Haringey landmark Alexandra Palace named UK’s best day out for accessibility

Marcus Thorne Author 2026-05-23 06:27 3 min read

The historic exterior of Alexandra Palace in London, featuring its iconic arched window and stonework.

Contents

Transforming a Grade II listed site for modern accessibility
Collaborative efforts with local disability groups
Setting a platinum standard for live events in London

The sweeping views from the North London hilltop at Alexandra Palace now come with a guarantee of inclusion that has earned the venue the highest tier of national recognition. At the 2026 Blue Badge Access Awards in London, the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust took home the ‘Best Day Out’ category, marking a significant milestone for the historic Grade II listed site. The venue also stood as a finalist in the ‘Best Venue in a Historic Building’ category, highlighting the complex engineering required to modernize a Victorian-era landmark.

For residents in Haringey, the award validates years of visible transformation across the 196-acre site. The palace has transitioned from a traditional heritage building into a leading accessible cultural destination, balancing its architectural history with the practical needs of modern visitors. This evolution is not merely about physical ramps but a comprehensive overhaul of how the venue operates, from digital booking systems to the final encore at a concert.

Transforming a Grade II listed site for modern accessibility

Adapting a Victorian palace for 21st-century accessibility standards presents unique heritage challenges. Despite these hurdles, Alexandra Palace has implemented a transformative programme that includes a state-of-the-art Changing Places facility, which provides more space and specialized equipment than standard accessible toilets. The venue now features dedicated accessible entrances and expanded viewing platforms that ensure unobstructed sightlines for wheelchair users during major performances.

Haringey landmark Alexandra Palace named UK’s best day out for accessibility

Investment has extended beyond the physical infrastructure. More than 250 staff members, ranging from senior leadership to frontline contractors and operational teams, have completed specialized accessibility awareness and customer care training. This internal culture shift ensures that the “Ally Pally” experience is supported by people who understand the specific requirements of visitors with diverse needs, including sensory support provisions and step-free access at every scheduled event.

Collaborative efforts with local disability groups

Much of the venue’s success stems from its direct engagement with the community. The Trust works closely with local organizations, including Disability Action Haringey (DAH), to identify barriers to attendance. This collaboration has resulted in a suite of inclusive services, such as British Sign Language (BSL)-interpreted concerts, captioned performances, and audio-described shows.

This award follows a broader community push for inclusivity across the estate, including recent efforts where Haringey residents worked to improve Alexandra Park’s natural spaces through a dedicated wetlands boardwalk project. By integrating digital resources and guides specifically designed for disabled visitors, the palace ensures that the planning phase of a visit is as accessible as the event itself.

Setting a platinum standard for live events in London

Jack Brooks, Head of Visitor Services at Alexandra Palace, noted that the award reflects a commitment to “continually learning and improving” from the moment a visitor first engages with the venue. The recognition from the Blue Badge Access Awards adds to a growing list of accolades for the site. In 2025, the Research Institute of Disabled Consumers identified the palace as a leading venue, and it remains one of only three venues in the UK to hold Platinum status from the Attitude is Everything Live Events Access Charter.

The Blue Badge Access Awards specifically celebrate innovation in the hospitality and leisure sectors, focusing on venues that go beyond the legal minimum to provide exceptional experiences. For Alexandra Palace, the focus remains on embedding these practices into the daily operations of the site, ensuring that one of Haringey’s most famous landmarks remains open to everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Source: Haringey Council

Source check Heritage & Inclusion Report

This report is based on official award announcements from the 2026 Blue Badge Access Awards and statements from the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust.

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