Alexandra Palace

Ally Pally

🏟️ Alexandra Palace Local Guide

Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as “Ally Pally,” is one of London’s most iconic entertainment and sporting venues. Perched on a hill in North London, it offers panoramic views of the city and hosts a diverse range of events — from concerts and exhibitions to major sporting tournaments such as the PDC World Darts Championship and Masters Snooker.
With a capacity of up to 10,400, it combines Victorian grandeur with modern facilities, making it a staple of London’s live event calendar.

📝 History of Alexandra Palace

Opened in 1873, Alexandra Palace was conceived as the “People’s Palace” — a public space for culture, recreation, and entertainment. After being destroyed by fire twice (in 1873 and 1980), it was rebuilt and modernised, eventually becoming a leading venue for international events. It also holds a special place in broadcasting history — the BBC made its first television transmission from here in 1936. Today, it continues to host major concerts, exhibitions, and globally televised sports like darts and snooker.

🚇 How to Get to Alexandra Palace

Address: Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Rail: Alexandra Palace Station (Great Northern) – 5 min walk
Tube: Wood Green (Piccadilly Line) – 20 min walk or shuttle bus
Bus: W3, 184, 230, 123 all stop nearby
Car: On-site paid parking available
🚇 Travel Tip: The shuttle bus from Wood Green runs regularly on major event days — avoid driving during peak times.

📌 Insider Tips

Bag Policy: Small bags only; large bags or backpacks are not permitted.
Best Events: PDC World Darts Championship, Masters Snooker, live concerts, and music festivals.
Food & Drink: On-site bars, beer gardens, and the nearby Alexandra Palace Park Café.
Atmosphere: Unmatched energy during sporting events; relaxed and scenic for summer gigs.
Accessibility: Step-free access via Palm Court entrance; accessible seating available for all events.

📊 Alexandra Palace Records

Opened: 1873
Capacity: Up to 10,400 (depending on configuration)
Most Famous Events: PDC World Darts Championship, Masters Snooker, War Child Concerts
Unique Feature: Set within 196 acres of parkland with panoramic city views
Historic Fact: Site of the world’s first BBC TV broadcast in 1936