Alexandra Palace Wood Green
London · N22
Summary
A Victorian entertainment palace on a north London hilltop — the site of the world’s first regular public television broadcast (1936), with a large Victorian hall, BBC transmitter mast, and panoramic city views.
About this location
Alexandra Palace was opened in 1873 as a north London counterpart to Crystal Palace — a public entertainment complex of concert halls, an ice rink, a boating lake, theatre, and exhibition spaces on a 196-acre hilltop park. The BBC took over the East Wing in 1936 and made the first regular public television broadcasts in history from the Alexandra Palace transmitter; the transmitter mast (110 metres) still stands on the building’s roof.
The building is a mixture of the original Victorian structures and a substantial rebuild after a fire in 1980. The main Great Hall seats 10,000 and has an original Victorian pipe organ. The Palm Court is an ornate cast-iron and glass conservatory space. The BBC Studios within the building (now a museum exhibit) retain original technical equipment from the early television period.
For productions, the Palace gives multiple options: the Great Hall as a large event or assembly space; the BBC Studios as a period broadcasting environment; the park for exterior high-ground-north-London shots. The site is managed by the Alexandra Palace Charitable Trust with a dedicated events and film hire team.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access available — dedicated entry for kit and set dressing.
- Public transit
- London has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
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On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Alexandra Palace Wood Green?
- No council permit is usually needed for filming at Alexandra Palace Wood Green itself, but you'll still need the owner's written permission, and any spill-over onto public highway or pavement may require a council permit.
- Is parking available at Alexandra Palace Wood Green?
- On-site parking is available at Alexandra Palace Wood Green. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Alexandra Palace Wood Green?
- Alexandra Palace Wood Green sits in the ££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Alexandra Palace Wood Green?
- Alexandra Palace Wood Green can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Alexandra Palace Wood Green before?
- Alexandra Palace Wood Green appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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