Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is a historic centre of astronomy and one of the most significant sites in the history of timekeeping and navigation. Founded in 1675 by King Charles II, the observatory was established to improve the accuracy of navigation at sea by studying the stars and developing better methods of measuring time. Today, visitors can explore historic astronomical instruments, learn about the development of Greenwich Mean Time and stand on the Prime Meridian, where the Eastern and Western Hemispheres meet. The observatory also offers impressive views across Greenwich and London, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in astronomy, science and the history of navigation.