Royal Festival Hall at Southbank
The Royal Festival Hall is more than just a great performing arts venue, it is also a popular place to just hang out and enjoy the view and other amenities that are on site
The Royal Festival Hall was opened in 1951 at Southbank Centre in conjunction with the Festival of Britain. The Royal Festival Hall is both a popular gathering place a leading entertainment venue with modernist architectural styling consisting of a 2900 seat auditorium, the Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre Shop, several restaurants and the Siason Poetry Library.
Entrance to Southbank Centre and all the buildings is free, so you can explore the venue and its many amenities without charge. There is usually a lot of stuff happening here, both inside and out, as this is a popular gathering spot and home to some popular festivals too. Of course there is a charge to attend certain events inside the venues which include concerts, dances and talks. The centre is open daily from 10am until 11pm. The hall is the regular home to the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Royal Festival Hall was reopened in 2007 after being closed for extensive renovations which took 2 years to complete. The hall now benefits from a cutting-edge stage, behind the scenes areas and equipage while retaining several of the original features. It is now licensed for weddings and also hosts conferences and graduation ceremonies.
For more information about the Royal Festival Hall as well as shows and schedules visit their official website link below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No except for concerts and events.Royal Festival Hall Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, UK
Phone: 020 3879 9555
Official Website: Royal Festival Hall
Royal Festival Hall Reviews
Rated out of 5
had the pleasure of attending the King’s College London graduation ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, and it was truly a memorable experience. The venue is stunning, with its iconic architecture and spacious design that perfectly accommodates large events like this.
The staff were professional and well-organized, ensuring the event ran smoothly. The acoustics in the main hall were excellent, making every speech and performance clear and impactful. The seating arrangement provided great views from nearly every angle, allowing everyone to feel part of the celebration.
The location by the Thames is unbeatable – the perfect backdrop for photos after the ceremony. With the London Eye and other landmarks nearby, it felt like a celebration in the heart of the city.
Overall, the Royal Festival Hall added a touch of elegance and grandeur to an already special day. Highly recommended for events of this magnitude!
However, no phone signal
AVN 18 - a month ago
I have found a fantastic spot for an event! The proximity to the hall and the variety of nearby amenities—restaurants, bars, and shops—make it ideal for guests to enjoy some relaxation and entertainment. The decor of the venue also seems perfect for creating the right atmosphere.
Mr. Kent NYC - a month ago
I went to see the C!rca show Duck Pond at the Royal Festival Hall. The venue felt a lot more spacious than other venues in the area. It has a shop, cafes and bars spread over multiple levels.
Karen B - a month ago
Really nice venue. We went to listen to a Rachmaninoff concert which was fantastic, the pianist was amazing and the choir were very good. We sat in the stalls block D, in my opinion really good seats central view and sound really good.
A little bonus at the interval, an outdoor balcony overlooking the embankment beautiful sunset views.
Would definitely visit again, great value for the tickets.
Dimitri - 4 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee Lines | Waterloo Station | 5 Minutes |
| Circle and District Lines | Embankment Station | 5 Minutes |
How to get to Royal Festival Hall by Tube
The Royal Festival hall is just northwest of the main exit from Waterloo Station. Exit onto Waterloo Road and go to you left (north). Stay left at the BFI Imax Theatre and bear left again onto Concert Hall Approach.
From Embankment Station on the Northbank simply walk across the Hungerford bridge. The hall is on the far side of the bridge to your right.
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Photo Gallery
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Concert inside the Royal Festival Hall cc licensed photo by Ezhar/Ingmar
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