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Royal Observatory Greenwich

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Royal Observatory Greenwich

KidRated’s Royal Observatory Top Tips:

 

  • Half-term is a great time to visit for kids’ activities
  • The Planetarium is the only one in London!
  • Feeling hungry? There is a cafe but why not try out Greenwich Market?

Home to London’s only planetarium and the Meridian Line, the Royal Observatory is a special attraction.

 

A mix of time and space and panoramic views of London stretching from the O2 to the City and beyond makes the Royal Observatory a great place to visit.

 

You can see the Great Equatorial Telescope which has been used by many famous astronomers. Between September and February, the Royal Observatory also houses the annual Astronomy Photographers of the Year exhibition which exhibits the winners’ and runners ups’ photos.

 

There is even a kids’ category and so be prepared to be wowed by talented twelve-year-olds. Your kids may even be inspired to take part next year.

 

In the planetarium you can watch a number of guided tours through space, shows are ticketed and so it is best to buy in advance online, especially at peak times like holidays and half-term.

 

While you are in Greenwich, visit the Cutty Sark or Old Royal Naval College.


Booking Advice:

  • Tickets can be bought online and at the attraction
  • Click Buy Tickets Now for a tour of Greenwich including admission to all Royal Museums Greenwich attractions
  • Half-day highlights tours are also available

VISITOR INFORMATION

Where:

Blackheath Avenue
London
SE10 8XJ

Phone number:

+44 (0)20 8858 4422

Website:

How to get there:

DLR: Cutty Sark

Journey Planner

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Teen Verdict

Family days out, attractions and things to do in London and beyond for kids, older kids and teenagers rated by kids and teens with KidRated

Stanley

I’d never been to a planetarium before and it was so so cool. I didn’t even know there was one in London. I had a really fun time visiting the Royal Observatory. I learnt about the Meridian Line which I knew nothing about before and straddled the line. Also, the park has amazing views of London so we stayed for sunset and little snack. Highly recommend.

Parent Point of View

Things to do, places to go for kids and teenagers - cool, academic, fun and entertaining in London and beyond with KidRated

Laura Porter

  • Don’t aim to visit at 10am (opening time) as that’s when lots of international bus tour groups want in to complete their whirlwind tour of London.
  • Don’t queue to stand on the Prime Meridian Line inside the courtyard as you can see it outside the Observatory grounds too.
  • There’s a Camera Obscura in a small building in the Meridian Courtyard which is cool to see.
  • I found the route pretty confusing and not enough labels so ask staff for more info.
  • There are family guided tours on most weekday afternoons.

You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com

Have your say...

2 comments on “Royal Observatory Greenwich” | Add a comment

  1. Pauline

    Greenwich Park is massive, but the Observatory is at the top end of the park, farthest from Greenwich, so you might consider parking at the top (if you drive). It’s an awesome piece of history where you can straddle the famous Prime Meridian line and visit the planetarium, which is a hit with all ages. It is not free to enter, but if you happen to be at the park and want to see the Prime Meridian you can actually walk along the outside of the gate until you come behind the buidling. There’s a small line showing the PM line and which side lies to the East and which side of it is to the West. You can pair it with a picnic in the park and a lovely walk on a sunny day.

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