Travel bucket list idea:

Royal Observatory Greenwich

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 10 March, 2024

This 17th-century hilltop observatory, designed by Sir Christopher Wren at the behest of Charles II, is where astronomers and scientists pinned down the concept of time and space. Stand on the Meridian Line – Longitude zero degrees – from where Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is calculated. The astronomy galleries are a must-see, as are the daily planetarium shows, which include ‘Sky Tonight Live’, led by a Royal Observatory astronomer.

The observatory is home to London’s only planetarium and the UK’s largest refracting telescope. It also hosts prestigious temporary exhibitions like Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Allow two hours to see the whole thing.

As part of the Greenwich World Heritage Site, it is flanked by the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark and Queen’s House Museum, with bundled tickets available for all.

Logistics

Price from: £16

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Royal Observatory is accessible via the Cutty Sark station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) line – or use the Thames Clipper river bus (connecting with Embankment, London Eye, Bankside, London Bridge, Tower and Masthouse).

When to do it

The Observatory is open all year round, seven days a week. Avoid July and August if possible, when the observatory can get very busy with tour groups.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

London

Viator

A visit to London is not complete without visiting the Royal Observatory Greenwich where you will stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the east and the other in the west, at the home of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Walk in the footsteps of the Astronomers Royal, discover their stories, and experience the past, present and future wonders of astronomy, space and the stars. Enjoy dramatic views of London across Greenwich Royal Park, the City of London and the River Thames.

Price £25

Min age 0

Rating 4.10 / 5 [321 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

National Maritime Museum Private Tour

London

Viator

This is a private Tour – just you with your fun and informative guide. Enjoy a 3.5-hour guided walking tour around the world's largest maritime museum. Discover many of the different historical facts and artifacts such as Turner's monumental painting " Battle of Trafalgar ", the Nelson, Navy and Nation gallery and learn more about the fascinating maritime history of the UK. This is an amazing museum and we have the time on this tour to experience wonderful galleries such as the Traders gallery and the Atlantic/Slavery gallery as well. Fascinating tour - eg. have you ever wondered where the term " posh " came from? Tour includes visit to the Queen's House housing the world famous Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth.

Price £145

Min age 0

Rating 4.12 / 5 [8 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >