Since its opening in 1871 (over 150 years ago!), the Royal Albert Hall remains one of London’s most iconic music venues. This historic theatre and concert hall is the home of the UK’s classical music scene, open year-round with a packed schedule showcasing diverse artists and performers.
Thinking of heading to the Royal Albert Hall for a show? We’ve got everything you need to plan your trip here.
Where is the Royal Albert Hall?
The Royal Albert Hall sits just below the western foot of Hyde Park. It’s in South Kensington, a little north of the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum .
How to get to the Royal Albert Hall
Given its central location, public transport is the quickest and easiest way to reach the Royal Albert Hall.
South Western Railway services take you to London Waterloo, where you can hop on the Jubilee line to Green Park. Exit the underground, and find Stop H – Green Park Station. The number 9 bus will take you the rest of the way. Ride ten minutes to Stop RC – Royal Albert Hall, jumping off directly outside the venue.
Travelling by train
Driving through central London can be confusing if you’re new to the city. If you live close to Bournemouth, Southampton Central or Portsmouth, save time and money by travelling with South Western Railway instead.
Explore our range of ticket types to find the best option for your journey. Those who book early and travel off-peak could benefit from cheap train tickets when visiting the Royal Albert Hall, saving more by checking what Railcards and discounts you’re eligible for. Visiting the Albert Hall with friends and family? Those travelling in groups can pay less per person when booking their tickets with GroupSave.
Travelling within London
Those in the outer zones of Surbiton, Wimbledon and Richmond can hop on the train to Vauxhall or Waterloo and enjoy our direct rail services.
When you arrive, travelling around London is easy with a London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless payments.
Things to see and do at the Royal Albert Hall
It’s not just music lovers that can enjoy performances at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s an institution for the arts and sciences, so check what’s on, and you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.
1. Get tickets to Royal Albert Hall events
The Royal Albert Hall welcomes an array of performers year-round. Many of the world’s greatest stars consider the venue a favourite stop on their touring schedules. Over the years, the Royal Albert Hall has lent its stage to artists, entertainers and history-makers as diverse as Arctic Monkeys, Beyoncé, Muhammad Ali and Albert Einstein.
Events at the Royal Albert Hall are ticketed, so book online to reserve your seats in advance. You can also visit the booking desk on the ground floor to book your tickets in person.
Ticket prices vary depending on the event. Plan for more popular events (like the BBC Proms!) to avoid missing out. Learn more about upcoming events and secure your tickets on the Royal Albert Hall website.
2. BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
The Hall’s Auditorium hosts the BBC Proms, an annual event often called the world’s greatest classical music festival. The Proms are a tradition dating back to 1895, and the BBC has sponsored the festival since 1927. Classical concerts showcase global talents throughout the summer, so there are many opportunities to get involved.
Standout Proms from years past include Earth Prom, celebrating the natural world with images from David Attenborough’s programmes, music from Hans Zimmer and George Fenton and classical tributes to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
The 2023 festival takes place between the 14 of July and the 9th of September.
3. Royal Albert Hall tours
Book yourself in for a Royal Albert Hall tour to learn more about the incredible history and behind-the-scenes of the Grade I building.
Tours last between 60 and 150 minutes, and prices range from £9.50 to £20.50.
Looking to treat yourself or a loved one? Why not finish the tour with a music-inspired afternoon tea? Afternoon Tea at the Royal Albert Hall starts from £30.50.
Browse the full selection and book your tour on the Royal Albert Hall website.
4. The auditorium
The Royal Albert Hall’s iconic 5,272-capacity auditorium hosts various events, from ballroom dancing to comedy acts. Its now-famous acoustic ‘mushrooms’ hang from the glass-domed roof, welcoming sounds as diverse as hip-hop, punk and classical.
The Grand Organ takes centre stage, the UK’s second-largest pipe organ with 9,999 pipes! It even hosts the UK’s most famous indoor tennis tournament, Champions Tennis.
