Royal Observatory Greenwich

Overview

The Greenwich Meridian Line, Longitude 0°, is the centre of world time, defined by transit instrument and line across the Royal Observatory courtyard.

Endorsed by international agreement in 1884 as the Prime Meridian of the world, it attracts visitors from around the globe to stand astride the line that divides East and West. You can see the 17th century rooms occupied by the first Astronomer Royal, the observation room with its early Tompion clocks and displays on the development of improved navigation at sea that led to Britain’s leadership in world exploration and trade for several centuries.

The most important, intricate, marine timekeepers of John Harrison, the carpenter/inventor, are all on display alongside the earliest accurate clocks used to establish Greenwich as the world standard for accurate time signals. These Greenwich clocks became the centre for sending the time signal throughout Britain and later by cable to synchronise with other nations. New galleries explore how time impacts on our daily life and the giant 28” refracting telescope can be seen.

The Peter Harrison Planetarium:

Take a journey through time and space at London’s only public planetarium. The planetarium’s visually captivating shows provide a magnificent introduction to the mysteries and wonders of the universe, with information from NASA telescopes and the latest terrestrial technology revealing the secrets of pulsars and black holes. All shows are hosted by Royal Observatory astronomers who are available to answer questions after the main programme.

All shows are suitable for children aged 7+. Secret of the Cardboard Rocket and Stargazing for Beginners are also suitable for under-5s.

Visitors can also try their hand at being an astronomer, guide a space mission or touch a meteorite which is over 4.5 billion years old at the Astronomy Galleries in the Astronomy Centre.

This content has been supplied by Royal Observatory Greenwich

Practical Information

Events at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Alien Revolution at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Alien Revolution at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Aliens in Science Fiction at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Ask the Expert: Explore Your Universe at Royal Observatory Greenwich

See all events at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich on the Visit London Blog

• 29Oct London Photo of the Week: The Peter Harrison Planetarium
• 28Aug Photo of the Week: View up to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
• 22Mar Discover Greenwich Opens in the Old Royal Naval College

Read more on the Visit London Blog

Look for similar items by category

• Things to Do > Sightseeing > Tourist Attraction > Historic Site / House
• Things to Do > Sightseeing > Tourist Attraction > Museum
• South London > Greenwich

Tags Panoramic View Royal Museums Greenwich World Heritage Site

Prices

Adult Ticket:	Up to £10.00 (USD0.00)  per ticket
Child Ticket:	Free (USD0.00)
Concession Ticket:	Up to £7.50 (USD0.00)  per ticket

Admission to the Royal Observatory’s historic Flamsteed House, Time Galleries, Meridian Line Courtyard and Meridian Building is £10 for adults (£7.50 concessions). Entry for children under 16 is free. The £10 entry is an annual pass (visitors are able to return as many times as they like within 12 months for no additional charge). Admission to the Royal Observatory’s Astronomy Centre which houses three state-of-the-art modern astronomy galleries is free.

Planetarium tickets prices: £6.50 adults, £4.50 children and concessions, £17.50 family ticket.

This content has been supplied by Royal Observatory Greenwich

Venue Details & Map