Royal Museums of Greenwich is the one place on earth where a myriad of disciplines come together to form an elegant whole. A top-10 UK visitor attraction, this site harbors the National Maritime Museum , the Royal Observatory Greenwich , the iconic sailing ship Cutty Sark , and the Queen’s House art gallery . Once you are in the compound, you can stop worrying about commuting and focus on your royal tryst with art, history, science, and London.
The Royal Museums of Greenwich can cater to your interests, no matter how finical you are. Furthermore, if you pay the modest entry charge for the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, you will be able to visit the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House art gallery, and the Astronomy Center for free.
Why Visit the Royal Museums of Greenwich
Wander less, Experience more
When you are in a city of London’s legacy, you can’t afford to lose time stuck in traffic or trying to find a place on the map. Fortunately, at the Royal Museums of Greenwich, you don’t have to waste any time. Within walking distance, you find an art gallery, an astronomy center, a historic sailing ship, a maritime museum, and a Royal observatory, all of which are swarming with fragments of quintessential London.
Witness East meeting the West
The Prime Meridian is where the distinction between the West and the East ceases to be. You have read about it before, now you get to see it and stand at the nexus of this planet. Plant one feet in the East and the other in the West and explore the home of the Greenwich Mean Time. This is an experience that no other place can grant you.
Breathe in the panoramic views from the Royal Greenwich Park
You don’t have to be a passionate traveler or a connoisseur of art, science, and history in order to enjoy this location. Just stand and treat your senses to the magnificent view of London from the Royal Greenwich Park. The former hunting park is bathed in history and presently, you can meet the Royal Deer at the park, who are said to be the descendants of King Henry VIII's hunting stock.
Meet your celestial neighbors at the Peter Harrison Planetarium
Being the only planetarium in the city, it is automatically considered a London classic. Stay on the ground yet float around in space at this extraordinary site. Let astronomers guide you through what lies beyond our land and oceans. The Peter Harrison Planetarium currently has shows for kids as well as more advanced audiences. Occasionally, the planetarium screens science fiction cult movies and hosts workshops for budding astronomers.
Embark on the world’s oldest surviving tea clipper, Cutty Sark
Just overlooking the Greenwich Palace, lies this ship that has endured and conquered the wrath of the high seas for almost a century for various purposes. And now, you have a chance to be a part of its illustrious past. You will get a unique opportunity to be at the helm of the fastest ship of its time. Additionally, the crew of the ship will be there to share the stories of its heydays. If that wasn’t enough, right underneath its copper-plated hull is a place for you to sip afternoon tea.
Freeze time and dive into the world’s maritime history
The National Maritime Museum is famous for its illustrative time capsule that has set aside iconic beach photography just for you. Once you are done with the photographs, sit by the picturesque park and enjoy the mesmerising views and the amazing food on offer. Kids of all ages will remain busy with a fun pirate-themed adventure game and a ship simulator.
Discover the best of British art at the Queen’s House
Everyone has seen Queen Elizabeth I’s Armada painting in books or on television. This is where the real one resides. Giving her company are numerous of Lowry, Turner, and Canaletto originals. Undoubtedly, it’s an art lover’s paradise. If you aren’t quite familiar with these names, fret not. Expert guides will walk you through every bit of royal Greenwich with astonishing anecdotes and stories.
Royal Museums of Greenwich Tickets
While admission to the National Maritime Museum & Queen's House is free, you are required to purchase a nominally priced ticket for entering the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory Greenwich. By clicking the 'Book Now' tab below, you can purchase a ticket for either of the two or even both and simply walk in after flashing these tickets. Grab your tickets online for better deals!
Know Before You Visit The Royal Museums of Greenwich
Before you set off to the Royal Museums of Greenwich, here are a few important things you should know about the 4 main attractions here. Click on any of the below tabs and read about the attraction you'd like to know more about.