5. The Elgar Room
The Elgar Room is the Royal Albert Hall’s versatile performance space, and it’s easy to see why! It hosts interactive and intimate experiences, such as yoga accompanied by live music and classical coffee mornings every Sunday. The Elgar room also hosts regular ‘Classical for Kids’ performances, making it a perfect place for days out with children.
6. Hospitality packages
Looking to host a private function? The Royal Albert Hall offers a host of exclusive experiences and hospitality packages. Secure the best view of the stage from the comfort of your own private luxury box or wine and dine guests with a three-course meal in the Coda Restaurant.
Visit the website for more information on hospitality bookings.
Is there a dress code for the Royal Albert Hall?
Most events at the Royal Albert Hall don’t call for a dress code. If there is a dress code, your ticket will specify.
Tips for enjoying the Royal Albert Hall
A trip to the Royal Albert Hall is guaranteed to offer world-class hospitality. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your night runs smoothly.
• Leave large luggage at home. There’s a cloakroom for coats and small bags, but the venue can’t store oversized items.
• The Royal Albert Hall opening times are 9:00 to 21:00 daily, and most evening shows and concerts end between 22:00-23:00.
• If you want to grab a bite, most restaurants and bars open two hours before the show starts.
Things to do near Royal Albert Hall
On the northern edge of South Kensington, there’s plenty to do near the Royal Albert Hall, keeping you busy nearby before doors open.
1. Visit the V&A
Immerse yourself in the arts at the Victoria & Albert Museum , an 8-minute stroll from the Royal Albert Hall. The V&A is not only one of the best free things to do in London, but it’s also a must-visit for art lovers.
2. Get hands-on at the Science Museum
For a more hands-on experience, lose yourself in the mind-bending inventions and interactive exhibitions at the Science Museum, where you’ll find some of the best exhibitions in London. Best of all, it’s just across the road from the V&A, so there’s no need to choose if you have time before the show!
3. Relax in Hyde Park
If the sun’s out, why not roll out a picnic blanket and soak up the sunshine or wonder through the gardens of Hyde Park , the largest in Central London and one of the best parks in the south.
Food and drink at the Royal Albert Hall
Nobody wants to spectate on an empty stomach! Thankfully, the Royal Albert Hall has several restaurants onsite.
Verdi Italian Kitchen is a casual restaurant serving Italian favourites, perfect for families and groups. The Elgar Room Brasserie is another relaxed spot offering classic brasserie comfort foods.
Looking to start your evening in style? Try Coda by Éric Chavot, a fine dining restaurant from the world-renowned chef, serving seasonal dishes and traditional French fare. Coda is in high demand, so book beforehand to avoid missing out.
For those attending an earlier event, the Hall’s own Café Bar offers sandwiches, pastries and fresh coffee all day. In the summer, relax on its terrace with a great view of the Royal Albert Hall façade.
Already eaten? Slink into one of the venue’s many bars. If a cocktail is what you’re after, Kensington Gardens Bar is the place to be. If bubbles are your tipple, you’ll feel at home in the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar.
Places to stay near Royal Albert Hall
Looking to immerse yourself in the culture of the capital a little longer? There’s loads of excellent accommodation near the Royal Albert Hall.
An excellent budget option for families is Best Western the Boltons. It’s 20 minutes from the Royal Albert Hall if you make your way to South Kensington, then get the District or Piccadilly line from South Kensington to Earl’s Court. From there, it’s a short stroll to the clean and cosy rooms of the Boltons.
If five-star luxury is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge, a 12-minute walk from the Hall. The Egerton is also available through our rewards scheme, never mind the complimentary full English breakfast you’ll receive in the morning when booking with us via SWR Rewards.
Royal Albert Hall accessibility
There are four wheelchair-accessible toilets in the Royal Albert Hall. Disabled visitors who require assistance can request a free companion ticket and get two tickets for the price of one. For accessible tickets, book in advance through the Box Office. The Royal Albert Hall also caters for assisted hearing and welcomes assistance dogs.
For more information about accessibility and the facilities, visit the Royal Albert Hall online.
