London is a great city to visit because of historical monuments and architectural masterpieces. However, if you are looking for some fun and entertainment, especially if you are traveling with you family; then Alexandra Palace definitely deserves your time.
Situated in North London, England, Alexandra Palace is also called the “Palace of the People” because it was originally constructed to become a free recreational centre for the ordinary people to enjoy. Built in 1973, it is a counterpart of another amusement area called Crystal Palace in South London, and a pioneer TV station for the BBC, the giant broadcasting network.
Inside the Palace are massive, intricately designed halls called Great Hall and West Hall. This is where you can find regular exhibitions as well as musical performances. The halls are also being used for conventions, meetings and conferences. In addition, Alexandra houses a theatre, which hosts regular concerts and shows.
Outside on the Palace ground is where the fun really takes place. One of the main attractions of the Palace is the 196 acres of luscious park land. This area is populated by different entertainment facilities, including a natural reserve and a children’s play area. In addition, Alexandra is complete with a huge palm court for social functions, and a widely popular pitch and putt course.
Trailing the Parkland Walk is one of the great activities to do while in the park area. This walkway stretches along an old railway that connects the Palace to other nearby scenic areas such as Finsbury Park.
Another very relaxing activity to do with the family is to rent a boat and cruise around the park’s pristine lake, while enjoying the beauty of nature and view of the Palace. If you get a little hungry you do not even have to leave park grounds. You can dine, drink and relax at some of the pubs, cafes and restaurants in the area.
For a genuinely great time on the ice, head out to the complex’s ice skating rink, one of the largest and best in the city, which can accommodate around 1200 people. Skating at the Palace’s rink gives you a different experience, as you are surrounded by beautiful Victorian architecture. Some of the regular activities conducted in this venue are figure skating lessons, ice hockey trainings and themed skating sessions. The rink can also be used for private events and occasions. It has undergone considerable improvements to become ideal for competitive skating purposes.
Alexandra Palace specifically stands on the Musgrove Hill, in between the districts of Wood Green and Hornsey. From the Palace, you are treated to some of the most picturesque views of London. Getting to this centre is quite easy through public transportation, especially if you are coming from Central London. Alexandra is close the Wood Green underground train (or tube) station. You just need to take the Piccadilly Line to get to this station. From the train station, bus stop A is quite near. You may ride the W3 bus from this stop to take you up the hill and to the Palace. If you decide to drive, Alexandra conveniently offers around 1,500 free parking spaces.