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What is it?
Britain’s first state-funded scientific institution, founded in 1675 by Charles II, the Royal Observatory was the birthplace of modern astronomy.
While it’s no longer a working research facility, today the structure that stands at the top of Greenwich Park is home to an Astronomy Centre and Peter Harrison Planetarium. The Centre on the south site contains the free-entry Weller Astronomy Galleries, where visitors can marvel at a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite.
Flamsteed House, the observatory built in 1675 on the orders of Charles II, contains the apartments of Sir John Flamsteed and other Astronomers Royal, as well as instruments used in timekeeping since the 14th century. John Harrison’s four timekeepers, used to crack the problem of longitude, are here, while the onion dome houses the country’s largest (28in) refracting telescope – it was completed in 1893.
Why go?
If you want a trip to space without actually having to leave earth, the Royal Observatory is the only place to go. Whether you're a lover of astrological history, a science fanatic, or simply a star lover, it has something for everyone.
Don't miss:
The 120-seater planetarium, which cleverly reflects its astrological position takes you right up into the skies.
When to visit:
Open daily from 10am-5pm.
Ticket info:
Tickets can be bought from the website and are £24 for adults and £12 for children.
Time Out tip:
Check out the other Greenwich museums while you're there. We love Cutty Sark in particular!
Discover more great things to do in Greenwich.