Royal Observatory, Greenwich Audio Guide
Explore Royal Observatory, Greenwich with Stanza's GPS-triggered offline audio guide.
About the Tour
The Royal Observatory is a historic astronomical observatory and a major tourist attraction located in Greenwich, London. It is renowned for its crucial role in the history of astronomy, navigation, and timekeeping.
What you will hear
Flamsteed House and the Time Ball
This stop covers the exterior of the original 1675 observatory building designed by Christopher Wren and its most famous visual signal: the red Time Ball.
Flamsteed House
Flamsteed House, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was Britain’s first purpose-built facility for scientific research.
Meridian Courtyard and Dolphin Sundial
Stepping back out into the courtyard, this area transitions from early timekeeping to the physical marking of the Prime Meridian. The Dolphin Sundial is a popular landmark here.
The Dolphin Sundial
This bronze sculpture features two dolphins whose converging tails cast a shadow to indicate the time.
The Transit House and Airy Transit Circle
This room houses the specific telescope that defined the Prime Meridian. The Airy Transit Circle was used from 1851 to calibrate the world's clocks.
The Airy Transit Circle
Installed in 1851, this massive telescope is the instrument that formally defined the Prime Meridian.
The Transit Slit
Look for the narrow vertical opening in the roof, which was essential for astronomical observations.
Harrison’s Marine Timekeepers
Located in the museum galleries, these clocks represent the breakthrough in solving the problem of longitude at sea. John Harrison's H4 is the 'clock that changed the world.'
The H4 Chronometer
This small timekeeper, roughly the size of a large pocket watch, is the clock that changed the world.
Want to hear the rest?
Download the Stanza app to unlock all 21 stops and full GPS-guided navigation.
Get the App