Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Stand on the "official' starting point of world time
- Great experience for kids and adults
Time required: 60 minutes
Phone: +44 20 8858 4422
Web site: http://www.nmm.ac.uk/pla...
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 10am - 5pm |
| Dec 24-26: | Closed |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | Free |
Public transport:
- Docklands Light Railway: Cutty Sark station
Address: Blackheath Avenue , Greenwich, SE10 8XJ
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Márcio Cabral de Moura
Things you need to know:
- Royal Observatory is part of the World Heritage Site of Greenwich
- It was founded by Charles II in 1675
- The Observatory was built to improve navigation at sea by finding the method of determining the exact position to the east or west by astronomical means
- The Prime Meridian, Longitude 0° runs through it
- Every place on Earth is measured in terms of its distance east or west from this point
- It is the official starting point for each new day and year
- UK's largest refracting telescope is housed in the building
What to do there:
- Have your photo taken standing on the meridian line
- Enjoy the faboulos view over London
- Visit the observatory housing the Astronomy center, the Planetarium, the Time galleries and the telescope Dome
- Do not miss the planetarium shows (charges apply: £6.50)
Tips & Insights:
- The exhibitions are interactive and very informative
- Visit the official site for an informative map
- Meridian line: for £1 you can print a certificate that you were there