The Royal Observatory
Royal Observatory Opening Times
Monday - Sunday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How To Get There
- By Bus : Greenwich Park - Stop S (9 minute walk via Blackheath Avenue)
- By Rail: Cutty Sark DLR, Maze Hill rail station, Greenwich DLR, Blackheath rail station
- By Boat: Greenwich Pier (15 minute walk via King William Walk)
- By Car: Exit A2 via Charlton Way then onto Blackheath Avenue
Visitor Tips
- The Royal Observatory remains open on bank holidays
- The Royal Observatory is atop a steep hill with a wheelchair accessible route
- The hilltop affords a view of the London skyline and River Thames
- The historic timepieces and clocks are on display at the Observatory
Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark Opening Times
Monday - Sunday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How To Get There
- By Bus : Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich - Stop A (1 minute walk via Creek Road)
- By Rail: Cutty Sark DLR, Maze Hill rail station
- By Boat: Greenwich Pier (3 minute walk via Greenwich Church Street)
- By Car: via Straightsmouth and A206
Visitor Tips
- Cutty Sark remains open on bank holidays
- Greenwich and Maze Hill rail station platforms have step free access to Cutty Sark
- Make sure to explore the Cutty Sark Captain’s cabin
- If you're traveling with kids, meet Cutty Sark’s famous figurehead Nannie the Witch
- The ship’s plan is available at the gift shop for you buy
- Cutty Sark ticket holders only get to dine at the Cutty Sark Cafe
National Maritime Museum
National Maritime Museum Opening Times
Monday - Sunday - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How To Get There
- By Bus : National Maritime Museum - Stop F & G (1 minute walk via Romney Road)
- By Rail: Cutty Sark DLR, Maze Hill rail station, Greenwich DLR
- By Boat: Greenwich Pier (6 minute walk via North Greenwich Pier)
- By Car: via A206
Visitor Tips
- Entry to the National Maritime Museum is free
- The museum’s archive of photographs includes new collection of Martin Parr
- Admiral Nelson’s Trafalgar coat with a single bullet hole is open for visitors to see
- You can visit the Caird Library and access its huge collection of maritime history
- Kids will be delighted to visit the Great Map Cafe on the first floor of the museum
- The cloakroom at the museum lets you store your luggage at a nominal fee. So, if you're traveling with luggage, deposit it here and then roam around the rest of the Royal Museums in Greenwich freely.
Queen’s House
Queen’s House Opening Times
Monday - Sunday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How To Get There
- By Bus : National Maritime Museum - Stop F & G (7 minute walk via Romney Road)
- By Rail: Cutty Sark DLR, Maze Hill rail station
- By Boat: Greenwich Pier (11 minute walk via North Greenwich Pier)
- By Car: via A206
Visitor Tips
- Entry to the Queen’s House is free
- The Great Hall in the Queen’s House is perfectly cubical in shape and features award-winning ceiling design
- You can climb the Tulip Stairs, the first ever self-supporting spiral stairs in Britain
- The gift shop sells replica prints of Queen Elizabeth I’s Armada painting
- The Queen’s House can be hired for hosting various events
FAQs: The Royal Museums of Greenwich
The Caird Library and Archive at the National Maritime Museum is home to the world's largest maritime library and archive collection. The Library collection includes over 100,000 books, 20,000 pamphlets, 20,000 bound periodicals including 200 current titles and 8000 rare books spanning every aspect of maritime history.
Depends how long you take to walk as the pace is up to the individual person. Need minium of 1.5 hours but allow 2 hours I suggest. over a year ago.
Visit the free interactive galleries at the Royal Observatory's Astronomy Centre to get answers to all the big questions about space, time and the universe – all completely free of charge.
The observatory gives assurance to its visitors, an educational experience which is worth visiting. It is one of the world's most significant museums of an astronomical site, where you can learn about on time standardization, about the making of the first telescope and the evolution of science over the years.
You must have a timed entry ticket to visit the Observatory, even if you're a Member. We recommend booking online in advance to avoid disappointment. To make the most of your day out, buy a Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass and get access to both the Royal Observatory and historic ship Cutty Sark.
