Name: Planetarium at the Royal Observatory
Rating: 5.0

Planetarium at the Royal Observatory

Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Avenue, London, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

2315
0
0

Description

The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory is a state-of-the-art space theatre that offers an immersive journey through the cosmos. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Greenwich because it is a planetarium and science museum category attraction that uses digital laser technology to bring the night sky to life. Families can fly to the heart of the sun, travel to distant galaxies, and explore the wonders of the solar system from the comfort of their seats.

Tickets for the planetarium are sold individually per show, making it easy to tailor your visit to your budget. Prices start from £12.00 for children and £24.00 for adults, though booking in advance is highly recommended as popular shows often sell out. If you choose to combine your show with a visit to the historic Royal Observatory, there are often bundle discounts available to help save on the total cost.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that provides both wonder and education, the Planetarium is a top-tier choice. It offers an educational day out where complex space science is broken down into entertaining, age-appropriate stories. Located at the top of Greenwich Park, it also provides some of the finest views across London, making the journey up the hill well worth the effort.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Digital Laser Projector: Provides an ultra-high-definition experience, acting as one of the most interactive exhibits for the eyes as stars appear with incredible clarity.
Expert Astronomer Commentaries: Many shows are presented live by real astronomers, turning a movie-like experience into a truly educational day out.
Age-Specific Programming: Shows are carefully designed for different developmental stages, ensuring sensory play with light and sound for toddlers and deep science for teens.
The Prime Meridian: Located right outside, allowing kids to stand on the world-famous line between the eastern and western hemispheres.

Top 5 Highlights

Ted’s Space Adventure: This is a "Helpful Peer" favourite for parents with under-7s. It follows a bear named Ted around the solar system, using music and rhymes to keep younger children engaged without being overwhelmed by the dark.
The Solar System Odyssey: A major highlight for school-aged kids. This show takes you on a tour of the planets, explaining why Mars is red and what the rings of Saturn are actually made of.
Meet the Neighbours: A live show where an astronomer takes control of the universe. They can answer "what if" questions in real-time, making it feel like a personal tour of the galaxy.
The Altazimuth Pavilion: This highlight is a beautiful piece of architecture holding historic solar telescopes. It’s a great way to show kids how people used to study the stars before digital screens.
The Time Galleries: A highlight located in the main Observatory building. Children can see the famous H4 clock and learn how sailors used the stars and time to find their way across the ocean.

Facilities

Toilets: Located in the Planetarium foyer and the courtyard, including baby changing.
Buggy Parking: Buggies are not allowed inside the Planetarium theatre but can be left in the designated buggy park in the foyer.
Food & Drink: The Astronomy Café serves sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks with an outdoor terrace.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Arrive Early: You need to be at the Planetarium at least 15 minutes before the show starts; latecomers are strictly not admitted to avoid light ruins the experience for others.
The "Hill" Logic: The walk from the DLR is very steep. If you have a heavy pram or small children, allow at least 20 minutes for the walk up through Greenwich Park.
Pick the Right Show: Double-check the age rating. "Ted's Space Adventure" is great for toddlers, but older kids might find it too simple, whereas "One Day on Mars" might be too intense for very young ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, specifically for the "Ted's Space Adventure" show which is designed for under-7s and isn't too dark or loud.
How long does a visit take? A single show lasts about 30-45 minutes. If you include the walk through the park and a visit to the Observatory, allow 2-3 hours.
Where is the best place to park? Parking is difficult, but the Blackheath Avenue car park inside Greenwich Park is the closest, though it fills up very early on weekends.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Greenwich? The National Maritime Museum at the bottom of the hill is free and offers great indoor play areas if you are on a budget.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

Parents love the quality of the live presenters, who are great at making complex topics funny and easy for kids to grasp.
The 360-degree dome is frequently described as "breathtaking," providing a true "wow" factor that keeps children quiet and focused.
Many find the show length (approx. 30-45 mins) to be the "sweet spot" for children’s attention spans.

What Visitors Don't Like

The steep climb up the hill is a common complaint, especially for those with buggies or during hot weather.
Some visitors find the separate pricing for the Observatory and the Planetarium can add up quickly for a large family.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Peter Harrison Planetarium: The main 120-seat theatre.
Harrison’s Timekeepers (H1, H2, H3, H4): The world-changing clocks in the Time Galleries.
The Great Equatorial Telescope: The UK's largest historic refracting telescope.
The Camera Obscura: A live moving image of the Thames projected onto a table.
The Dolphin Sundial: A modern, artistic way to tell the time using shadows.
The Prime Meridian Line: The physical stainless steel strip in the courtyard.
The Time Ball: Watch it drop at exactly 1pm every day on top of Flamsteed House.
Astronomy Photographer of the Year Exhibition: A gallery of stunning space images (seasonal).
Starry Skies (Live Show): A seasonal guide to what you can see in the actual London sky tonight.
One Day on Mars: A high-intensity show exploring the red planet's landscape.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The Royal Observatory: Explore the historic home of the Astronomers Royal and stand on the Meridian Line.
National Maritime Museum: Located at the bottom of the hill, this free museum has massive play galleries for children.
The Cutty Sark: Step aboard the world's last surviving tea clipper, just a short walk away in the town centre.
Greenwich Park Playground: A newly refurbished, high-quality play area located near the park's boating pond.

New for 2026

The 2026 'Beyond the Blue' Show: A brand-new immersive experience launching this year that uses the latest satellite data to show the Earth as an "alien planet," focusing on climate and conservation from space.
Interactive Space Hub: A newly opened gallery for 2026 in the Planetarium foyer featuring touch-screen consoles where kids can "build" their own rocket before the show starts.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Royal Observatory:
- Adult: £24
- Child: £12
Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass:
- Adult: £38
- Child: £19
Memberships:
- Individual: £65 Direct Debit / £75 One-off
- Family: From £75 Direct Debit / From £85 One-off

Pricing URL: https://www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory#ticket-flyout

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The Planetarium does not offer standard birthday party packages with food and hosting. For private hire or group bookings for special occasions: Contact Email: bookings@rmg.co.uk

Daily: 10am-5pm (last entry 4.15pm)

Address: Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Avenue, London, UK

Post Code: SE10 9NF

Council: Greenwich

County: Greater London

By DLR: Cutty Sark DLR is the closest station.
By Train: Greenwich Station and Maze Hill are both within a 15-minute walk.
By Car: Parking is extremely limited in Greenwich. There is a small Pay & Display car park in Greenwich Park (Blackheath Gate end), but public transport is highly recommended.
By Boat: Take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Greenwich Pier for a scenic arrival.