Royal Observatory Museums
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich (formerly the Royal Greenwich Observatory or RGO) was commissioned in 1675 by King Charles II, with the foundation stone being laid on 10 August.
oday the buildings include a museum of astronomical and navigational tools, which is part of the National Maritime Museum, notably including John Harrison's prize-winning longitude marine chronometer, H4, and its three predecessors.
Several additional horological artifacts are also displayed, documenting the history of precision timekeeping for navigational and astronomical purposes, including the mid 20th century Russian-made Fedchenko clock (the most accurate pendulum clock ever built in multiple copies). It is also home to the 28-inch Grubb refracting telescope of 1893, the largest of its kind in the UK. The Shepherd Clock outside the observatory gate is an early example of an electric slave clock.
In February 2005 construction work began on a £15 million redevelopment project to provide a new planetarium and additional display galleries and educational facilities. The 120 seat Peter Harrison Planetarium officially opened on May 25, 2007.
Attraction Details
For enquiries about Royal Observatory, please contact the attraction using the details below.
AddressRomney Road, Greenwich, Greater London, SE10 9NF
Opening timesOPEN DAILY 10.00–17.00
Entry costs
Attraction typeMuseums
Hotels near Royal Observatory
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De Vere Venues Devonport
This Georgian-style hotel is next to the National Maritime Museum, and overlooks Greenwich Park and the River Thames. Buses to O2 Arena stop very close by..
RGA Apartment
RGA Apartment is located in London and offers a self-catering accommodation situated 400 metres from Greenwich and 800 metres from Greenwich Park. The property benefits from on-site private parking facilities free of charge..
ibis London Greenwich
Just a 10-minute walk from The Royal Observatory, this ibis London Greenwich features a 24-hour front desk, on-site parking and a stylish bar. The O2 Arena is just a 10-minute drive away..
Innkeeper's Lodge London, Greenwich
In the lively centre of Greenwich, the Innkeepers Lodge London offers well-appointed rooms and a restaurant and bar. Offering free Wi-Fi, this traditional London inn is a 3-minute walk from Greenwich Park..
onefinestay - Greenwich private
A unique collection of fashionable properties, onefinestay - Greenwich apartments offers accommodation in different locations around Greenwich..
Lets Holiday In London
Lets Holiday In London Greenwich offers an ideal setting next to the National Maritime Gardens, the Cutty Sark, River Thames and Cutty Sark DLR Station. These modern apartments include free Wi-Fi..
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