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Observatories & Planetariums in London

Greenwich is where this all happens. The Royal Observatory sits above Greenwich Park, tickets from £12, and if you book ahead for the school holidays you'll avoid the worst of the queues. Stand right on the Prime Meridian itself, one foot in each hemisphere, then have a go at landing a Mars rover in the gallery next door (that's from £12 too, and fine from age 4). Just downhill, the National Maritime Museum is free and indoor, with a sea-themed playground and a walk-in galaxy box for younger children. If money's tight, start at the Maritime Museum and treat the Observatory as the paid extra once everyone's had a run around. Buggies and wheelchairs are fine across all three, and there's a cafe and toilets on site for when things get fractious. Toddlers will get more from the playground and galaxy box than the telescopes, but older kids who like space and maps will want the Observatory itself, so it's worth saving that for last.

✓ 3 places★ 3 upcoming events✦ 1 free to visit