Ally Pally
Difficult to describe Ally Pally. Let’s just say that externally it’s not the most beautiful building, being a cross between a railway station of mixed architectural styles and Kew gardens, with a tall steel mast at one end.
It was this mast that in 1936 first beamed a regular high definition television service to better-off living rooms.
This palace of entertainment was rebuilt after a fire caused severe damage sixteen days after it opened in 1873. Reopened two years later it was subsequently used as a barracks and later for housing German prisoners of war.
The interior is very splendid, especially the Palm Court, but is not open to visitors on a daily basis. Best to find an exhibition that interests you then you can really get your money’s worth by enjoying both the exhibits and having a look at the décor.
The palace sits on the top of a hill with not particularly beautiful but wide views from the grand promenade. Surrounding it is a large park.
The walk up from the station is quite steep, so it is probably a good idea to use the excellent W3 bus service (follow the sign outside the Tube station for Alexandra Palace buses). The façade of the North Metropolitan Electricity Supply Company (formed 1889) near the bus stop is worth a glance.
On the way up the hill note the pretty Alexandra Palace train station – alas, modernized inside - opposite an attractive green. You will also pass some houses with slightly odd rooflines and, by the railway bridge, a row of Victorian cottages.
MAP
Wood Green is just one walk from the many to be found at London Tube Rambles. There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and whacky buildings to be found, even in the most unpromising areas covered by the Greater London Underground stations. Usually the places listed are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to go to www.londontuberambles.co.uk to see the other destinations explored . You'll be amazed at what's out there!
© DR2007
