Alexandra Palace — Attraction in London

I visited this weekend. Alexandra Palace, or "Ally Pally" as it's affectionately known, is a stunning historical venue perched atop a hill in North London. Having visited this week, I was impressed by both its architectural beauty and the wide range of experiences it offers. The palace’s rich history, dating back to its opening in 1873, adds a sense of grandeur to the visit, making it more than just a recreational spot—it's a cultural landmark.

Location and Views One of the highlights of Alexandra Palace is its location. Set on a hill, the panoramic views of London are absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see iconic landmarks like the Shard, the Gherkin, and the London Eye in the distance. This alone makes it worth a visit, especially if you enjoy cityscapes or photography. The park surrounding the palace is expansive, perfect for a stroll, picnic, or simply unwinding while taking in the views.

Activities and Attractions Alexandra Palace offers a wide range of activities. On my visit, I saw the ice skating rink, which is open year-round and attracts families and groups of friends alike. There's also the Alexandra Palace Theatre, a beautifully restored performance space that hosts various events, from plays and concerts to comedy nights.

For those interested in history, the Alexandra Palace Television Station is a fascinating exhibit. As the birthplace of BBC television broadcasts, it has a special place in media history, and the displays offer insight into how television has evolved since the early 20th century.

One of the newer additions is the Go Ape treetop adventure, which is perfect for those looking for a bit of outdoor thrill. It’s a great activity, especially for families or groups looking for something active to do.

Events Alexandra Palace is known for hosting a variety of events, and depending on when you visit, you might find anything from a concert or exhibition to a craft fair or beer festival. The venue has an impressive event calendar throughout the year, and the large indoor space can accommodate thousands, making it ideal for large-scale events.

Dining and Amenities For food and drink, there are several options within the palace grounds. The Phoenix Bar & Kitchen is a popular spot for casual dining, offering a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Overlooking the city, it's a fantastic spot for a meal or drink with a view. I found the food to be reasonably priced and of good quality, with plenty of options to suit different tastes.

Throughout the grounds, there are also various kiosks selling snacks, coffee, and drinks, making it easy to grab something while exploring the park.

Accessibility One thing worth noting is the uphill walk to the palace. While it provides those lovely views, it can be a bit of a hike, especially if you're coming from the nearby train stations like Alexandra Palace or Wood Green. However, there are buses that drop you off closer to the entrance, and there's parking available if you're driving.

Inside the palace, most areas are accessible, and there are ramps and lifts for those who might need them. The wide open spaces in the park are also easy to navigate.

Final Thoughts Overall, my visit to Alexandra Palace was an enjoyable experience. Whether you're visiting for the history, the activities, or simply to take in the views, there's something for everyone. It's a great place to spend a few hours, whether you're local or just visiting London. The mix of history, culture, and entertainment in a setting that offers some of the best views in the city makes it a must-visit...

Alexandra Palace: Where Majesty Meets Modern Marvel

Welcome to Alexandra Palace, a captivating blend of regal elegance and contemporary marvels. Nestled atop a hill, this iconic London landmark invites you to indulge in its rich history and embrace the vibrant spirit that thrives within its walls.

As you approach Alexandra Palace, be prepared to have your breath stolen by its commanding presence. Affectionately known as "Ally Pally" by locals, this architectural gem has been a cherished retreat since its grand opening in 1873. Its stunning Victorian design, complete with turrets and a grand terrace, exudes a timeless charm that continues to enchant visitors to this day.

But Alexandra Palace is far more than just a pretty face. Step inside, and you'll discover a world of possibilities that cater to all tastes and interests. From world-class concerts and mesmerising exhibitions to ice skating and breathtaking views, there's something here to captivate everyone.

Did you know that Alexandra Palace was originally built as a palace of entertainment and enlightenment? Back in its early days, it housed a vast array of attractions, including a theater, a concert hall, and even a television studio. Today, it continues to be a cultural hub, hosting diverse events that ignite the imagination and spark conversation.

For music lovers, Alexandra Palace's concert hall is a veritable haven. Acclaimed artists from around the globe grace its stage, filling the air with melodies that resonate through the grand space. And if you're seeking panoramic views of London's enchanting skyline, venture up to the Palace's terrace, where you'll be rewarded with a sweeping vista that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Exploring the grounds of Alexandra Palace is an adventure in itself. Take a leisurely stroll through its picturesque park, enjoy a picnic on the rolling lawns, or unleash your inner child with a thrilling session of ice skating at the Palace's ice rink. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

As you delve into the history of Alexandra Palace, you'll find tales of resilience and reinvention. In a remarkable twist of fate, the Palace suffered two devastating fires in its lifetime but rose from the ashes, emerging stronger and more vibrant each time. It stands today as a testament to the unwavering spirit of Londoners and a beacon of cultural significance.

So, dear wanderers, embrace the majesty and modern marvels that await within Alexandra Palace. Immerse yourself in its captivating heritage, indulge in its vibrant events, and let yourself be swept away by the magic that permeates every corner. Your journey of discovery begins here, in this regal haven overlooking the city....

Dear Capital Gardens Management

I would like to bring to your attention some truly awful & rude service my wife & I experienced in your cafe on 30th March 2025

Apologies in advance for the length of this e-mail.

At about 1:45pm today I joined the queue for the cafe. It was not clear whether savoury food was being provided, or just cakes etc. While I was in the queue I politely asked the server at the till whether there would be savoury food. I was not at the front of the queue, but didn’t think it was unreasonable to ask. I got a curt & obtuse reply along the lines of “we’ll be doing savoury food later”. Not getting any more, I asked whether that meant in 5mins, or 1 hour. The reply was “I am serving another customer”. I remained in the queue, and just as there was no-one else in front of me, the member of staff left the till to start clearing tables. I asked the other member of staff how long it might be before we could order savoury food. The response was a similar vague response. Rather than wait, my wife ordered some cream teas. I said I’d wait at the front of the queue, so that when the staff did know how long it would be for savoury food service, I’d be at the front of the queue. Just before my wife left the front of the queue, she asked to pay for some crisps & soft drinks. The member of staff at the till said she wouldn’t take the order, as my wife has already been served, and she’s have to go to the back of the queue again. My wife’s request to pay for the crips & soft drinks was maybe 10 seconds after paying for the cream teas, so it’s not like she re-joined the queue. She put the items back, and did not order them. Having waited at the front of the queue a while longer, I said I’d just order some cream teams, as there was no information forthcoming on the savoury food situation. I was told by the member of staff that as I’d already ordered, I’d have to go back to the end of the very slow moving queue. At that stage a manager from the garden centre came over, and asked them to process the order. He apologised & didn’t charge me. Almost immediately after we left the queue, savoury food was available to order.

I want to make it very clear that I am not someone who comes into cafes & stores to lord it over the staff. I worked in retail for many years, and my daughter works in a cafe part time.

Apart from the rude & awful service, it was clear that the cafe was being run in a dysfunctional & chaotic manner. The chef was there the whole time & seemed to be milling around aimlessly... at a snail’s pace.

I ask that you please conduct a review of how the cafe is being...