Royal Albert Hall Tour

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most famous concert halls on the planet. Take a tour and discover its rich history for yourself.

Explore the Royal Albert Hall. A guided tour is included in The London Pass®

• Pay nothing at the door -  simply show your pass.
• Join the enthusiastic and engaging tour guides as they take you on a fascinating journey through this extraordinary Grade I listed building. Dive deep into Royal Albert Hall facts and learn about its incredible past.
• The pass grants you a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall.

If you're looking for authentic Royal Albert Hall photos or curious about the Royal Albert Hall roof, the guided tour will provide insights into all. Does the roof of the Royal Albert Hall open? Find out when you visit!

One of London's most beloved and iconic buildings, the Royal Albert Hall has hosted some of the world’s most famous musicians, sports stars and politicians since it opened in 1871. 

Pass Perk

Show your London Pass to receive a 10% discount in the Royal Albert Hall's Cafe Bar and Verdi Restaurant, both of which are located inside the main daytime entrance.

History of the Royal Albert Hall

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, the first World's Fair that showcased culture and industry progress to the general public, was organised by Prince Albert. Off the back of its success, he proposed that permanent facilities like it were opened to the public all across London.

The Royal Commission then bought Gore House, where the Royal Albert Hall now stands. Sadly, Prince Albert died before work on the Hall could be completed. But six years later, Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone and work began.

The Royal Albert Hall was designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by the Lucas Brothers. It was designed similarly to an ancient amphitheatre, crossed with the architecture used to create the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert, or V & A, Museum).

Reason for its Fame and its Design:

The Royal Albert Hall's fame stems from its one-of-a-kind design. It has an elliptical shape and is built with a lot of Fareham Red bricks, giving it a distinctive color. Mentions in songs and art, like when John Lennon sang its name in "A Day in the Life," have made the hall an icon in British culture.

The Royal Albert Hall officially opened on 29th March 1871.

As Queen Victoria was too emotional, given the building was conceived and then dedicated to her late husband, the opening was handled predominantly by her son, Edward, Prince of Wales.

Since its opening, the Hall has gone through a myriad of development and renovation projects. Some to improve the acoustics, others to expand and refurbish the original building.

Royal Albert Hall tour highlights

• See the stunning auditorium including one of the world’s most famous stages.
• Visit the Royal suite and glimpse the Queen’s private box.
• Discover the fascinating and often surprising history of the Hall.
• Hear insider stories about the Hall from their knowledgeable and engaging guides.

Planning Your Visit to Albert Hall in London

The Royal Albert Hall offers:

• 1-hour guided tours daily
  • 10am to 4pm (November to March)
  • 9:30am to 4:30pm (April to October)
• Tours provide an in-depth look at the Hall's architecture, acoustics and history.

Tickets:

• Adult: £18.50
• Child (ages 5-16): £10.50
• Concession: £16.50
• Prices may change

Group tours:

• 15+ people - book directly with the Hall

Individuals/small groups:

• Can book same-day tours, especially outside peak seasons

Location:

• Conveniently located near:
  • South Kensington tube station
  • High Street Kensington tube station
• Easy to reach for locals and tourists alike

South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the nearest tube stations, both about a 10-15 minute walk away. Buses numbered 9, 23, 52, 70, 360, 452, and 702 stop close to the Hall.

Accessibility:

• Step-free access available
• Wheelchair access to stalls, circle, boxes and gallery
• Infrared audio enhancement system
• British Sign Language interpreted performances
• Guide dogs welcome
• Accessible toilets on site

The Royal Albert Hall provides excellent accessibility with step-free access, wheelchair seating, and services for those with hearing or visual impairments. Its convenient central London location makes getting there easy via public transportation.

Food:

If you're feeling peckish after the tour, the Royal Albert Hall houses a cafe and an Italian restaurant. Consider an afternoon tea after your tour- it will make your visit even more memorable.

Why Book with The London Pass?

• Includes access to the Royal Albert Hall tour and 80+ attractions in London
• Convenient, cost-effective way to experience highlights

It's a good idea to verify all timing, date, and pricing information prior to your visit to make sure you have the most up to date details. Here is the Royal Albert Hall website

More about Albert Hall

Notable Performances and Events

The Royal Albert Hall has an amazing history beyond its architecture. Famous musicians like Camille Saint-Saëns and Sergei Rachmaninoff have performed on its stage. The hall has also hosted major events like the Eurovision Song Contest. Its storied past includes legendary performances that add to the Royal Albert Hall's rich history.

Royal Albert Hall facts

• The Royal Albert Hall commenced its operations with just 36 shows in its initial year. This number is vastly different from the average 400 annual events it currently hosts.
• The colossal glass dome, often referred to as the Royal Albert Hall roof, that envelopes the Royal Albert Hall extends over 20,000 square feet. The team behind this ambitious project had earlier worked on the iron and glass roof of St Pancras station. This endeavour enabled the Royal Albert Hall to boast the world's largest unsupported glass dome.
• During World Wars I and II, the Royal Albert Hall served as a navigational beacon for war pilots who were astray.

• There’s an inscription on the roof of the Royal Albert Hall which reads:

  ‘This Hall was erected for the advancement of the Arts & Sciences and works of industry of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of Albert Prince Consort. The site was purchased with the proceeds of the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI. The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by her Majesty the twenty-ninth of March in the year MDCCCLXXI. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine. The wise and their works are in the hand of God. Glory be to God on high and on Earth peace.’

Check out The London Pass® blog for more things to do in London as well!

See all attractions

Getting in: show your Pass at the tours desk for the next available tour. 

We recommend that you check tour availability before visiting. 

For information about the Hall's COVID measures, please visit their website.