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Royal Observatory

Visitor information

Location

Royal Observatory
Blackheath Avenue
Greenwich, SE10 8XJ

Transport

road | tube & rail | cycle | bus | river

Hours

The Royal Observatory is open daily, 10.00–17.00.
Last admission 16.30
Last planetarium show 16.00

Between 3 May–31 August, the Meridian courtyard and toilets remain open until 20.00.

All three sites open late on the day of the London Marathon.

Latest visitor information | Planetarium show times

Planetarium

For info on show times, programme, cost and ages please see Planetarium shows

Booking

Book a show online
or contact Bookings:
bookings@nmm.ac.uk

How to find the Planetarium

Access to the planetarium is via the Astronomy Centre in the Royal Observatory South Building.

History

The Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is the home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian of the World, making it the official starting point for each new day and year. It is also home to London's only planetarium, the Harrison timekeepers and the UK's largest refracting telescope.

Access

Audio orientation guide

Guide to the Royal Observatory

Developed in partnership with VocalEyes.

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Events highlights

NGC 2264 including the Christmas Tree Cluster (thumb))

Our Place in the Universe (19 August)
Introduction to Astronomy (starts 14 Sept)
Foundation Astrophysics: Stars (starts 14 Sept)
Open House: The Altazimuth Pavilion (18 Sept)

Scenic attractions

Exhibitions & galleries

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Astronomy galleries
Watch how the universe was formed, touch a 4.5 billion year-old meteorite, guide a space mission and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Time galleries
At the home of time, see John Harrison's celebrated timekeepers and discover the fascinating story of the development of timekeeping.

Doctor Who Confidential at the Royal Observatory

Karen Gillan (Doctor Who's Amy Pond) visits the Royal Observatory, Greenwich to meet space scientist Maggie Aderin and public astronomer Marek Kukula.

Clip from Doctor Who Confidential, Series 5 Episode 11: Extra Time. First broadcast on BBC Three, 7:30pm Saturday 12 June 2010. Used by permission.

Planetarium shows

Book tickets

Planning your visit

Audio guide

Enjoy a fascinating personal tour of the Royal Observatory with our audio guide, available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish at a charge of £3.50.