A UNESCO World Heritage park in southeast London overlooking the Thames, home to the Royal Observatory where the Prime Meridian marking zero degrees longitude runs through the courtyard. The Observatory also houses historic astronomical instruments and the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Greenwich Park, part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site in southeast London, rises to a hilltop crowned by the Royal Observatory, founded in 1675 as the home of British astronomy and the origin point of the Prime Meridian. Visitors can stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western along the brass meridian line marked in the Observatory's courtyard, free to view without entering the paid galleries. Inside, ticketed access covers the historic Flamsteed House apartments, telescope domes, and the Peter Harrison Planetarium, London's only planetarium, which runs regular shows. The park itself, a former royal hunting ground, is free to enter and offers one of London's best panoramic views over the Thames, Canary Wharf and the City skyline from the hilltop in front of the Observatory. A combined visit to the park and Observatory takes two to three hours, and pairs naturally with the free National Maritime Museum and Queen's House at the foot of the hill. The climb from the park entrances to the Observatory is steep, so comfortable footwear is worthwhile. Clear mornings are best for photographing the meridian line and the skyline view, before haze sets in later in the day.
| Admission | Park: Free. Royal Observatory: adults £18 / approx USD 23; children (4–15) £9 / approx USD 11. Includes Planetarium show. Book at rmg.co.uk. |
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| Hours | Park: Daily 06:00–18:00 (closes later in summer). Observatory: Daily 10:00–17:00. |
| Typical visit | 2–3 hours (park + observatory) |
| Best time | Clear mornings for the Prime Meridian photosphere and panoramic city views from the hilltop |
| Getting there | DLR: Cutty Sark station (12 min walk uphill through park); Elizabeth line or rail to Greenwich (15 min walk) |
| Address | Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ |
Location
Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ
51.4769, -0.0005 View on map
Highlights
- Prime Meridian Line marking the Eastern and Western Hemispheres
- Royal Observatory's historic telescopes and Flamsteed House
- Peter Harrison Planetarium shows
- Panoramic hilltop view over the Thames and Canary Wharf
- Queen's House and National Maritime Museum at the foot of the hill
Tips for visiting
- Book Observatory and Planetarium tickets online in advance
- The park itself is free; only the Observatory galleries and Planetarium are ticketed
- Combine the visit with the free National Maritime Museum next door
- The climb to the Observatory is steep, so wear comfortable shoes
- Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic views from the hilltop
When to visit
Clear mornings offer the best visibility for photographing the Prime Meridian and the panoramic city view from the hilltop.
Accessibility
Park paths are mostly paved, though the hill to the Observatory is steep; the Observatory has some step-free routes, and contacting ahead is recommended for full accessibility details.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory take?
A combined visit to the park and Observatory takes two to three hours.
Is Greenwich Park worth it for kids?
Yes, the Planetarium shows and the novelty of the meridian line are popular with families.
Is photography allowed at the Royal Observatory?
Photography is allowed throughout the park and in most Observatory galleries, including at the meridian line.