Royal Observatory Greenwich
Blackheath Avenue London SE10 8XJ
10am - 5pm daily
DLR: Cutty Sark, Uber Boat: Greenwich Pier, Overland: Greenwich
1.5 - 2 hours
5+
Mainly accessible
from £9pp
Based on 8 reviews
We love the planetarium. The hill on the way up is a bit steep though be warned!
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About the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Got a space-obsessed child or a teen who dreams in galaxies? The Royal Observatory Greenwich is your launchpad. From standing on the Prime Meridian line (two hemispheres = double the fun) to jaw-dropping planetarium shows, this hilltop gem is bursting with wow moments.
Inside, you’ll find ancient telescopes, time-travel tech, and interactive exhibits that turn science into proper fun. It’s best for kids aged 6+, though younger ones love the rockets, buttons and big skies too. Teens can geek out on astronomy facts while snapping epic skyline selfies.
The whole site is mostly accessible (be warned: it’s a steep hill!) with sensory support available. Add in a park-side café and a gift shop that’s basically heaven for mini astronauts, and you’ve got a full-on, star-powered family day out. Bonus points if you combine it with the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum nearby.
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
Time your visit for a planetarium show and pre-book – the family-friendly ones sell out fast, and they’re like Netflix for space fans… but bigger and better.
Yes. From star-spotting and time travel to the Prime Meridian line, it’s packed with hands-on fun. One of the best Greenwich days out for curious kids.
Best for ages 6+, but there’s still plenty to wow younger kids, especially rockets, gadgets and the big hill views.
100%. It’s like a cinema, but for the cosmos. Just check age guidance – some shows are for 5+, others are better for tweens and teens.
Science-mad or just into cool tech? Teens love the planetarium visuals, time-travel stories and Prime Meridian bragging rights. Insta content = sorted.
Yes, and it’s a proper rite of passage. One foot in the west, one in the east. Pic or it didn’t happen.
Yep, take a guided tour or use your phone to access the smart audio guides. Great for older kids and grandparents alike.
Yes, the Astronomy Café does sandwiches, cakes and decent coffee. There are Picnic spots with views too, plus Greenwich is just down the hill.
Inside is mostly accessible, with lifts, sensory kits and calm zones. The hill up from Greenwich Park is steep – go slow or tag-team the buggy push!
Yes – loads for kids, teens and history-loving grandparents. Take it at your own pace and enjoy the views together.
About 90 minutes to 2 hours – longer if you book a planetarium show or combine it with the Cutty Sark.
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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.