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Royal Observatory Greenwich

Royal Observatory Greenwich: Our most recommended tours and activities

London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

1. London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

Admire the views of London's most iconic sights with a cruise on the River Thames. Cruise to Greenwich to see London's historical sights from the River Thames. Journey past iconic sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the Tate Modern. Choose between either a one-way or round-trip journey, with skip-the-line entry, and avoid the queues at the ticket office as you go straight to board the boat. Listen to the downloadable audio commentary on your smartphone as you enjoy the comfort of a modern but traditional vessel. Admire the pyramid structure of The Shard and see other monuments from London's historic waterway. Head to the open deck for panoramic views of London's landmarks. Stop at Embankment Pier, Festival Pier, and Tower Bridge Quay before arriving at Greenwich Pier. Feel free to explore the charms of Greenwich on your own terms, and see sights such as Greenwich Market, the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park, and the Royal Observatory which are all within easy walking distance from the pier.

London: Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

2. London: Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

Experience 2 of the world's hemispheres in a single day on a visit to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and visit the historic home of British astronomy. See the world-famous Meridian Line, and stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the west. Established in the 17th century, it was at the Royal Observatory where the great scientists of the time precisely mapped the stars to help navigate the seas. The Greenwich Meridian was chosen as the Prime Meridian of the world in 1884, forever putting Greenwich on the map! Learn about the discoveries of great scientists and inventors based at, or associated with, the Royal Observatory, including Harrison, Newton, Halley, Bradley and Airy. See the Octagon Room, the centrepiece of Flamsteed House, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and one of his best-preserved interiors in London. Take in one of the most loved views of London and gaze across royal Greenwich Park, the City of London and the River Thames. You can also visit the modern Astronomy Centre and touch a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite from outer space, or take an awe-inspiring journey through the wonders of space at the Peter Harrison Planetarium.

London: 1-10 Day London Pass with 90+ Top Attractions

3. London: 1-10 Day London Pass with 90+ Top Attractions

See all that London has to offer with the London Pass by Go City and save up to 50%* on top attractions. With its wealth of history and culture, London always has plenty to offer visitors. The London Pass is a complete sightseer credits package allowing you access to more than 90 top attractions, tours, and museums. Access a huge range of the top landmarks and attractions including the Tower of London, London Zoo, Windsor Castle, and many more.  Enjoy a 1-Day Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus tour with over 60 stops across London including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. The pass is valid for a full working day across 3 routes. You'll also get access to special London Pass holder perks, including discounts at gift shops at select attractions. The London Pass allows access to over 90 attractions, including: POPULAR ATTRACTIONS • Tower of London • 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour • Thames River Boat (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - 1-day Hop-on Hop-off) • Windsor Castle (afternoon entry only) • Westminster Abbey • London Bridge Experience • Tower Bridge Exhibition • ZSL London Zoo • St Paul's Cathedral • Kensington Palace PLACES OF INTEREST • Shakespeare's Globe Theatre • Royal Albert Hall • Royal Observatory Greenwich • Old Royal Naval College • Cutty Sark • Kew Gardens • Hampton Court Palace • Apsley House • Benjamin Franklin House: Architectural Tour • Benjamin Franklin House: Historical • Eltham Palace • Golden Hinde • Wellington Arch • Chelsea Physic Garden MUSEUMS & GALLERIES • London Transport Museum • Foundling Museum • Household Cavalry Museum • Charles Dickens Museum • Guards Museum • Cartoon Museum • Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art • Wernher Collection at Ranger's House • Fan Museum • London Canal Museum • London Museum of Water and Steam • Garden Museum • Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising • Queen's Gallery (temporarily closed) • The Postal Museum TOURS & EXPERIENCES • ArcelorMittal Orbit • Arsenal FC Stadium (Emirates Stadium) • Chelsea FC Stadium Tour • Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour • Twickenham Stadium Tour & Rugby Museum • Wembley Stadium Tours • Historic Pub Tour of London & more! Please note: attractions and tours are subject to change. Please check the digital guide, or Go City app, included on your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions, when applicable before you go. *Savings based on sample itineraries on the Go City website.

