Inside the hall before a Prom.
Best known for the annual summer festival of music called The Proms (people used to ‘promenade’ aka walking around showing off, nowadays they mostly sit down though some do stand in the Arena, which is a big space without seats in the centre of the auditorium), the Royal Albert Hall is impressive. Youngest child, ‘Anna’ aged 3, liked the lighting, and 6yo ‘Elsa’ was most impressed by the red velvet and gilt decor. We went to the CBeebies Prom (CBeebies is the publicly funded, advert-free TV channel for young children in the UK - it will be your friend if you need a quiet moment or two). Each summer’s Proms usually include a family Prom (in 2026, a Horrible Science Prom with characters from the CBBC show) and a Relaxed Prom where children of all ages are welcome, and there are also other child-friendly events such as sing-along carol services around Christmas time. There is step-free access to the Hall from Hyde Park and the Kensington Gore bus stops, and lifts (elevators) to all floors that take a buggy (stroller / pushchair).
The big screen at the CBeebies Prom Off to the Moon.
For older children, any of the classical concerts would be good, if they’re into that sort of thing. Tickets are only £8 if you stand in the Arena (the central bit of the auditorium, it has no seats) or the Gallery (way, way above the orchestra but you can see through the railings or just lie back on the floor and enjoy the music). For most concerts you book them online from 9.30am on the day (up to two each), or at the box office by Door 12. A few, including the family Proms, go on sale at 9.30am the day before, and you can get up to four each for the family ones. Proper seats are pricier, of course, but worth it if you can be sure your kids will enjoy it and stay for the whole concert.
The Chineke! Orchestra at the Proms.
There used to be Proms in the Park in Hyde Park too, where you could listen to the Last Night and watch it on a big screen (delightful or damp / chilly, depending on the British weather), but it hasn’t been held since 2019. The Last Night of the Proms is a big deal, and it all gets a bit silly with people dressing up, painting their faces with the Union Jack and joining in with the final rendition of Rule Britannia. The Londoner family (well, me and ‘Mr Dave’, the kids are oblivious so far) finds it all faintly embarrassing, but if you’re looking for British traditions then its definitely up there with loving the King and losing at football. Tickets are hard to get - mostly via a ballot - I’d recommend watching it on TV instead. The BBC runs the Proms, so every concert is broadcast on Radio 3 (many of them live), and the more popular ones are shown on BBC TV and iPlayer.
Fireworks at Proms in the Park.
It’s easy to get to the Royal Albert Hall: just walk 10 to 15 minutes from South Kensington tube (District, Piccadilly and Circle lines). There is one flight of steps to get off the platform at South Kensington and another from the ticket hall to surface level, so if you have a buggy (stroller/pushchair) you will need some help or a child who can get out and walk. If you have a buggy (stroller), Knightsbridge station is step-free to the platform (ask staff for a ramp onto the train), and buses 9, 52 and 452 go from there to the Hall. You could (if you and your children have the stamina) combine a concert in the evening with a day at the South Kensington museums and some time in the Diana Memorial Fountain or playground.
The station sign on the Piccadilly line platform at South Kensington.
🛜 Free WiFi in the Café Bar, on the ground floor by Door 12. Select ‘Royal Albert Hall’ in your WiFi settings to get online.
