Royal Observatory Greenwich Reviews Summary

Views and Location

Pros:

• "First and foremost, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city."
• "Very cool view of London from their viewing balcony, and interesting if one is in to time and space."
• "The views atop Greenwich Park is truly one of the best views you can get of London."
• "Greenwich park offers one of the best spots to overlook London~"
• "The view really is amazing and has to be seen to be truly appreciated."
• "The view towards the Thames is spectacular and the surrounding park is enormous."
• "Best views of London due high location with a splendid lookout over the Thames."

Cons:

• "Trouble is you have to work hard to see it, as the climb to the top is incredibly steep."
• "It was very crowded in meridian line area."
• "We visited on a really rainy morning so we couldn't appreciate the views."
• "It’s quite a walk 15-20 minutes from the Tube station and we did have to walk up a pretty steep incline in the rain!"
• "Walking up from the park is not for the faint-hearted … or unless you’re carrying your own defib!"

Accessibility

Pros:

• "Easy access for disabled and wheel chair able people."
• "The Way we came was via Uber boat from Embankment which takes you to Greenwich next Cutty Sark."
• "One option of reaching the Observatory is taking a train and stop at either Greenwich or Maze Hill station."
• "It's approachable with the car also."
• "Cars can reach the top of the hill otherwise it's a 15 minutes walk from the museum."

Cons:

• "The attraction isn't suitable for disabled individuals as there were steps across the attraction that can be challenging for disabled guests like my parents."
• "It's not suitable for anyone with mobility disabilities and I even saw younger and fitter people than me struggling."
• "There are stairs in the museum, not accessible for all."
• "great day out, not the best place for disabled access if arriving on foot, the signs for the easier route need to be more clearly marked."

Educational Value

Pros:

• "This is a wonderful place with centuries of history, and home to loads of scientific discoveries."
• "A highly interesting set of exhibits takes you through time, tracing how the Royal Observatory at Greenwich was established in 1675 and till the present time."
• "Overall, the visit to the Royal Observatory is not only educational but also a must-see for anyone visiting Greenwich."
• "The exhibitions delve into the intricacies of time and longitude, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit."
• "So fascinating to walk along the Meridian line and to learn about the 3 famous astronomers that worked there, including Halley."
• "An amazing museum that shows the history of the time and how it is examined, how it is measured, what the connection is to light, stars and travels in the world."
• "Stand on the prime meridian and learn a lot about how the observatory helped shape navigation across the seas."

Cons:

• "Took my two daughters to Ted's Space adventure show at the planetarium and it was absolutely atrocious."
• "The Planetarium show itself was a big let down."
• "Really disappointed with my visit. I was expecting to have a look through telescopes and have some great space experience but no, it was all about Greenwich time and how time come about."
• "Disappointing. I like space and science but this place turned out to be little more than a gloomy clock museum."
• "Younger kids may not find it very interesting."
• "Kids got bored halfway through."
• "Rather dull, not much outside unless you pay the silly price for a ticket inside, then again it’s very outdated in the internet age."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "The fact that admission on the observatory is free makes the visit even more enjoyable, as it is well worth it."
• "Worth the price (36£ for 2 adults &1 kid) if you have interest on the observatory museum."
• "I bought a joint museum ticket for the Observatory and the Cutty Sark for £25. Well worth the money."
• "Ticket prices are reasonable, for students 10% discounts and for NHS staff is free."
• "Your ticket also comes with a free audio guide with extensive information about the objects on display."
• "The entry ticket was a bit expensive (~16£) and the souvenir shop could be better. However the views and overall experience are totally worth it."
• "If your an OAP and have a bus pass you can get discount and pay with debit card, ask for a day roamer."

Cons:

• "The attraction was quite expensive at around £54 for 3 adults for the observatory."
• "The ticket entrance a bit expensive though."
• "Gift shop items are all clock or astronomy themed and cost quite a lot per item."
• "Not cheap to visit but worth it."
• "Ticket is 18 pounds pp. expensive and not really worth if you are not aware about astronomical instruments."
• "If you are on a budget holiday, be aware that the entrance fee to the observatory itself is relatively expensive."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "The staff is friendly and welcoming. They helped us all the time."
• "Cannot recommend and thank the fantastic staff for making my uncles visit so memorable."
• "The staff is friendly and courteous."
• "The staff were very friendly."
• "Staff are very nice and helpful."
• "The docents and staff are very knowledgeable and friendly."
• "Staff are keen to give you info and are knowledgeable."

Cons:

• "Very disappointing, poorly sign posted during tour."
• "We went to the Planetarium show; the show was great but queuing before and using the shop after was chaotic."
• "Disappointed that no one provided us any information regarding the planetarium which may have been closed?"
• "Under the Stars was Such an annoying experience... They are far more interested in following a process than showing people what they came to see."
• "I wouldn’t recommend being a member as they would try to sell it to you."
• "Just a bit crowded with school visits and (some) pushy tourists!"
• "Be sure to arrive no later than 2pm or your visit will be cut short."