Home to the famous BBC Proms, the Royal Albert Hall is one of the most famous world stages. Hosting some of the biggest names from the music, classical and theatrical world, other events include major comedy gigs, circus acts and big charity events such as the Teenage Cancer Trust show. The likes of Kylie Minogue, Led Zeppelin, Jools Holland and Eric Clapton, to name but a few, have all graced the stage over the years.
The Royal Albert Hall was opened back in 1871 by Queen Victoria as a dedication to her late husband Prince Albert. Inspired by his designs and love of ancient amphitheatres, inside has been beautifully designed in regal colours of red and gold while the terracotta exterior has a mosaic frieze dedicated to ‘The Triumph of Arts and Sciences’. A Grade I listed building, it has so many iconic features from the mushroom shaped acoustics and the 9,999 strong Henry Willis Organ to the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Steps. Not just for the musically talented and stage A-listers, the first ever Sumo wrestling tournament in the sport’s 1,500 year history was held at the Royal Albert Hall in 1991.
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall
Royal Albert Hall
Essential Information
If you have some spare time before your concert or event or you want to make another trip to the Royal Albert Hall, take the opportunity to do one of the many tours. There really are loads. From the architectural tour and the ‘behind the scenes’ to one that incorporates a spot of afternoon tea option, you’ll learn all the about the history and more of this amazing venue.
Eating and Drinking
Whether you’re after a light bite before your event, a glass of celebration bubbly or a nice family meal, there’s so many options at the Royal Albert Hall.
Enjoy a tasty steak at Elgar Bar & Grill that has its own live music, modern British food at Coda or a spot of afternoon tea with a twist at the Italian restaurant Verdi. If you want to enjoy a drink, sip on a cocktail at the Cloudy Bay Wine Bar, grab a beer at the Heineken Green Room bar or relax into a comfy chair at Aspall Bar.
Whether it’s before or after your show, try to grab a drink at The Queen’s Arms pub at the famous Queen’s Gate Mews just a stone’s throw away. Beautiful on both the inside and out, you won’t be able to miss the turquoise hues of the outside. There’s speciality beers and ales, top quality gastro pub food and home cooked Sunday roast dinners.
Getting to Royal Albert Hall
In the heart of West London, getting to this amazing venue is easy. With a number of buses and tube stops incredibly close by, you’ll make it in good time before your show. Thinking of hitting a few more hotspots in the area, mabe the V&A or the Science Museum? Make our London Kensington (Earl’s Court) Premier Inn hotel a great base for the rest of your trip.
By bus
There are lots of buses that take you to the doorstep of the Royal Albert Hall. Routes include 9, 10, 52, 70, 360 and 452.
By tube
South Kensington and High Street Kensington tube stations are the closest to the venue with a 10 minute walk after arrival.
By train
The closest rail stations to the Royal Albert Hall are Victoria and Paddington, both a 30 minute walk away from the hall.
By bike
At the south side of the building there are lots of bike racks as well as Santander Cycle docking stations. The closest is on Kensington Gore.