Alexandra Palace, known locally as Ally Pally, is a Victorian entertainment venue in North London, surrounded by Alexandra Park. Its hilltop setting gives you wide views across the city, and the grounds are open for a walk or picnic. Inside, the programme ranges from concerts and exhibitions to theatre and ice skating. Check the event calendar before you go: the palace works as both a destination in its own right and a setting for a particular show, with different spaces for large gigs and more intimate performances.
A Victorian palace for public entertainment
Alexandra Palace opened in 1873 as an exhibition hall and was built as a public place for recreation and entertainment. It is Grade II listed, and its grand Victorian exterior remains part of the experience even when the building is hosting a modern concert or sporting event. The palace is named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who became Queen Alexandra when her husband Edward VII took the throne.
The building has had a varied history, including two fires and two world wars. After the original palace was destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt. Its role has shifted over time: it has been an exhibition venue, a music destination and a home for the BBC. The BBC used its television studio and transmitters here, which is why Alexandra Palace is associated with the early history of television.
Different spaces for different events
The Great Hall hosts large concerts, while the Alexandra Palace Theatre gives audiences a smaller-scale option. The theatre reopened in 2018 after restoration, with original decorative details preserved. Its programme has included the musical Sunny Afternoon, about the Kinks.
The palace also has a year-round indoor ice rink, used for skating and ice hockey. Other events range from exhibitions and markets to outdoor performances and festivals. The atmosphere changes with the programme, so it is useful to check what is on before making the journey. On concert nights, food and drink stalls and bars operate inside the venue.
Alexandra Park and the city view
The palace sits within Alexandra Park, a large stretch of North London parkland. Paths lead through the grounds, where you can stop to look back towards the city. The elevated position puts the London skyline in view, including central London and Canary Wharf on clear sightlines.
The boating lake is behind the main building, on the ice-rink side of the park. Pedal boats can be hired there, and the area also has playgrounds for children. Sunny days can bring queues around popular attractions. The park is also used for picnics, walks and outdoor events, so a visit does not have to depend on a ticketed performance.
Getting to the hilltop
Alexandra Palace is between Wood Green and Muswell Hill in North London. The walk up through the park is steep in places, so plan for a climb on foot. The National Rail station named Alexandra Palace is also followed by an uphill walk to the venue. If you are driving, free parking is available, though busy days can mean queues near park attractions.
Wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, toilets and parking are listed among the venue’s facilities. For a specific event, check its arrangements in advance, especially if you need accessible seating or parking.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Alexandra Park free to visit?
The park grounds are free to visit. Events and activities inside the palace may require tickets.
What can you do at Alexandra Palace?
Depending on the programme, you can attend concerts, theatre, exhibitions or ice-skating sessions. The surrounding park has walking paths, a boating lake and children’s playgrounds.
Is there parking at Alexandra Palace?
Free parking is available at the venue. Queues can form on sunny days near popular attractions in the park.
What is the view from Alexandra Palace like?
The hilltop grounds look out across London, with views that include central London and Canary Wharf.
