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Royal Observatory Greenwich

Greenwich

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The historic home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian, set at the top of Greenwich Park with astronomy, navigation and timekeeping displays inside the original Royal Observatory buildings.

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About Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of the defining landmarks of Greenwich and a central part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage landscape. Founded in 1675, the Observatory developed as a centre for astronomy, navigation and increasingly accurate timekeeping. Today visitors can explore the historic site, stand on the Prime Meridian, discover the story of Greenwich Mean Time, see historic instruments and visit Flamsteed House. The hilltop setting also places the Observatory beside one of Greenwich Park’s best-known views across the Queen’s House, the Thames and the London skyline.

Worth knowing

Why visit?

Visit for the Prime Meridian, the story of Greenwich Mean Time, historic astronomy and navigation, Flamsteed House and the Observatory’s hilltop position in Greenwich Park. It works especially well as part of a wider Greenwich day combining the park, Queen’s House, National Maritime Museum and riverside.

History & character

The Royal Observatory was founded by Charles II in 1675 to improve astronomy and navigation, with John Flamsteed appointed as the first Astronomer Royal. Flamsteed House, designed by Christopher Wren with Robert Hooke, became the original Observatory building. The site later became internationally associated with Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian and remains one of Britain’s most important historic scientific sites.

Gallery

Images are shown with source/photographer credit where supplied.

Royal Observatory | Royal Museums Greenwich · Public Body

Useful visitor tips

Check the official opening-times and closures pages before travelling. The viewpoint outside the Observatory is free to enjoy and is particularly good for seeing the Queen’s House, Canary Wharf and the wider London skyline. Build in extra time if walking uphill from central Greenwich.

Good to know

Family-friendly information verified

Accessibility information available

Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ

Facilities

Historic museum galleries, visitor admission facilities, shop and audio-guide provision. Facilities vary across the historic site; check Royal Museums Greenwich for current availability. Nearby Greenwich Park also has cafés and public facilities.

Getting there

The Observatory sits at the top of a steep hill in Greenwich Park. The direct walk from the National Maritime Museum takes around 10–15 minutes and includes a steep climb and some steps. A less-steep accessible route through the park takes longer. Buses serving the top of Greenwich Park can reduce the hill climb.

Public transport

Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich, Maze Hill and Blackheath rail stations all provide access to the area. Royal Museums Greenwich notes that Cutty Sark DLR and Maze Hill are about 0.6 miles from the Observatory and Greenwich station about 0.8 miles away; routes from central Greenwich involve a steep uphill walk. Greenwich Pier is also within walking distance.

Parking

The nearest parking is in Greenwich Park along Blackheath Avenue, around 0.3 miles / 500 metres from the Observatory. Parking is metered and managed by The Royal Parks. Availability and park gate times should be checked before travelling.

Toilets

Visitor facilities are available within the Royal Observatory and elsewhere in Greenwich Park, subject to attraction and park opening arrangements.

Families

The Observatory is a family visitor attraction with astronomy, time and navigation displays. Check the official site for current family activities and any age-specific ticket or event information.

Access / opening

For September 2026, Royal Museums Greenwich lists summer opening hours of 10am–6pm with last entry at 5pm. Standard opening is daily 10am–5pm; check the official ticket/opening-times page for the current last-entry time and any temporary closures. Royal Museums Greenwich lists an early closure of the whole site at 3.30pm on 7 October 2026. The Peter Harrison Planetarium is currently closed for refurbishment.

Practical information

The main Royal Observatory attraction is ticketed. Royal Museums Greenwich currently lists adult admission at £24 and child admission at £12, with under-4s free when registered with a paying adult; prices and ticket conditions can change, so check the official site before travelling. The Peter Harrison Planetarium is currently closed for the First Light transformation project. Allow roughly 1.5–2 hours for the Observatory itself, with extra time for Greenwich Park and the viewpoint.

Accessibility

The Royal Observatory is at the top of a steep hill. Royal Museums Greenwich publishes an accessible route through Greenwich Park and recommends buses serving the top of the park for visitors wishing to avoid the main climb. Some historic areas, including the Great Equatorial Telescope and Octagon Room, may not be accessible; Flamsteed House and the Time and Longitude Gallery have lift access.

Find it on the map

Open directions and check the surrounding area before you visit.

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Information last checked 30 Sept 2026.