Royal Observatory Greenwich

What to expect

The Royal Observatory was founded in 1675 by King Charles II, and Christopher Wren designed Flamsteed House for the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed. It helped sailors find their position at sea through star charts and accurate clocks, including John Harrison's famous marine timekeepers. In 1884 the meridian through the Airy Transit Circle became the world's prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time takes its name from the site.

A visit takes you through the historic buildings on the hill in Greenwich Park. You can stand on the Prime Meridian line and see the instruments and clocks in the galleries. The time ball on top drops once a day to mark the time. There is also a planetarium, the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and the park gives a wide view over the river across London.

Don't miss

• The Prime Meridian line
• Harrison's marine timekeepers
• Flamsteed House
• The time ball on the roof
• The Peter Harrison Planetarium

Tips for your visit

• Climb the hill early for the view across London before the crowds.
• Check the daily time of the time-ball drop on the official site and be there a few minutes early.
• Allow about two hours with the planetarium.
• Combine it with the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College.