Have you ever wondered about your place in the world, literally? Or why our timezone is known as Greenwich Mean Time? Then head to Royal Observatory Greenwich and stand on the famous Prime Meridian Line, with one foot in the western hemisphere and another in the eastern one! Find out why Greenwich is known as the home of time and everything about Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The only planetarium in London, Royal Observatory, is where you can dive into the world of astronomy and unlock the secrets of the universe.
During your trip, admire the Great Equatorial Telescope with its distinctive onion-like dome, discover the beauty of our ever-changing planet through the lens of a satellite, learn how to read the night sky, decode the lifecycle of stars, and enjoy a tete-a-tete with historic clocks.
Background on Royal Observatory Greenwich
Centuries ago, when Europeans started sailing for adventure and trade, they realised the need for ample and accurate astronomical information for drawing maps, keeping time, and calculating longitude. To address this, in 1674, Charles II set up a Royal Commission that included an astronomy professor from Oxford, Sir Christopher Wren. The following year, as per the commission’s recommendation, Charles II decided to build an observatory and appointed John Flamsteed as the first Astronomer Royal.
The derelict Greenwich Castle was the construction site, and the building process used recycled materials for cost-effectiveness. After that, for 40 years, Flamsteed conducted more than 50,000 cosmic observations from here. The observatory expanded in 1818 and witnessed the development of precise clocks, too.
After surviving a bomb drop during World War II, the Royal Observatory was moved to Herstmonceaux Castle, and the site at Greenwich became a part of the National Maritime Museum in 1953. In 2007, the Royal Observatory welcomed the public again with an advanced education centre and swanky galleries. In 2012, it became a part of Royal Museums Greenwich.
Where is Royal Observatory Greenwich, and how do you get there?
Situated on Blackheath Avenue in southeast London, the Royal Observatory is easy to spot on a hill in Greenwich Park. Besides offering scenic views of the River Thames, the site is close to the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, and Queen’s House. So, if you decide to walk, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel will lead you to the south bank, just outside Cutty Sark. You will also find cycling routes along the rivers Lea, Thames, Ravensbourne, and through Greenwich Park.
Traveling from afar? The observatory is closest to the Maze Hill and Greenwich rail stations. You can board direct trains from London Bridge or Cannon Street to reach them. Or, go for the London Underground and reach Cutty Sark station via Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Buses numbered 202, 380, 53, and 54 will also take you to the observatory.
If arriving by road, use the National Maritime Museum car park on weekends and school/bank holidays. The charge is £12 for the same. You might also find limited spaces on weekdays. Or, reach the observatory by taking a boat trip along the Thames and get off at Greenwich Pier near Cutty Sark.
What to expect when you visit Royal Observatory Greenwich?
You can visit the Royal Observatory on weekdays between 10 am and 5 pm. The last entry is by 4.15 pm. The toilets, coffee shops, and gift shops are accessible by wheelchair. Since the observatory is on a steep hill, it can take around 25 minutes to reach it via wheelchair, accounting for breaks. Some parts of the observatory might lack step-free access, like the Time and Society Gallery, Octagon Room (Flamsteed House), Great Equatorial Telescope, and Camera Obscura.
Also, permanent galleries host touchscreens and films supported by British Sign Language. All information desks come fitted with induction loops for hearing aids. The nearest changing place is at the National Maritime Museum. You will also find a baby-change facility and accessible toilet at the observatory after exiting Admissions. More toilets are available in front of Flamsteed House.
The Astronomy Café & Terrace at the Royal Observatory is great for unwinding and relishing light snacks and meals. It is open every day. You can enjoy cakes, sandwiches, cream teas, and more at Cutty Sark Café, too. The sunny and airy Parkside Café is located at the National Maritime Museum.
What else can you do when you visit?
A visit to the observatory means getting your hands on powerful telescopes that let you explore the mysterious space all around. On weekends, catch live scientific demonstrations or learn from educational astronomy sessions.
Don’t forget to admire the renowned Harrison clocks and their precision and craftsmanship. They kept sailors as well as cargoes safe. Enjoy a rendezvous with the Shepherd Gate clock, the first clock to display the GMT, featuring a face with 24 hours instead of 12. Remember to step inside the Octagon Room, the observatory’s oldest part, lined with a myriad astronomical instruments.
Have little ones in tow? Enjoy the adventures of Ted the Bear around our solar system, or let a show at Peter Harrison Planetarium fill you all with awe. Learn about Chinese astronomy or catch a community astronomy show.
An exceptional experience awaits you at Royal Observatory Greenwich, where you can exist in the eastern and western hemispheres simultaneously, unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, admire the earth’s appeal from space, and sign up for astronomy and astrophysics courses. It is also an ideal place to learn all about the GMT and ancient clocks that revolutionised how we measure and track time. To ensure your visit goes smoothly, book tickets in advance.
FAQs
Why is Royal Observatory Greenwich well-known?
The fact that the world’s Prime Meridian (Longitude 0° 0’ 0”) passes through this site, dividing the western and eastern hemispheres, has made the observatory famous among locals and tourists.
Why is there a red ball on top of Royal Observatory Greenwich?
The bright red Time Ball atop Flamsteed House is among the oldest public time signals. Operational since 1833, it used to indicate the time for ships plying on the Thames in the past. Even today, if you walk past the House at 12.55 pm, you will see the ball shoot up halfway along the mast. At 12.58 pm, it rises to the top and falls back again at 1 pm.
What souvenirs can I buy from Royal Observatory Greenwich?
You can choose from astronomy books, telescopes, replicas of famous clocks, decorative knick-knacks, jewellery, games, toys, model ships, and more. The gift shop is in the Astronomy Centre, next to the Meridian Courtyard.
So, what are you waiting for? Let tales of stars, planets, and moons regale your curious mind after you have fun straddling the Prime Meridian Line at Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Visit the National Maritime Museum to explore stories from around the globe. Step inside the free galleries, meet historical characters, admire maritime treasures, and spend some time in the Caird Library.
The renowned sailing ship, Cutty Sark, is close to the observatory too. Soak in its majestic beauty from the main mast to the deck and below, walk under the ship, and enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea below the hull.
Don’t forget to check into Queen’s House, too. This elegant building houses stunning artworks you can admire for free. Apart from Elizabeth I’s Armada portrait, you will love the unique sculptures and seascapes here. The House also occasionally hosts musical concerts and dance performances, so you are in for a treat.