Alexandra Park
About Alexandra Park
A hilltop North London park surrounding the historic Alexandra Palace, offering spectacular skyline views, a boating lake, ice rink and outdoor events.
History & Heritage
Alexandra Park opened in 1863, named in honour of Alexandra of Denmark, who married the future King Edward VII that year. The park was conceived as a recreation ground for North London and was crowned in 1873 by Alexandra Palace — 'the People's Palace' — a grand entertainment venue that burned down just sixteen days after opening and was swiftly rebuilt.
In 1936 Alexandra Palace made history as the site of the world's first regular high-definition public television broadcasts by the BBC, earning it the nickname 'the birthplace of television'. The park and palace remain a major venue for concerts, exhibitions and events, set within elevated grounds famous for their views.
What to Expect
Expect a lofty park wrapped around the vast Victorian Alexandra Palace, with some of the best panoramic views in London stretching from the City to Canary Wharf and beyond. Attractions include a boating lake, a year-round ice rink inside the palace, a pitch-and-putt course, a small deer enclosure and a nature conservation area, plus a packed calendar of concerts, festivals and fireworks.
Known For
Features & Facilities
- Boating lake
- Ice rink
- Deer enclosure
- Pitch & putt
- Cafés
- Event venue
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Alexandra Palace called the birthplace of television?
- Alexandra Palace was the site of the world's first regular high-definition public television broadcasts, made by the BBC in 1936, giving it the nickname 'the birthplace of television'.
- What are the views like from Alexandra Park?
- The park sits on a hill and offers sweeping panoramic views across London, including the City, the Shard, Canary Wharf and the surrounding skyline.
- Is there an ice rink at Alexandra Palace?
- Yes, Alexandra Palace has a permanent ice rink open to the public year-round, along with other attractions and event spaces.
More London Parks
Finsbury Park
One of London's first great Victorian parks, a lively North London green space with a boating lake, gardens, sports facilities and major music festivals.
Hyde Park
One of London's largest and most famous Royal Parks, home to the Serpentine lake, Speakers' Corner and 350 acres of open parkland in the heart of the city.
Regent's Park
An elegant Royal Park designed by John Nash, famous for Queen Mary's Gardens, the Open Air Theatre, London Zoo and beautifully manicured formal gardens.