Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is both an architectural icon and a famous London concert hall

Outside Royal Albert Hall at night
Outside Royal Albert Hall at night cc licensed photo by peter pearson

The Royal Albert Hall was opened in 1871 by Queen Victoria. It is one of the most renowned architectural buildings in the United Kingdom and is indeed well recognized throughout the world. The hall also houses the 2nd largest pipe organ in the UK.

The hall was first proposed by the Queen's husband Prince Albert as a permanent facility for exhibitions and arts and concerts. Unfortunately he died ten years before his dream was completed. For that reason the proposed name was changed from The Central Hall of Arts and Sciences to the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences.

Since opening the Royal Albert Hall has been home to over 150,000 events. The extremely popular BBC Proms concert series has been hosted there every summer since 1941. Today the hall is a venue to over 350 performances each year ranging from classical concerts to rock and roll, pop concerts, opera, ballet, tennis matches, awards ceremonies, school and community events and banquets. The hall was designed with a capacity of 8000 guests, but is now limited to 5544 people due to modern safety regulations. Whether or not you are attending a concert or event, you won't want to miss seeing this spectacular hall, even if just from the outside during your London vacation.

For more information about the Royal Albert Hall and to book tickets for upcoming events visit their official website linked above.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes. Varies by event. Visit the official website to see upcoming shows.

Royal Albert Hall Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK

Phone: 020 7589 8212

Official Website: Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Amazing venue. You’ll never see these kinds is structures in the future. When wealth is in a sovereign hand, you do see majestic buildings that defy explanation. Come down to see a show. Or come to have a snack and tea or coffee. They also serve afternoon tea. Or get a souvenir from the gift store. And definitely see a show here.
Jordan Bayles - in the last week

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5 Star Rating My experience at the Royal Albert Hall was one of the most grandiose I've ever had in terms of shows. We went to see Joe Bonamassa, and beyond the artist's quality, the venue is impeccable. Everything sounds absolutely perfect. We sat in the second tier, positioned to the side of the stage, and had a perfect view of the stage and the artists performing. You had the option to order food downstairs. We ordered some popcorn and beers, and the experience was incredible. Upon arrival, there's no need to queue, or at least the queue was less than 10 minutes, and then the exit was also very smooth. We were able to take a bus just half a block from the venue, without having to queue, and we were seated on the bus—an overall incredible experience. I seriously recommend to music fans, instead of taking a guided tour of the place, if you have the chance to see a show, do that.
Alan Parodi - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Last night was our very first time visiting the spectacular and iconic Royal Albert Hall in London and what an absolute treat and special place this is. The evening was part of a week long event of various artists playing the venue to highlight and support a very worthy charity, The Teenage Cancer Trust. Last night was the turn of The Chemical Brothers who are an amazing dance DJ set. We have seen the Chemical Brothers before and had a fantastic time however, the artist aside, this time to be able to see them at The Royal Albert Hall was something quite special. This building is steeped in history with an array of international superstars treading the boards going back generations through to modern times. Take your time to walk around the Hall concourse and read all the historic information displayed and photos of the acts and artists from over the years. The Royal Albert Hall is immediately recognisable to everyone as it stands proud on Kensington Gore By comparison to modern venues, the capacity of the Hall is relatively small at circa 5272 although its original design capacity was circa 12000. The size and layout of the Hall means there isn’t a bad seat or view in the house and it certainly has a very close up and intimate feel. Access to the Hall is as you’d expect very easy either by walking (pending where you are coming from) or public transport. Taxis are plentiful and quick to transport you back and forth with ease. All in all, The Royal Albert Hall is an amazing venue to see whatever act or performance you have gone to see. If you support the performing arts and theatre then it is a must to experience this place at some point in your life. Get yourself there and soak up some history…. You won’t be disappointed.
John Gledhill - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating If you happen to be in London, you simply cannot afford to miss out on the Royal Albert Hall. It is an architectural marvel that boasts of a unique charm that simply cannot be put into words. The grandeur of the building is simply breathtaking and it is a sight to behold. The Royal Albert Hall is truly a one-of-a-kind location that you must see to believe.
The Clinic Ara Damansara - in the last week

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5 Star Rating First time visit to the Albert hall and a very impressive building. Went to see Joe Bonamassa who played 2 nights here. I was sat at the back (row 7) in section Q which is the furthest and highest area. Stage was slightly blocked but generally saw most of the stage. Sound was loud due to the array of speakers. Will definitely be going back again.
Eddie Rogers - in the last week

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
District, Circle and Piccadilly LinesSouth Kensington10 MInutes
District and Circle LinesHigh Street Kensington10 Minutes

How to get to Royal Albert Hall by Tube

Royal Albert hall is about a 10 minute walk from either of the above tube stations. From South Kensington Station exit onto Thurloe Place. and go right to Exhibition Road. Go left (north) on Exhibition Road, then left on Prince Consort Road, then right onto Kensington Gore. The Royal Albert Hall is straight ahead.
From Kensington High Street Station exit onto Kensington High Street and go right (east) until you get to the hall.

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