Observatory highlights
Marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope
Stand beneath the magnificent onion dome and marvel at one of the largest refracting telescopes in the world
Stand on the Prime Meridian Line
Visit the historic Prime Meridian of the World at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Visit the Octagon Room
Step inside the room designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and the oldest part of the Royal Observatory
Have a family day out
Bring your little astronauts to the Royal Observatory for space-themed fun
See Earth From Space
See the world through a satellite’s lens, and explore our changing planet at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Visit the Planetarium
Out-of-this-world planetarium shows and live astronomy experiences for the whole family - visit London's only Planetarium at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Find more things to do
History-making discoveries and cutting edge astronomy at the Home of Greenwich Mean Time
Celebrate the winter solstice
Join the Royal Observatory and the Royal Parks for a day of activities celebrating the winter solstice, and discover the science behind the shortest day of the year
Plan your visit
How to book
We recommend booking tickets to the Royal Observatory online in advance to guarantee entry. Tickets on the day are subject to availability.
Use the booking calendar to select your visit date and entry time, then select the number of tickets you require and click 'Add to basket'. Your tickets will be sent to you by email once you've completed your booking.
Members enjoy free unlimited entry to the Observatory and all other Royal Museums Greenwich sites, and do not need to book.
Planetarium shows are not included in entry to the Royal Observatory.
Planetarium bookings
Please note that Planetarium show tickets are not included in entry to the Royal Observatory and must be booked separately.
Eat and drink
The Astronomy Café and Terrace, located inside the Astronomy Centre close to the Planetarium, is open every day for visitors and the public.
You can also pick up refreshments from stalls just outside the main entrance to the Observatory, or head towards the Parkside Café just down the hill at the National Maritime Museum.
Shop
Find the perfect museum gift, from books and prints to models, toys and games. Visit us next to the Meridian Courtyard, in the Astronomy Centre, or shop online.
Accessibility and facilities
Find useful information about facilities at the Royal Observatory including cloakrooms, baby change and accessibility, and information for disabled visitors coming to any of our sites.
Audio guides
The Royal Observatory audio guide is available in different languages to help you make the most of your visit.
Royal Observatory closures
Occasionally some closures may affect your visit to the Royal Observatory and the Peter Harrison Planetarium. Please see this page for details about upcoming closures.
Tickets and Opening
| Adult: | from £20 |
|---|---|
| Child: | from £10 |
10am-5pm (last entry 4.15pm)
- Greenwich Station
- Cutty Sark DLR
- Maze Hill Station
- Greenwich Pier
Stay connected
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news, stories and events from the Royal Observatory.
What’s On
Find Planetarium shows and Observatory events.
Stories
Read more about space, astronomy and the history of time
When is the winter solstice? The shortest day
When is the winter solstice this year? What does it mean? Is it the shortest or longest day?
Night Sky Highlights - December 2024
Find out what to see in the night sky this December, including not one, but two meteor showers!
Anatomy of a habitable planet: Earth as you've never seen it before
Sergio Díaz Ruiz uses satellite imagery to explore climate change by creating an image of Earth as it might be analysed by a distant alien civilisation
The lost chronometer: the timepiece that sailed with Charles Darwin and Sir John Franklin
Learn more about the marine chronometer that journeyed on board HMS Beagle before being lost at sea during Sir John Franklin's disastrous expedition
How could humans live on Mars?
Astronomer and author Brendan Owens examines the challenges of sending humans to Mars - and what the future holds for our study of the Red Planet
Beads of sunlight: photographing an annular solar eclipse
Ryan Imperio's spellbinding image of our Sun earned him the top prize in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024
A stellar duo: two young astrophotographers shooting for the stars
Meet the youngest entrants in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024: brothers Benjamin and Joshua Lawler
15 awe-inspiring astronomy discoveries
Discover 15 incredible astronomy facts that might just change how you see the Universe
The BBC pips: the Royal Observatory and the Greenwich Time Service
Discover the story behind the Greenwich time pips, first broadcast by the BBC 100 years ago in 1924
Finding community through astrophotography
Sophie Paulin and Tom Williams struck up a friendship in an online astrophotography forum. Discover how they combined their expertise to win a prize in Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Time before Greenwich Mean Time: the confusing case of the traveller's watch
Before time became standardised, different areas of the country all kept their own 'local time'. This gold traveller's watch with two minute hands shows how tricky that could be
Artemis Programme: what you need to know about NASA’s Moon missions
NASA's Artemis missions aim to land the first woman and person of colour on the Moon, create a lunar base, and lay the groundwork for a future trip to Mars!
Discover our shops
Choose your tickets
All visitors to the Royal Observatory must have a ticket to enter. Book online in advance to guarantee entry. Please note: planetarium shows are sold separately. See all tickets and prices
Royal Observatory
- Visit the Prime Meridian line
- See the best view in London
- Guaranteed entry time
- Audio guide included
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | from £20 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £10 |
Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
- Save with a combo ticket
- Entry to Cutty Sark
- Entry to Royal Observatory
- Guaranteed entry time
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | from £30 |
|---|---|
| Child | from £15 |
Member tickets
- Unlimited free entry
- Priority booking and exclusive events
- Access using your membership card
| Membership card number required |
|---|
Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
|---|---|
| Individual: £50 | Individual: £60 |
| Family: from £60 | Family: from £70 |