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Explore at your pace
Audio guide
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Shriram
Diane
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Stand on the famous Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time.
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Watch the iconic time ball drop at 1pm each day, a maritime tradition once used by ships to set their chronometers for accurate navigation at sea.
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Discover the stories behind the exhibits through a free multilingual audio guide, also available in British Sign Language.
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Explore the Octagon Room, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and marvel at the Great Equatorial Telescope, one of the largest telescopes in the UK.
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Upgrade with the Royal Observatory Day Pass or take an early access guided tour to explore the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, and other attractions.
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Entry ticket to the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the Prime Meridian
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Multilingual downloadable audio guide
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Free downloadable audio tour (including British Sign Language)
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Exclusive early access (as per option selected)
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45-min guided tour (as per option selected)
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English-speaking guide (as per option selected)
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Entry to Cutty Sark (as per option selected)
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Access to The National Maritime Museum and The Queen's House (as per option selected)
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Entry to the planetarium show
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Guided tour
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Food and beverages
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Transportation to/from the Observatory
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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Step into the home of Greenwich Mean Time with entry to the historic Royal Observatory in London.
Getting started
Begin your visit at the main entrance, where your ticket will be validated. Explore at your own pace and download the free audio guide for additional insights as you navigate the site.
What to expect
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Founded in 1675, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is a landmark of scientific discovery and the birthplace of the Prime Meridian. This site has shaped global navigation and timekeeping for centuries.
Features
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Prime Meridian Line: Stand with one foot in each hemisphere on the world-famous line that sets the standard for global time.
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Historic Time Ball: See the famous time ball descend at 1pm daily, a tradition that once helped ships synchronize their chronometers for navigation at sea.
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Octagon Room: Explore this original 17th-century space, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, where early astronomers observed the skies.
Extras
Enhance your visit with a Royal Observatory Day Pass or an early access guided tour to explore other sites at the observatory in more depth.
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What to bring
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Carry a valid photo ID, as proof of eligibility may be required at entry.
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Download the free audio guide in advance (including the British Sign Language version) to avoid connectivity issues on site.
What's not allowed
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Oversized bags, suitcases, and large luggage items cannot be taken inside the Royal Observatory.
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Only registered assistance animals are permitted; pets are not allowed.
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Food and drinks are not allowed in exhibition spaces.
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Outside meals are not permitted on board the Cutty Sark.
Accessibility
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Due to the historic nature of both the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark, some areas are not fully accessible. The Octagon Room and Great Equatorial Telescope can only be reached via staircases.
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An accessible version of the guided tour may be arranged in advance upon request.
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Accessible parking is available, but only with a valid car park ticket.
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Visitors with disabilities may bring one companion free of charge, but this must be registered ahead of time.
Additional information
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The standard entry ticket includes a self-guided visit
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The Royal Observatory is open from 10am-5pm daily with last admission to each venue at 4:15 pm.
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The exclusive-access guided tour ticket to the Royal Observatory Greenwich is available only on Saturdays
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Entry does not include shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
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Children under 4 years may enter free of charge but must be registered with a paying adult.
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Guided tour tickets must be purchased in addition to a Royal Observatory admission ticket for the same date.
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Guided tours include access to the Octagon Room and Great Equatorial Telescope, which are only accessible by stairs.
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Visits to the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark must be booked for the same day.
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You will receive your mobile voucher in your email shortly.
You can display this mobile voucher along with valid photo ID at the attraction.
If you have purchased reduced price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.
You should arrive at the attraction on the date and start time specified above.
Meeting Point
Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ
Getting there
By Bus
- Reach the bus stop near Greenwich using buses on routes 129, 177, 180, 188, 199, or 386.
By Metro
- Take the Thameslink, Southeastern, or Light Rail (DLR) lines to the Greenwich stop. The observatory is a short 15-minute walk from here.
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