Alexandra Palace
Historical Site Victorian entertainment venue and public park in north London
Alexandra Palace crowns a North London ridge with a Victorian entertainment complex and a large public park. People come for concert programming, panoramic city views, an ice rink and weekend fairs.
Alexandra Palace is a Victorian entertainment and exhibition building in north London, within the Borough of Haringey, originally opened in the 1870s and set in a large public park. It is a prominent cultural venue and broadcasting landmark in the city.
Inside and around the palace visitors find concert halls, exhibition spaces, a theatre and public areas, plus a BBC transmitter that pioneered public television broadcasts from 1936. The surrounding Alexandra Park covers roughly 196 acres and includes a boating lake, formal green spaces and elevated viewpoints offering clear views across London to the city skyline.
The original palace was opened in 1873, damaged by fire shortly afterwards and rebuilt and reopened in the mid 1870s. Over the 20th century the building has served varied roles including entertainment, broadcasting and public events; the site has been restored and adapted repeatedly following fires and wartime uses.
The palace sits on a ridge in north London approximately 7 kilometres from central London landmarks; the nearest railway and underground connections are in Wood Green and Alexandra Palace station. The parkland and terraces face south and provide panoramic city views.
- Panoramic views: The palace sits on a high ridge about 7 kilometres north of central London and provides one of the city's well-known panoramic viewpoints.
- Event venue schedule: A mix of concerts, exhibitions, fairs and an ice rink operate on site throughout the year; checking the events calendar is advised before visiting.
What to See #
- Alexandra Palace building: A late-19th-century palace complex containing event halls, a theatre and exhibition spaces, set on a ridge with panoramic views across north London.
- Alexandra Palace Theatre: Alexandra Palace Theatre, an indoor Victorian theatre originally opened in 1875 and used for concerts, theatre and live events.
- Transmitter and broadcasting site: A BBC transmission mast and studio complex on the palace site that was the origin point for regular public television broadcasts from 1936.
- Alexandra Park: Alexandra Park, a public park of roughly 196 acres surrounding the palace, with a boating lake, sports facilities and open viewpoints to central London.
How to Get to Alexandra Palace #
Alexandra Palace is a short walk from Alexandra Palace and Wood Green stations. Great Northern trains from Finsbury Park and Moorgate call at Alexandra Palace station; Piccadilly Line (Tube) to Wood Green and a short bus or walk also work.
Tips for Visiting Alexandra Palace #
- Walk the perimeter for the best views over north London-on clear days the city skyline is visible from the palace terraces.
- Check the event calendar-Alexandra Palace is less a museum than a venue, and concerts, skating rinks, and fairs often dominate the schedule.
- Arrive by train to Alexandra Palace station (Great Northern)-the short uphill walk gives a dramatic reveal of the palace and park.
Best Time to Visit Alexandra Palace #
Visit spring-summer for park activities and outdoor views; check the palace events calendar for indoor experiences.
Weather & Climate near Alexandra Palace #
Alexandra Palace's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (649 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.