London: Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

4. London: Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass

Make your way to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, which is located in Greenwich Royal Park. As you do, enjoy dramatic views of London across Greenwich Royal Park, the City of London, and the River Thames. Once inside, pick up an audio guide with ten languages available.  Your visit will begin in the Meridian Courtyard. Stand astride the Prime Meridian Line with one foot in the east and the other in the west at the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The tour will take you through Flamsteed House, where you will walk in the footsteps of the Astronomers Royal. Visit the Octagon Room, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is one of the best preserved Wren interiors in London. See Harrison’s clocks, the inventions that changed the world. Discover the Shepherd Gate Clock mounted outside, which was the first clock to show Greenwich Mean Time to the public. Learn about the discoveries of great scientists and inventors based at, or associated with, the Royal Observatory including Harrison, Newton, Halley, Bradley, Maunder, Harrison, Airy, and Einstein. The bright red Time Ball on top of Flamsteed House is one of the world’s earliest public time signals and was first used in 1833 and still operates today. Do not miss the Great Equatorial Telescope in the huge iconic onion dome, which gave astronomers new views of the universe over 100 years ago Head down the hill towards Cutty Sark, the world’s sole surviving tea clipper, which was celebrated for her record-breaking passages around the globe. Come aboard and experience what it was like to sail this much-loved national icon. Initially built for the China tea trade and launched in 1869, Cutty Sark’s original wooden planks and iron frames have been meticulously conserved. As part of an ambitious six-year conservation project, the ship was raised over three meters, giving visitors the unique opportunity to stand directly underneath this world wonder and see her elegant lines and ground-breaking design. It has now been developed into an award-winning museum and visitor experience. Your entrance ticket will allow you to explore her in full. Discover what life was like on board a true survivor of the seas. See the sailors' quarters and take the helm at the ship's wheel. Stand on the main deck and marvel at the towering masts and 11 miles of rigging and enjoy fabulous views of the River Thames. Continue to The Queen's House, a pioneering piece of 17th-century architecture designed by Inigo Jones. View the spectacular art, architecture, and history of this beautiful royal villa. Be sure to stop by The National Maritime Museum, the largest museum of its type in the world. There you'll discover epic stories of exploration and endeavour that helped shaped the world.

From London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Dover

5. From London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Dover

Escape the bustle of London on a full-day sightseeing tour of the English countryside. You will head to the Garden of England, with visits to Kent’s Leeds Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, and Canterbury Cathedral. The journey takes you over the Greenwich Meridian and past the London district that is home to the famous Cutty Sark tea clipper, and the Royal Observatory. Then see Leeds Castle, described by Lord Conway as “the loveliest castle in the world.” Set in the middle of a lake, and surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, enter the castle before the doors open to the public, and experience its magic in an atmosphere of still tranquility. Have time to explore the castle grounds and find the Lady Baillie Garden, with views over the lake. Next, make your way to Canterbury and visit the historic Canterbury Cathedral. The most important Anglican church in the world, the central Bell Harry Tower dates back to 1498, and the crypt is from the 11th-Century. Your guide will tell the story of the shocking murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett in 1170, and there will also be time to explore the narrow streets of Canterbury, with an opportunity to stop for lunch. Continue your tour through the picturesque landscape of Kent, dotted with unusual buildings and quaint villages. Arrive at Dover, to see the famous White Cliffs, standing 400 feet above sea level. Brooding above the cliffs is the sprawling Dover Castle, still watching over the town after 800 years.

