Alexandra Palace, often referred to as 'Ally Pally,' is a magnificent Victorian entertainment venue and public park located in North London. Opened in 1873, it features stunning architecture and panoramic views of the London skyline. The palace hosts a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Visitors can also enjoy extensive grounds, which include a boating lake and wide-open spaces perfect for picnicking. The site is rich in history and has been a beloved destination for both locals and tourists, offering cultural experiences and outdoor activities year-round.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 22,494
- Tripadvisor 4.0 882
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Diverse Events and Activities The venue hosts a wide range of events including concerts, exhibitions, ice skating, and theatrical performances, providing entertainment for diverse interests.
- Extensive Parkland and Green Spaces The surrounding 196-acre park offers ample space for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities.
- Good Transport Links Accessible via train and bus, although be prepared for an uphill walk from the station, there are convenient options.
- Historic and Architecturally Stunning The Victorian architecture and historical significance of Alexandra Palace create a unique and memorable atmosphere.
- Spectacular London Views Alexandra Palace offers breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline from its elevated position.
Criticised
- Beer Quality The quality of beer served in disposable cups is criticized, affecting the overall enjoyment for some event attendees.
- Event Seating Can Be Uncomfortable Depending on the event, seating may be basic and unpadded, making longer events uncomfortable.
- Food and Drink Can Be Pricey Food and beverage options within Alexandra Palace can be expensive, especially during events.
- Signage Needs Improvement Navigating to specific entrances or areas within the venue can be confusing due to inadequate signage.
- Uphill Walk The venue requires a steep half-mile walk from the National Rail station, which can be challenging for some visitors.
The longer read
Alexandra Palace, known as Ally Pally, is a North London landmark offering a mix of history, entertainment, and green space, highlighted by panoramic views of London. The Victorian architecture is noted, with recent restorations enhancing its appeal. The venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and performances in the restored theatre. Its location on a hill provides unique views, though the uphill walk from the train station can be steep. The surrounding parkland is ideal for picnics and walks.
Many reviewers praise Alexandra Palace as a great venue for concerts, citing the atmosphere and the availability of food and drink. The venue's layout, including a natural slope in outdoor areas, ensures good views of the stage. Food and drink options are plentiful, with multiple bars reducing queue times. The staff are often mentioned as friendly and helpful. The building’s historical aspects and architecture enhance the overall experience.
The park and grounds receive positive feedback for offering vast green spaces, gardens and city views. The large park is suitable for various activities, though some reviewers noted that construction for events can temporarily restrict access to certain areas. Parking is generally considered adequate, especially when arriving early, and is reasonably priced. Public transport access is convenient via the Alexandra Palace railway station, though the uphill walk should be considered.
Several reviewers highlight specific attractions, such as the ice rink, which is open year-round. The Phoenix pub is recommended for its pizza and views. Alexandra Palace also hosts events like art fairs and snooker tournaments, adding to its diverse appeal. While some found the seating at specific events uncomfortable, the overall experience is usually positive.
While generally praised, some reviews mention issues such as the quality of beer served in paper cups, long queues at the bar and toilets during events, and the cost of food and drinks inside the venue. Some reviewers noted that the signage could be improved. Despite these minor drawbacks, the venue's strengths, including its views, historical significance, and diverse range of activities, make it a worthwhile destination.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 8365 4343
- Website
- alexandrapalace.com
| Mon | 9:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Wed | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Thu | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Fri | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- What season or time of day offers the best views and events at Alexandra Palace?
- What are the easiest public transport options and parking facilities for reaching Alexandra Palace in North London?
- Which regular concerts, exhibitions, or festivals can visitors experience at Alexandra Palace throughout the year?
- Are the grounds, boating lake and picnic areas at Alexandra Palace suitable and safe for families with children?
- What dining choices, cafés or snack stalls are available inside or near Alexandra Palace for visitors?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.