I came to Alexandra Park wanting to see the view of London from the top, and I quickly realised that getting there was going to be part of the experience too. Alexandra Palace sits high above the lower park, and the walk up is quite a climb. There were definitely moments when I had to stop and catch my breath.
It is one of those walks where you start thinking about the view waiting for you at the top and just keep going. Along the way I noticed lots of wildflowers growing around the paths, some really nice purple and yellow ones that added a lovely bit of colour to the climb.
Down below the Palace, around the boating lake and the playground, the park feels much more like a local neighbourhood space. And getting back down was definitely easier than walking up.
The View at the Top
The South Terrace looks out across a huge sweep of London, and you do not need a ticket for anything to stand there and take it in.
There is a viewing area where people come to sit and enjoy the scenery. When I visited, quite a few people were sitting around, taking photos and simply enjoying the view. I could easily imagine coming back around sunset, since the view must look completely different as the light changes.
Alexandra Palace Up Close
I did not expect to spend as long as I did just looking at the outside of the Palace. Painted murals and a series of “People of the Palace” panels run along the brickwork, marking the building’s 150th anniversary and telling the stories of people connected to it, from Edwardian parachutist Dolly Shepherd to television pioneer Sir Isaac Shoenberg.
Inside, East Court is normally open 9am to 5pm daily, with a café, toilets and Visitor Services. It is the obvious place to stop before heading down the hill.
The Ice Rink
The Ice Rink was running as normal on my visit, and a hockey match was on when I looked in. It is open all year, so it is a good back-up if the weather turns.
Note: the Pitch & Putt course is closed and, according to Alexandra Palace, will not open during 2026.
Down to the Boating Lake
After the size of the Palace, the boating lake feels small and informal, and that is part of its charm. Pigeons line the path, ducks paddle around, and the pink flamingo pedalo is hard to miss.
Pedalo sessions last 30 minutes, with up to four people per boat. Every boat needs an adult aged 18 or over, and children must be at least two. Boats run 12pm to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm at weekends.
The playground is right beside the lake, and there is a free skatepark for older children. Both are locked at dusk.
Go Ape in the Upper Field
Up in the Upper Field, Go Ape has treetop courses for different ages. I stopped to read the boards and watch the rope crossings above the trees.
What I Took Away From the Visit
The view was clearly the highlight for me, and it is not a secret one. When I was up on the terrace, quite a few other people were sitting around, taking photos and simply enjoying the scenery. It did not feel overcrowded though, and there was plenty of room to find a patch of grass and just take it in.
The hill really is the thing to plan around. On a map the station looks close to the Palace, but the actual walk is a sustained climb that caught me out a little. I would not want to do it with a heavy bag or in a rush.
What I liked most is that Alexandra Park is not only about the view. The walk, the wildflowers along the path, the murals on the Palace and the lake down below make it somewhere I could easily spend a good few hours rather than just ticking off the viewpoint and leaving.
Before You Go
Alexandra Palace station is closest to the lower park, but the walk up is steep. From Wood Green Underground, the W3 bus takes you straight to the top. The W3 also connects to Finsbury Park, where the Finsbury Park guide covers the Parkland Walk.
East Court and Grove car parks operate on non-event days. Big outdoor events can close car parks. Blue Badge parking is free.
The Palace has step-free public areas, accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. The hill between the Palace and the lower park is the main barrier.
Concerts and festivals can change buses, parking and access to parts of the park. Check the event calendar before you travel.
Dogs are welcome when under control. Barbecues are not allowed anywhere in the park.
About an hour for the view and the Palace. Two to three hours if you add the lake and playground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the walk from Alexandra Palace station steep?
Yes. The Palace sits well above the station. With young children, a buggy or limited mobility, the W3 bus to the top is much easier.
How much does boating cost?
£8.50 for visitors aged 12 and over and £5.50 for children, for a 30-minute session.
Can babies use the pedalos?
No. Children must be at least two years old, and every boat must have an adult aged 18 or over.
Is Pitch & Putt open in 2026?
No. Alexandra Palace states that the course is closed and will not open during 2026.
How This Guide Was Put Together
The photos in this guide, the climb, the wildflowers, the skyline view, the history panels on the Palace, the ice rink and the boating lake are all from my own visit. Boating prices and age limits, opening hours, the Pitch & Putt closure, parking and accessibility details were checked against Alexandra Park and Palace’s own information, since those details change.
Last checked: 7 September 2026
Official & Useful Sources
Author
Steve visits every park featured on EKS Parks in person, checking practical details against councils, park operators and official sources. Every guide is based on a personal visit, and the photographs published with it are his own.
About Steve