Towering above the sprawling greenspace of Alexandra Park, the magnificent Alexandra Palace stands as a beacon of London’s rich history and dynamic culture. An impressive, Grade II listed building, this architectural marvel is known as “Ally Pally” and “The People’s Palace”. From its humble beginnings in 1873, Alexandra Palace has witnessed a whirlwind of dramatic events, technological breakthroughs, and entertainment milestones. The Palace opened its doors for the first time on the 1st of May in 1873, but tragedy struck two weeks later, a devastating fire destroyed the original building leaving only the outer walls. Undeterred by this setback, the Palace was rebuilt and reopened in 1875, boasting an array of features that would make it a destination for amusement and entertainment for generations to come.
Imagine, if you will, a grand concert hall, majestic art galleries, a captivating museum, a vibrant lecture hall, a tranquil library, a lavish banqueting hall, and a glorious theatre all under one roof. This was the vision of Alexandra Palace, designed by Owen Jones as a public centre for recreation, education, and entertainment. From the very start, Alexandra Palace embraced technological innovation. The grand theatre was fitted with ingenious stage machinery, allowing performers to disappear and be propelled through the air, creating sensational special effects, especially popular for the pantomimes and melodramas played at Ally Pally. A grand spectacle was also staged in the park, an open-air swimming pool was built as well as a horse racing course. The racecourse, known as Alexandra Park Racecourse was the only racecourse in London from 1868 until its closing in 1970. Even the surrounding park grounds were abuzz with activity for everyone to enjoy – a boating lake, a Japanese village, and a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course were also part of the park.
The Palace was also home to the BBC broadcast tower from the 1960s, used for BBC News broadcasts until 1969. Today, the antenna still stands and continues to be used for local television and radio services. From the top of the hill, Alexandra Palace’s panoramic views across London are breathtaking. The Palace is easily accessible by public transportation and the London bus route W3 will take you directly up the hill from the Alexandra Palace station, or if you prefer a walk, it’s about 10 minutes uphill.
So, if you are ever in London and want to experience a historical palace, a stunning park, and a cultural venue that has captivated the hearts of Londoners and visitors alike, then Ally Pally is a must-see.