Venue Information

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall situated on the northern edge of the South Kensington area, in the City of Westminster, London, England, best known for holding the annual summer Proms concerts since 1941. Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, the world's leading artists from several performance genres have appeared on its stage and it has become one of the UK's most treasured and distinctive buildings. Each year it hosts more than 350 events including classical concerts, rock and pop, ballet and opera, sports, award ceremonies, school and community events, charity performances and banquets. The hall was originally supposed to have been called The Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but the name was changed by Queen Victoria to Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences when laying the foundation stone as a dedication to her deceased husband and consort Prince Albert. It forms the practical part of a national memorial to the Prince Consort - the decorative part is the Albert Memorial directly to the north in Kensington Gardens, now separated from the Hall by the road Kensington Gore.

Transport

By Tube

South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly Lines) and High Street Kensington (District and Circle Lines) are the closest Underground stations to the Hall. Walking to the Hall takes approximately 10 minutes from both stations.

By Train

London Victoria is the nearest National Rail train station.

By Car

The Royal Albert Hall is located in South Kensington, facing onto Hyde Park. The address is Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP.

By Taxi

Black cabs can usually be hailed from Kensington Gore, outside the front of the building. GoGreenCar is an eco-friendly private-hire car service with a fleet of over 40 hybrid vehicles. They offer great service and style at competitive prices. For bookings, please call 020 7502 3670 or email bookings@gogreencar.co.uk

By Bus

9 - Aldwych to Hammersmith, stopping on Kensington Gore outside the Hall. 10 - King's Cross Station to Hammersmith, stopping on Kensington Gore outside the Hall. 52 - Victoria to Willesden stopping on Kensington Gore outside the Hall. 70 - Acton to South Kensington, stopping on Queen's Gate, 2 minutes walk from the Hall. 360 - Elephant & Castle to the Hall, stopping on Prince Consort Road, 1 minute walk from the Hall. 452 - Wandsworth Road Station to Kensal Rise stopping on Kensington Gore outside the Hall.

Parking

Strict parking controls are in operation in the vicinity of the Hall. They offer some parking spaces at nearby Imperial College. Spaces are 8 pounds and must be booked in advance. Gates open from 6pm for evening shows and from 1pm for weekend matinees (please note you may be refused entry if you arrive before those times). Please note that parking is not available for weekday matinee performances. Entrances to the car park are on Prince Consort Road and Exhibition Road. (Sat Nav Postcode: SW7 2BX). Please note: Customers planning on driving to the Royal Albert Hall and parking in the local area are advised not to leave valuables in their car. The Royal Albert Hall has cloakroom facilities available. Customers are also advised that when entering the Imperial College car park they should not stop or wait on the double yellow lines.

Accessibility

Number of Steps

The Hall has many stepped entrances at Ground level. Ramped access is located at Doors 1, 3, 8, 9 and 12. Public lifts are located at Doors 1 and 8 and serve all levels from Basement to Gallery. The Arena Foyer bars can be accessed via a platform lift from the Basement level at Door 1.

Wheelchair Access

Fourteen wheelchair spaces with adjacent companion seats are situated in the Stalls at Ground floor level. They have a limited number of chairs that can be elevated which may be used by customers seated at the back of the Stalls platforms who are able to transfer from their wheelchair. If you are interested in this facility, please speak to a Steward on arrival. There are also six wheelchair spaces in the Circle at sections P, R, V and X and four spaces within the unreserved standing area of the Gallery. Please note that due to the physical limitations of the circular shape of the auditorium, the spaces in the Circle are more suitable for customers with good upper body mobility.

Hearing Systems

The auditorium has an infra-red system with a number of personal headsets for use with or without hearing aids.

Guide Dogs

If you have a guide dog, the best place to sit in the Royal Albert Hall is in a Loggia or Second Tier Box, where your dog may stay with you. If you are sitting elsewhere, stewards will be happy to look after your dog while you enjoy the concert. Please call the Access Information Line on 020 7838 3110 to organise in advance of your visit.