging to understand. There are interactive sections and the planetarium that appeal to all ages.
Do I need to arrive early for my time slot?
Arriving 10-15 minutes early is generally enough, especially if you already have tickets. This gives you time to walk through Greenwich Park and enjoy the views.
What’s the weather policy?
Since part of the Observatory experience includes outdoor views, plan accordingly! The Observatory remains open rain or shine, though some outdoor exhibits may close temporarily during 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.