Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory is literally the place where time begins.

Part of the National Maritime Museum (020 8858 4422), the Royal Observatory includes the Greenwich Meridian (Prime Meridian) - zero degrees longitude, the start and end point by which all the world's maps are located and the point from which all the world time zones are centred. Here you can stand with one foot in each of the eastern and western hemispheres. You can also look at the main transit telescope, as well as a substantial collection of historical scientific and astronomical instruments - including the world's first chronometer.

The Observatory was founded in 1675 by King Charles II specifically to find a solution to the problem of establishing longitude, which provided the militarily important vital key to establishing one's exact position while at sea and out of sight of land. The story of John Harrison's time-keeping solution to the problem has been told in the world best-selling book Longitude.

Other buildings within the National Maritime Museum include The Queen's House and the main museum building, which houses the national historical collection detailing Britain's exploits as a seafaring nation - including a substantial collection of British and 17th century Dutch maritime paintings, portraits, maps and many pivotal historic documents.

Other things to see in Greenwich include Greenwich Park with views of the City and Docklands, the lively historic town itself and its market, the Cutty Sark tea-clipper and Wren's spectacular hospital-cum-palace, what is now the Royal Naval College. Nearby are Canary Wharf, the Millennium Dome and the Thames Barrier. Greenwich Tourist

Information Centre: 0870 608 2000.

View attraction map »

Back to list »