First things first – what is the Prime Meridian?
We’ll explain this in the least textbook-y way possible. The Prime Meridian is the Earth’s official point where East meets West. Think of it as a line (yes, invisible, as we can’t actually see it in the air) that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole right through the centre of Greenwich in London.
Back in the day, before the official Prime Meridian was established, countries would use their own versions, meaning there were multiple meridians, but this made mapping and navigation confusing. So, they decided to make the Royal Observatory the one and only home of the Prime Meridian in 1884.
And why Greenwich? As London was a major maritime hub and ships were already using Greenwich Meridian, it seemed like the most practical location to use!
Why's it important today?
Clocks and time zones worldwide are based on the Prime Meridian, as well as all modern GPS systems and digital maps. When you see GMT +/- in relation to a time zone, it's referencing how many hours ahead or behind a country is from Greenwich Mean Time (what GMT stands for, in case you weren't sure).
...If all of that still makes no sense, just take it from us, it's a big deal.
What does it look like?
Even though the Prime Meridian is technically invisible, if you visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, you’ll find a stainless steel strip marking exactly where it is. And this is the fun bit – if you stand on the strip with one leg either side, you’ll be in the East and the West at the same time.
The line continues around the courtyard and through the park, so if you fancy, you can follow it as far as it – or you – will go. Say hi to Santa from us if you end up at the North Pole!
We went for the classic photo option
What fun photos can I take there?
As you can imagine, there are plenty of fun photo opportunities you can take advantage of at this spot.
The classic ones
- Stand across the line with one foot in each hemisphere.
- Capture your shadow split across the line if you're there at the right time.
The daring ones
- Do a handstand over the line with one hand in each hemisphere.
- Do a running jump over the line and get someone to capture you mid-leap.
The group shots
- If there are two of you, high five across the hemispheres.
- Got a scarf handy? Try a tug of war 'across time'.
- And if you're brave and travelling in a group, why not try a human pyramid?
What else is there to see at the Royal Observatory?
The Prime Meridian may be the star attraction, but once you’ve got your fill of fun photos, there are lots of other things to keep you busy.
The ball drop
Yes, this is a mini version of New York’s famous ball drop. You’ll see the ball in question on the top of Flamsteed House. At 1PM every day it drops, so be sure to get there in time to see it. The Time Ball is one of the world’s earliest public time signals and it used to be used for ships on the Thames to set their clocks accurately.
The Great Equatorial Telescope
That big dome that looks a bit like an onion on the top of the Observatory? This is home to the Great Equatorial Telescope and you can see it in all its glory here. This 28-inch refracting telescope is the only one of its kind in the UK, and was a key player in expanding our knowledge of the stars.
The Octagon Room
This impressive room is the oldest part of the observatory and was built to provide astronomers with an uninterrupted view of the night sky. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, so if you enjoyed the opulent décor of St Paul’s, you’ll love the interiors here.
The Planetarium
A visit here comes with an extra cost, but it’s well worth it if you’re a space fan. Tour the solar system and enjoy live shows with a variety to choose from – whether you’re traveling with kids or interested in a particular area of astronomy.
Enjoyed this? Learn all about London's famous Thames bridges and find out why Londoners love open-top bus tours (yes, they absolutely do!)
Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®
We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
See more, do more, and experience more with The London Pass® – just choose a pass to get started!
