Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace – History, Atmosphere and the Home of the Darts World Championship

The Alexandra Palace – better known as “Ally Pally” – is not just another event venue. Sitting on a hill in North London, it combines history, views and atmosphere in a way that feels very different from modern arenas.

History: From Victorian landmark to iconic event venue

Alexandra Palace opened in 1873 as a “People’s Palace” – a place designed for entertainment, culture and public access.

Over time, it has played an important role in British history:

• In 1936, it became the home of the world’s first regular television broadcast by the BBC
• The building was damaged by several fires and rebuilt more than once
• Today, it is a listed historic landmark with a very distinct character

You can feel that history when you walk through the building. It doesn’t feel polished or artificial – it feels real.

The Darts World Championship: why Ally Pally is the perfect fit

Since 2008, Alexandra Palace has been the home of the PDC Darts World Championship – and it’s hard to imagine the tournament anywhere else.

From 2026/27 onwards, matches are played in the Great Hall, increasing capacity to more than 5,000 fans per session. Despite that, the key elements remain:

• Close connection between players and crowd
• Constant noise and energy
• A unique mix of sport and entertainment

The Ally Pally is not a quiet venue. It reacts to everything – big checkouts, missed doubles, momentum swings.

That’s exactly why darts works so well here.
It’s not just a tournament – it’s an experience.

More than darts: a multi-purpose London venue

Outside of the World Championship, Alexandra Palace hosts a wide range of events throughout the year:

• Concerts and live music events
• Sport events (including boxing and e-sports)
• Exhibitions and trade shows
• Food festivals and markets

The venue also offers:

• an ice skating rink
• large park areas
• one of the best panoramic views over London

Many visitors are surprised by how much there is to explore beyond the main event.

Location: Muswell Hill – a different side of London

Alexandra Palace is located in Muswell Hill, a residential area in North London.

This is not central London – and that’s part of the appeal.

The area feels more relaxed and local:

• independent cafés and restaurants
• green spaces
• less crowded than the city centre

For visitors from countries like the Netherlands or Scandinavia, this often feels more familiar and comfortable than the busy inner city.

Getting there: not the easiest, but part of the experience

Reaching Alexandra Palace is not complicated, but it’s also not as direct as many central venues. Most visitors combine different transport options:

• Train to “Alexandra Palace Station” (then a 10–15 minute walk uphill)
• Underground to “Wood Green” or “Bounds Green”, followed by bus or taxi
• Bus routes that stop close to the venue

The final part is usually a walk uphill.
But that’s where the atmosphere starts to build.

You see more fans, hear the noise in the distance – and by the time you reach the top, it already feels like part of the event.