Royal Festival Hall

The Basics

Part of the Southbank Centre—the United Kingdom’s largest arts center, comprising multiple venues—the Royal Festival Hall was built during the Festival of Britain, and was the city’s first postwar building to be granted protected status. Home to the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the venue also attracts world-renowned musicians and other performers to its stage.

Given its pride of place on the South Bank, you’ll likely glimpse the Royal Festival when sightseeing in London, whether you’re on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Thames river cruise, or a private driving tour. It’s also easy to book tickets to a show and go on your own.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Royal Festival Hall’s Central Bar presents free lunchtime performances every Friday.
Auditorium doors open 30 minutes before an event’s start time.
The Royal Festival has several on-site bars and cafés. You’ll also find a wealth of drinking and dining options in the South Bank.
All of the Southbank Centre’s exhibition and performance spaces, restrooms, and cafés have step-free access, and a number of assisted events are offered.
Event tickets can be purchased over the phone, online, or at the on-site box office (credit cards only).

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The Basics

Things to Know Before You Go

How to Get There

Trip ideas

Royal Museums Greenwich in London: Online Stories and Collections

British Museum Virtual Tour

Pubs with History: London's Most Unusual Drinking Dens

8 West End Performances to Stream Right Now

ZSL London Zoo Livestreams and Keeper Diaries

Virtual 360° Experience of London's Royal Albert Hall

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Virtual Tour in London

Virtual 360° Experience of London's Twickenham Stadium

Inside the Historic Royal Palaces of England and Ireland

London Rock Music Tour: A Virtual Audio Experience

When to Get There

What Else to Do in the South Bank

More Tours in London

Things to do near London

More attractions near London

Recommended for London