Peter Harrison Planetarium: A Guide to London’s Only Planetarium

Journey into space at the Peter Harrison Planetarium

If uncovering the secrets of the cosmos has always been a goal of yours, consider taking a trip to the Peter Harrison Planetarium. This 120-seat venue – the only one of its kind in London – is tucked away in Greenwich Park and forms part of the prestigious Royal Observatory.

It’s the perfect place to visit to enjoy a fascinating journey through space, with state-of-the-art laser projectors helping to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Travel through time and space with a planetarium show at the historic Royal Observatory.

See the famous Peter Harrison Planetarium

What to see at the Peter Harrison Planetarium

For space aficionados, there’s no better place to visit in London than the Peter Harrison Planetarium. Named after the philanthropist who helped fund its opening in 2007, its regular programme of shows is bound to intrigue and delight.

Choose between expert-led astronomy events that focus on specific planetary systems or learn all about the birth, life and death of certain stars. The planetarium also hosts incredible kids’ shows specifically designed to inspire the imaginations of wannabe astronauts, plus life science experiences that delve into some of the solar system’s greatest mysteries.

All of the shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium are run by real astronomers, allowing you to absorb scientifically-proven facts about our universe and beyond.

Booking tickets

The science shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium tend to be very popular, so you’ll want to book your tickets well in advance if you’re keen to make it a part of your London itinerary. Discover the different options by booking via Golden Tours.

As well as choosing a date and time for your visit, you’ll also be able to decide what ticket type you’d like – whether that’s just entrance to the planetarium or a combined entrance to the rest of the Royal Observatory. Depending on your preferred selection, tickets start at £12 for adults and £6 for kids.

Explore Royal Observatory Greenwich

Why not extend your trip to this educational London sight by also exploring the Royal Observatory Greenwich? Not just a place of science and wonder, it’s also a true historic marvel and home to some truly outstanding views across the city’s skyline. Here are just a few of the attractions you can tick off during a visit:

Prime Meridian Line

Perhaps the best-known feature of the Royal Observatory is the Prime Meridian Line. This world-famous line has been the divider between the eastern and western hemispheres for over 200 years. It’s also where the world time zone system was first established, specifically Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

As well as getting your picture taken with one foot in both hemispheres, you’ll also have the chance to read through captivating informational exhibits that unlock the secrets of how we tell time in the modern age.

John Harrison’s Clocks

Keeping with the time theme, John Harrison’s Clocks really shouldn’t be missed. These historical timekeepers really were revolutionary when they were first invented by John Harrison in the 1700s.

Designed to accurately tell time out at sea, they allowed sailors to work out their longitudinal position (whether they were east or west), which then in turn helped reduce the risk of ships being lost out at sea. The most cutting-edge (the H4 clock) was unveiled in 1735 and it remains one of the most significant milestones in clock-making history to this day.

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Planning your visit to the Peter Harrison Planetarium

If the Peter Harrison Planetarium (and the neighbouring Royal Observatory) are now firmly at the top of your London bucket list, here are a few tips to help plan your visit:

Transportation options

Getting to Greenwich in southeast London is a breeze, with plenty of public transport options. This includes the London Underground (tube), overground trains, various buses and even the Uber boat service (a great pick if you want to do some sightseeing on your journey there). Note that the nearest tube stop is the Cutty Sark DLR station.

Once you arrive in Greenwich, you’ll then need to head up the hill through leafy Greenwich Park where you’ll find the Royal Observatory and the Peter Harrison Planetarium. Both are located just southeast of the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.

Accessibility

The Peter Harrison Planetarium has various accessibility features to help make visiting a smoother experience for those who need it.

As well as four wheelchair spaces available for each show, there are also calmer shows available during the morning for those who are neurodivergent. In addition to this, those who are visually impaired can also enjoy special Audio Universe shows where the music and narration take centre stage.

Please note that the planetarium is located on a steep hill within Greenwich Park, with two main routes available to reach it. One of them is much less steep than the other and may be more suitable for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.

Best times to visit

While the planetarium hosts shows throughout the day, you might find it quieter and less crowded in the morning. Visiting on a weekday (if possible) is also recommended.

Note that latecomers to shows will not be admitted, so it’s important that you arrive early (approximately 15 minutes before your chosen show’s start time).

Why travel on the Heathrow Express for your London journey?

Your journey through space doesn’t just begin when the lights begin to dim in the Peter Harrison Planetarium. Why not make your entire visiting experience to London out-of-this-world by choosing the Heathrow Express for your airport transfer?

Book your tickets in advance online and get ready for a speedy and convenient trip between Heathrow and London Paddington station – with our direct services taking just 15 minutes.