Alexandra Palace Concert Venue / Event Space

Alexandra Palace, built in North London in 1873 as a public recreation center, was nicknamed “The People’s Palace” and is now known as “Ally Pally.” The seven-acre palace is surrounded by almost 200 acres of parkland containing a pub, restaurant, ice rink, boating lake, and putting course. The palace itself is an exhibition and event space that hosts events like hobbyist gatherings.

Alexandra’s Palace grounds have no access fees, and serene attractions like a rose garden and fallow deer sanctuary make for pleasing strolls. In the winter, the ice rink offers inexpensive skating, including free skate hire. A pitch-and-putt 10-hole golf course is open between Easter and autumn. The boating lake rents rowing and paddle boats by the half hour. When visitors need a break, they can visit the pub and restaurant, which is open daily, or the large farmers’ market, which sets up every Sunday. There are also exhibits and events at the Alexandra Palace itself, and visitors can sneak a peek at its historic, but unused, theater.