We knew we had to visit Greenwich while on vacation in London and I hope that you put that on your To Do List for your upcoming vacation! Plan on going on a beautiful day since the views from the Observatory are spectacular. However the hike up the hill to the Observatory is a challenge both for the elderly and families pushing their children with strollers. There is apparently a longer less arduous path to take but going up the path is paved but challenging. However once you get there there is much to see and experience including being able to stand on both sides of the Prime Meridian! There’s the planetarium and great exhibits. And there is also a wonderful cafe run by Benugo where we had a wonderful lunch.
We ordered our tickets in advance on the Royal Observatory's web site for a specific entrance time. There did not seem to be a need to order these tickets in advance. We visited just before lunch time on a Sunday in the height of the summer vacation season and there was a line of only two people ahead of us. We arrived more than an hour after the designated entrance time listed on the tickets and were told by the staff at the entrance that they do not really check the entrance times on the preordered tickets.
Came down from Westminster via the river. This place is stunning what with its museums, gardens and parks together with the importance of the site for geography. To stand on the prime meridian is hard to describe. I have never experienced the feeling like I did there of absoluteness to every one else. You will know if you go there. Spent a whole day there and Di the cutty sark as well do yourself a favour
After a little research, taking the River bus was the easiest way to arrive at Greenwich. There's a nice walk up to the Observatory, a bit of a hill, but the path is good. We hadn't pre-purchased tickets as we weren't sure of the weather so we arrived early and headed straight down the path behind the little iron gate below the courtyard of the Observatory itself and took photos on the Prime Meridian there. That started a bit of a stampede as several tour groups also waiting rushed down to see what we were doing! An amusing start to our visit. On opening we walked straight in, got tickets within 5 mins and had an enjoyable morning in the museum there. My husband & I both found it very interesting. He especially like the clocks and telescopes. We both thought it very good value and although there were lots of people there it didn't seem as crowded as we expected. Bathroom facilities were good too. Then a leisurely stroll down the hill to check out all the other things to do in Greenwich.
If you like astronomy and history this is the place to see. There are several telescopes on display that show the evolution of how we studied the sky. There is historical information on the Royal Astronomers. It is interesting to see the connection between time, longitude and the expansion of the British Empire. Excellent audio guide that lets you go at your own pace. You can stand on the Prime Meridian. So cool. Reasonably priced. I believe the planetarium is an additional fee. You could spend the entire day at Greenwich Park, between the Royal Observatory, The Queen's House and the National Maritime Museum. The Royal Observatory is quite a hike up from the park so be prepared.