London: Go City Explorer Pass with 75+ Tours and Attractions

6. London: Go City Explorer Pass with 75+ Tours and Attractions

Get your London Explorer Pass, a digital credits package, and create your own city itinerary. Redeem your credits against 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from a selection of over 75 monuments, tours, cruises, dining experiences, and more. Choose from a variety of venues, including the Tower of London, Shakespeare's Globe, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Get instructions on how to plan your itinerary and place reservations ahead when needed. You have 60 days to use your attraction credits starting with your first choice. Save up to 50%* at top attractions - each visit equals 1 credit used. Choose any 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from the following list: Popular attractions: • 1-day Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus tour • Tower of London • Kensington Palace • Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour • St Paul’s Cathedral • City Cruises Thames River Pass • Tower Bridge • Westminster Abbey • The London Bridge Experience • ZSL London Zoo Fun Activities and Tours: • Up at the O2 • Brit Movie Tours • Brit Music Tours • Brit Icon Tours • Hop-on Hop-off Open Bus tour of Windsor • Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum • Emirates Arsenal Stadium Tour • Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium Tour • Wembley Stadium Tour • Twickenham Stadium Tour & World Rugby Museum • Kia Oval Ground Tour • London Bicycle Tour Company - Bicycle Hire • Fuller's Brewery Tour • Hard Rock Café London • Curzon Soho - Cinema Ticket • Curzon Mayfair - Cinema Ticket • Curzon Bloomsbury Cinema - Cinema Ticket • Swingers Crazy Golf (West End or City venues) • Sherlock: The Official Live Game • All Star Lanes (bowling) • The Chocolate Cocktail Club - One Free Cocktail • The Bermondsey Bierkeller • The Dare Skywalk • Solve a Mystery: the Murder at Trafalgar Square • ArcelorMittal Orbit Museums and Places of Interest: • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew • Royal Observatory Greenwich • London Transport Museum • Cutty Sark • Benjamin Franklin House • Florence Nightingale Museum • Freud Museum London • Hampton Court Palace • Household Cavalry Museum • London Bicycle Tour • Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising • Old Royal Naval College • Royal Albert Hall Tour • Garden Museum • The Guards Museum • The Monument to The Great Fire of London • The Postal Museum • Wembley Stadium Tour • Apsley House • Eltham Palace • Jewel Tower • Wellington Arch • Chiswick House and Kitchen Garden • Royal Air Force Museum *Savings based on sample itineraries on the Go City website. 

London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

7. London: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

Explore the River Thames as it weaves through the heart of London and discover fascinating history around every bend. Today, you can experience the splendor of this great city from the relaxed comfort of a modern, all-weather and wheelchair-friendly sightseeing boat. Informative commentary interlaced with colorful tales of the city's past will keep your mind engaged as you cruise down the Thames! Cruises depart frequently from Westminster Pier, Greenwich Pier, London Eye Pier, and Tower Pier, sailing every day of the year except Christmas Day. With a regular timetable, and evening cruises all summer, you can enjoy a full-day on the river in comfort. Hop on and off the boat as many times as you wish to explore sights such as the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Borough Market, South Bank Centre, and the London Eye. Or grab a refreshment from the on-board bar and relax as you sail past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, the Royal Festival Hall, Cleopatra's Needle, Somerset House, the Millennium Footbridge, Shakespeare's Globe, Monument, H.M.S.Belfast, and much more. During the festive season from December to January, all boats will be decorated and kids will get Christmas coloring sheet and pencils to keep them entertained while parents relax by sipping on a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie from our fully stocked bar. 'Tis the season to be jolly!

London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour and River Thames Cruise

8. London: Warner Bros. Studio Tour and River Thames Cruise

Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour on the outskirts of London. See your favorite characters, amazing sets, and even take a walk through the Forbidden Forest. Enjoy a cruise up and down the River Thames and capture some of the most iconic sights in London. Make your way to the studio in Leavesden, Watford, and enter the magical world of Harry Potter. Marvel at the spectacular sets created for the iconic films, including The Great Hall, and Platform 9 and 3/4. Stroll down Diagon Alley and admire the costumes and props that brought the book to life. Visit the newest expansion of the studio and walk through Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Find the Lestrange vault, a gallery of goblins, and see for yourself the Sword of Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff's Cup, and one of Voldemort's infamous Horcruxes. Join your sightseeing cruise on the River Thames at either Westminster or Tower Pier, and enjoy the convenience of hopping on and off to see what London has to offer. The cruise can be taken on any day, up until the 30th of December 2023. There is no need to take the cruise on the same day as your visit to WB Studios. Spot the Tower of London, The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, Borough Market, and much more.

Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich

9. Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover, and Greenwich

Embark on a day trip from London to discover some of England's most important attractions. Explore Leeds Castle, see the historic Canterbury Cathedral, stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial, and marvel at the White Cliffs of Dover. Described as 'the loveliest castle in the world' by Lord Conway, Leeds Castle sits on 500 acres of landscaped parkland across two idyllic islands, deep in the heart of the magnificent Kent countryside. Arrive early to visit Leeds Castle, where Henry VIII retreated to escape the plague that was raging in London during his reign. Upon arrival at Leeds Castle, you will be greeted by your guide. Discover the history behind this magical castle and experience life how Henry VIII would have. Next up, embark on a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, the scene of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s gruesome murder in 1170. Learn the intriguing history behind this captivating masterpiece of medieval architecture. Marvel at the cathedral’s spectacular stained glass windows, many of which have survived from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Admire the famous White Cliffs of Dover as you drive past Then, head to Greenwich to see the Old Royal Naval College, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, as well as the Royal Observatory and the world-famous Cutty Sark, a fascinating 19th-century clipper ship. Stop at the Battle of Britain Memorial where you’ll find mesmerizing views of the White Cliffs of Dover. Get a fresh perspective on London’s attractions with a boat ride on the River Thames, from Greenwich to Embankment Pier. You'll pass Tower Bridge and stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral along the way.

Greenwich Highlights Half Day Tour

10. Greenwich Highlights Half Day Tour

Starting at the Greenwich Visitor Centre, you'll walk along the River Thames towards the nearby Old Royal Naval College, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. On our tour, we visit the Old Royal Naval College where the Royal Navy had its training college, up until the Millenium. From there you will walk up to the world famous Greenwich Royal Observatory, site of the Prime Meridian. Here visitors will see the line that divides the Western and Eastern hemispheres of the globe. Another highlight here are the unique clocks that occupy the Observatory museum, designed by Harrison, which eventually solved the "longitude" problem for seafarers. Following the visit to the Observatory, walk down to the largest maritime museum in the world: the National Maritime Museum. Britain's seafaring past and history as a naval power is on showcase here. You'll have the opportunity to rest your feet and enjoy a tea or coffee here. From here, your guide will take you aboard the world-famous clipper ship Cutty Sark. In her time, at the very end of the Age of Sail, she was the fastest ship on water. Newly restored for a staggering price tag of 50 million pounds, she was reopened to the public on May 1st, 2012. The tour ends at the historic Greenwich Market, home to art galleries, antiques and amazing street food.

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What people are saying about Royal Observatory Greenwich

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 3,823 reviews

I attended the tour with Krissi the guide and Kolín the driver. The driving was excellent: clean and tidy bus, careful driving and on time everywhere. The guide was excellent: informative, clear in everything, and particular thanks for educated cultured English! Pleasure to hear and to listen to! The timing was very good: enough time everywhere. Thank you!

The tour guide was so informative and funny - making it fascinating to be told all the facts as we passed the many landmarks. I honestly think his cockney commentary made the trip!! In one tour - we got to see and learn so much about London. Thankfully we had lovely weather and we all thoroughly enjoyed our excursion to Greenwich.

Perfect and easy to use. On the other hand, we visited the attractions at high speed and barely managed to make the pass profitable. See if the price is worth it. Above all, you must have planned to do at least 70% of the activities of your stay using the pass.

Easy to use app and good to get a discount on main tourist attractions.

The tour was perfect and the guide was exceptional!!