Royal Observatory Tickets

King Charles II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century to design the Royal Observatory. This landmark would give scientists a space to better understand the stars, which would help seamen navigate oceans by night.

Located atop a picturesque hill in Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory was established in 1675 and has played a major role in astronomy. Seated on the south side of the River Thames, the Royal Observatory offers stunning views of England’s capital and is home to a wealth of knowledge about scientific studies.

Known for its red bricks, white trim accents, and dome-like flourishes atop the building, the Royal Observatory is an architectural icon in London. It attracts visitors year-round to educate them about the evolution of astronomy and England’s role in advancing the field. By day, see London from a unique vantage, and by night, delight in the green laser projected from the observatory that represents the Prime Meridian line.

Visitors can also learn about the history of Greenwich Mean Time and how the Greenwich Meridian was chosen to be the world’s Prime Meridian. The designation of that line, in 1884, went on to help establish time zones and stargazing clarity.

What to Watch For

• Some visitor favorites include the Great Equatorial Telescope, Harrison’s clocks, the Shepherd Gate Clock, the Time Ball, and the famous Octagon Room.
• Guests can take in sweeping views of the City of London, the River Thames, Greenwich Royal Park, and more.
• At the famed Harrison Planetarium, you can touch a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite, watch how the universe was formed, guide a space mission, and unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
• John Harrison's pioneering chronometer, known as H4, is one popular exhibit. A groundbreaking tool used for celestial navigation, Harrison's 1700s chronometer received a large reward from the Board of Longitude.