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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £16
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
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.

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

Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

London

A visit to London is not complete without visiting the Royal Observatory Greenwich where you will stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, wit...

£16 | Rating 4.04 / 5 [191 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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National Maritime Museum Small Group Tour in Greenwich London

National Maritime Museum Small Group Tour in Greenwich London

London

Enjoy a 3.5-hour small group guided walking tour around the world's largest maritime museum. Discover many of the different historical facts...

£95 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [8 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

CitizenM Tower of London

London, United Kingdom (UK)[6.4 miles]

An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.

Official star rating:

Shangri-La at the Shard

London, United Kingdom (UK)[6.7 miles]

Housed in London’s newest landmark, the Shangri-La offers the best views in town, along with fine dining, innovative cocktails and a lofty infinity pool.

Official star rating:

Batty Langley’s

London, United Kingdom (UK)[7.3 miles]

An elegantly eccentric Georgian period piece on the edge of the City of London, with decadent rooms and an under-the-radar vibe.

Official star rating:

Boundary London

London, United Kingdom (UK)[7.4 miles]

See and be seen at Terence Conran’s ambitious but intimate design hotel in fashionable Shoreditch, in the heartland of exciting street markets, galleries and bars.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Cutty Sark

London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

Britain’s last surviving tea clipper, this beautifully-preserved vessel was the fastest and greatest ship of the late 1800s.

Best for ages: 4+ | £15

Tower of London

London, United Kingdom (UK)[6.3 miles]

The world’s most notorious medieval fortress, rich in gruesome history dating back to the 11th century. Now home to the Crown Jewels and the enigmatic, colourful Beefeaters.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25

HMS Belfast

London, United Kingdom (UK)[6.5 miles]

A treasured survivor of the Second World War, this towering naval warship moored on the Thames is now one of London’s most fascinating military museums.

Best for ages: 4+ | £23

Borough Market

London, United Kingdom (UK)[7 miles]

London’s premier gastro hub, with over 100 stalls in a historic covered market, offering everything from artisan breads and cheeses to street food, hand-made chocolates and vegan cakes.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

A worms eye view of people taking a ride in the cabins
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Emirates Air Line

London, United Kingdom (UK)[3.7 miles]

Leaving from Greenwich, this dizzying cable-car ride takes you over the Thames and towards the Royal Docks, with exhilarating river and skyline views.

Best for ages: 6+ | £5 | 8 minutes

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Exterior view of front facade with people walking in front
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SEA LIFE London Aquarium

London, United Kingdom (UK)[8.7 miles]

London’s impressive aquarium, set on the South Bank, home to hundreds of species of fish and a selection of sharks.

Best for ages: Any | £27

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