THE OLDEST scientific attraction in Britain is set to close for more than two years – as it undergoes a multi-million pound renovation.
Visitors have just over two months to make the most of the site before it temporarily shuts.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich has confirmed it will close all buildings from November 2, as part of its “First Light” renovation project.
Following the closures, the 351 year-old site will begin its £77million renovation to transform the area with new galleries, displays and conserving the observatory‘s most historic sections.
Changes set to come include an upgraded visitor entrance, a new lift tower to the Great Equatorial Telescope, and a “revitalised” landscape.
A spokesperson for Royal Observatory Greenwich told News Shopper: “The First Light project represents the most significant transformation of the Royal Observatory in recent years and will secure the future of this internationally important site.
“Although visitors will not be able to access the observatory buildings during the redevelopment, we are committed to ensuring people can continue to engage with astronomy through a wide range of activities and events taking place.”
In place of the main observatory, a temporary planetarium and the Astronomers Take Over gallery will open at the National Maritime Museum.
The attraction is expected to remain closed until 2028 while works are being carried out.
The project, known as First Light, claims it will bring the story of the “historic site to life” and “make science and astronomy accessible to everyone”.
The landmark project was funded with the help of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the site is currently already closed, having shut on September 5 last year.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images News
Ibiza is a popular destination for many holidaymakers thanks to its natural beauty, serene beaches, and world famous bars and clubs (file)(Image: Getty Images)
A mum who booked a trip to Ibiza is having regrets after a spate of “extreme weather” has left her worried her “flight may be delayed”. Ibiza is widely regarded as the party capital of the world, with images of vibrant clubs packed with keen revellers moving to beats spun by world famous DJs most often coming to mind when hearing its name.
But that’s not all it’s known for – its pristine, serene beaches offer a breathtaking retreat for those craving a spot of relaxation; hikers are spoiled for choice with rugged yet scenic cliffs, coastal paths, pine forests and other dramatic areas; while the UNESCO-listed walled old town of Dalt Vila is a haven for history lovers; with plenty more on offer too.
It’s no surprise then that the destination is a top choice for a wide range of holidays, with its usually hot summers and mild, gentle winters making it a decent getaway destination all year round.
This August, however, is a different story entirely. A sudden change in sea levels has led to flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
There’s been reports of locals and tourists alike bolting from Platja de s’Arenal beach, which can be found in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, while an event planned to honour the music of a Spanish rock band was cancelled by San Antonio Town Hall “for security reasons”, after the stage was surrounded by sea water.
The flooding followed previous warnings from weather chiefs on the threat of ‘mini tsunamis’ – or rissagas, as they’re known locally – due to hit parts of the Balearic Islands at the beginning of the week.
Majorca Daily Bulletin reported: “Mallorca experienced two minor ‘rissagas’, also known as meteotsunamis, in the ports of Andratx and Soller on Monday, as the Balearic Islands remained under watch for sudden sea level changes.”
Many visitors to Ibiza have shared their experiences of the “extreme weather” online. One mum captured footage of the pool area around her hotel, with winds whipping the palm trees and the cushions strapped to the sun loungers, and shared it to TikTok.
In text written over the top of the clip, the mum penned: “Go to Ibiza in August they said!!!” while in the caption, she added: “Think our flight may be delayed!”
In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “I went in August and it was so sunny and hot 33 degrees.”
Another shared: “Mate last year we were caught in the worst storm’s Ibiza’s had in decades.”
A third said: “We are doing 12 hours in Ibiza with no hotel THIS SATURDAY.”
To which, the mum replied: “Saturday will be beautiful I’m sure! Don’t worry, it’s very rarely like this!”
But someone else said: “Everyone knows around this time of year there is a chance for extreme weather.”
And another agreed: “It rains every year by this time so it’s nothing new and won’t stop anything either.”
Another Ibiza-holidaymaker shared a light-hearted clip mocking herself after sharing envious clips of her getaway before being “humbled” by the torrential downpour.
In the caption, she explained: “Yesterday: ‘Basically, I’m in Ibiza… and you’re not.’
“Today: Ibiza humbled me. We held out under that umbrella for FAR longer than was sensible before admitting defeat!”
10:15, 17 Aug 2026Updated 13:19, 17 Aug 2026
Russell falls in the Mount Field National Park southern Tasmania, Australia
Brits are ditching holiday destinations they’ve returned to for years in search of ‘more meaningful’ trips, a study has found. Research from Tourism Tasmania found nearly two-thirds would no longer consider visiting a destination they once visited regularly.
More than a third say they want to discover new places, while one in five believe their old favourite has become too touristy, overly commercialised or overcrowded. Tourism Tasmania says the findings point to a broader shift in British travellers seeking more meaningful holidays, with a growing desire for deeper connections to people and places.
Almost all of the respondents say it’s important that their next holiday offers a ‘genuine connection to a destination, rather than an overly touristy experience’. Immersing in local culture, trying regional food and drink, discovering history and seeking new adventures now rank among travellers’ highest priorities.
Three-quarters hope to visit a bucket-list destination and more than two-thirds are actively searching for somewhere lesser known and off the beaten track.. Tourism Tasmania says interest in Tasmania continues to grow among Brits, with two-thirds of respondents to their research saying they would consider visiting in future.
Nearly halfare drawn to the island’s natural landscapes, while half say unique nature and wildlife experiences help them feel more connected to a destination.
Gordon Ramsay and Nigella Lawson were even recently announced as the international headliners for Tasmania’s Tamar Valley Writers Festival, held in Launceston – a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
CEO of Tourism Tasmania, Sarah Kingston Clark, said: “While British travellers still want holidays that give them a chance to rest and recharge, this research suggests they’re increasingly looking for experiences that leave a lasting and more meaningful impression.
“We’re seeing a real shift in the UK and globally in what people want from travel. Holidays are becoming less about ticking another destination off a list and more about slowing down, connecting with a place and coming home feeling like you’ve genuinely experienced it.
“People are looking for holidays that feel authentic and meaningful, whether that’s spending time with the locals, immersing themselves in culture, discovering distinctive food and drink and experiencing the real character of a destination beyond its best-known attractions and bucket-list sights.
