1. Alexandra Palace Palm Court entrance
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  2. Alexandra Palace atrium
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  3. Alexandra Palace organ
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  4. Alexandra Palace murals
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out
  5. Alexandra Palace viewed from Alexandra Palace Park
    Photograph: Laura Gallant for Time Out

Alexandra Palace

  • Things to do | Cultural centres
  • Alexandra Palace
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Alex Sims
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Time Out says

What is it? 

There’s a reason why Alexandra Palace is known as the 'People's Palace'. Technically, it’s because it was built in response to the Crystal Palace being relocated south of the river, in order to give north Londoners something to be proud of too, but it also fits that Alexandra Palace has welcomed and entertained everyone who’s stepped through its threshold over its long 165-year history. The place itself looks out over north London from a height. Its altitude rewards casual walkers with spectacular views, and its commanding location and 190-odd acres of leafy parkland mean it's often mistaken for a magnificent palace of regal importance.

In reality, it's an offbeat arts/entertainment centre that's making a renewed bid to pull in Londoners for nights out, after decades in the doldrums. In 2018, it re-opened the massive theatre space that had been out of action for decades, giving it a makeover that left its most picturesquely crumbling bits intact. In the years since, it's offered a mix of touring large-scale plays, seated gigs, and kids' shows. The adjoining East Court is back in action too, offering an airy conservatory-like space where theatregoers can drink, mingle and take tea. These additions join the venue's existing indoor ice-skating rink, expo hall and a vast gig space where you can catch big names and the odd clubbing event.

The renovation has marked a new chapter in Ally Pally's history. Built in 1873 as a palace for the people, it has experienced bad luck including two devastating fires (the first just two weeks after it opened; the second in 1980 after it was rebuilt), years of poor funding and periods of bad management. But despite all this, Ally Pally continues to hold a spot in the heart of Londoners, and a proud place in history as the birthplace of the world's first regular public television broadcast by the BBC in 1936. There's a bonfire night every year, a boating lake, a pitch and putt course, and a deer enclosure.

Why go? 

Whether you want to saunter around the palace park, go ice skating, listen to your favourite band or check out a new theatre show, there’s something here for everyone. 

Don’t miss: 

The annual Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival is one of the best events on the London calendar. It’s easily one of the biggest displays in town and is always themed and choreographed to music. There are also DJs, street food and a German beer hall to accompany the bangs. 

When to visit:

Times vary depending on the event. Check the website for details. 

Ticketing info: 

Free, some events are ticketed. 

Time Out tip: 

The panoramic views here stretching over London are fantastic. I always make sure I take a bit of time to enjoy them on every visit. For the best scenes wait for golden hour.

Visit the city’s best parks and green spaces and discover our guide to the very best things to do in London.

Details

Address
Alexandra Palace Way
London
N22 7AY
Transport:
Tube: Wood Green
Price:
Free
Opening hours:
Times vary dependent on event. Check the website for details
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What’s on

Kaleidoscope Festival

Up at the top of Ally Pally this summer, you’ll find a multifaceted web of genres. Where else can you while away the day with renowned DJs like Eats Everything, Sara Cox and DJ Spoony, drum and bass legend Goldie and the familiar hits of Faithless? There’s also comedy on the books from Shappi Khorsandi, the Beatles Dub Club, hip hop karaoke and high-energy Shakespeare. Coming with kids? There’s plenty of family-friendly fun too, with circus acts, the world’s tallest bubbleologist, acrobatics and more. This is one festival that truly lives up to its name.    Line-up includes: Faithless, Goldie, Eats Everything, Sara Cox, Sleeper, DJ Spoony

Max Richter: ‘SLEEP’

London’s arts institutions love a good sleepover. You can already get 40 winks at the Natural History Museum’ Dino Snores nights and the Science Museum’s Astronights, and now Ally Pally is getting in on the act too. The north London institution is collaborating with British-German composer Max Richter for two very special overnight events celebrating the tenth anniversary of his epic composition SLEEP. Comprising 204 individual tracks, SLEEP the mammoth epic, 8 hour and 30 minute-long lullaby was created for listeners to fall asleep to, and has already been performed live at some of the world’s most iconic concert venues, including Sydney Opera House and the Philharmonie de Paris.  And now it’s north London’s turn to host more of his truly special all-nighters, with two performances taking place this September, starting at 10pm and finishing at around 6am as the sun rises. Fancy bunkering down in the Grade II-listed Great Hall for the night?  Tickets start at £249.75, which gets you a bed and bedding, plus a light breakfast at the end of the performance. Sure, that’s pretty steep for a concert, but it’s not unreasonable for a one-night stay in one of London’s fancier hotels, and that’s how we prefer to think of the experience!
  • Concerts
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