The Royal Observatory is the historic home of British astronomy, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the world-famous Meridian Line. Established in the 17th century and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, it was from here that the great scientists of the time precisely mapped the stars to help navigate at sea.
Stand aside the Meridian Line with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west. The Greenwich Meridian was chosen to be the Prime Meridian of the World back in 1884 and is world famous ever since. Walk in the footsteps of the Astronomers Royal, discover their stories, and experience the past, present and future wonders of astronomy, space and the stars.
Must see attractions include the Great Equatorial Telescope, Harrison’s clocks, the Shepherd Gate Clock, the Time Ball and the famous Octagon Room.
Enjoy dramatic views of London across Greenwich Royal Park, the City of London and the River Thames. Located alongside the Observatory is the Peter Harrison Planetarium where 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.