Royal Albert Hall Tours

Guided tours of the vast oval hall designed not by architects but by a couple of engineers, Captain Francis Fowke and Major General HY Darracott, who were inspired by Roman amphitheatres, last around 45 minutes and depart from door 12. Visitors get a chance to witness technical preparations and rehearsals for the evening's performance as well as visiting the auditorium with its impressive iron and glass dome, the Royal Retiring Room and the Queen's Box. There's also a DVD presentation about the extraordinary range of performances that have taken place at the RAH since it was completed in 1871. The tours are occasionally cancelled for security reasons so ring before making a special visit.