Alexandra Palace

The story

The huge building holds several venues under one roof, including Alexandra Palace Theatre, an ice rink that also hosts ice hockey, and halls used for music, comedy, talks and trade shows such as Stitch & Knit, with its demonstrations and runway. Food and drink spots stay open during shows, with a canteen downstairs and plenty of coffee shops. Outside, a path leads up toward the summit of the building for wide views over London, and the surrounding park has cafes, a flower shop, pitch and putt and a Sunday bazaar. The palace is run by a charity, which also offers creative learning workshops in music, theatre, film and technology. The calendar stretches to a fireworks and drone festival and the North London Book Festival.