Royal Observatory Greenwich

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!

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.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a great family day out, on its own or combined with the other attractions in Greenwich, London. (such as the maritime musuem, queen's house, fan museum etc). It is situated in Greenwich Park up a little hill, a short walk away from Greenwich DLR station. The way is clearly marked, so you shouldn't have a problem with that. It only takes about half an hour to get to Greenwich from Central London (zone 1), so it's not that far really. View over London from the hill is magnificent.

This place is brilliant for kids and adults alike. There's always gonna be a line for the Meridian Line (one leg in each hemisphere, who can resist?), so you might want to make a beeline for that first if you happen to be early. The exhibitions are interactive and very informative, and highly suited to those of all ages. The planetarium also screens very good shows, and with the Night Sky Live, you can even have a real-live astronomer talk you through spotting stars and planets!

Entry to the Royal Observatory is free, while you will have to pay for the Planetarium shows (which i highly recommend!) All in all, a great day out.