Olympia Events
London's historic exhibition powerhouse where 140 years of heritage meets cutting-edge entertainment and business events.
Olympia Events is a landmark exhibition and event venue in West Kensington, London, hosting international trade shows, consumer exhibitions, conferences, and live entertainment. Built in 1885 with Victorian architecture and grand glass-roofed halls, the venue combines nearly 140 years of heritage with modern facilities. Located adjacent to Kensington (Olympia) station, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually for events ranging from the London Book Fair to Comic Con London.
A brief summary to Olympia Events
- Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX, GB
- +442073851200
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 8 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive early during major events to avoid significant queuing and overcrowding, particularly for consumer shows. Peak times typically occur mid-morning through afternoon.
- Use Kensington (Olympia) station for direct access; the District Line weekend service provides a convenient alternative to changing at West Brompton on weekdays.
- Check the ULEZ regulations before driving, as the venue falls within London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. Blue badge parking must be pre-booked in advance.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and allow extra time to navigate between the interconnected halls, particularly if attending multi-floor events.
- Plan your visit around specific events on the calendar, as the venue's atmosphere and facilities vary significantly depending on what's being hosted.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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London Overground & Southern Rail
Kensington (Olympia) station is directly adjacent to the venue, served by the London Overground's Mildmay line with frequent trains between Stratford and Clapham Junction, and by Southern Rail services to Watford Junction. Journey times from central London vary from 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point. This is the most direct and reliable option for reaching Olympia Events.
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London Underground with Transfer
From Monday to Friday, take the District Line to West Brompton and change to the Overground for a 2-minute journey to Kensington (Olympia). Alternatively, use the Central Line to Shepherd's Bush and transfer to the Overground (2 minutes). On weekends, the District Line runs a direct spur to Kensington (Olympia). Total journey time from central London is typically 15–30 minutes depending on your starting station.
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Walking from Nearby Underground Stations
West Kensington station is an 8-minute walk away; Barons Court is 9 minutes; High Street Kensington is 12 minutes. These options work well if you're already in the area or prefer to combine your visit with exploring the surrounding neighbourhood. All walks are straightforward with clear signage.
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Bus Routes
Multiple bus routes serve the venue, including routes 9, 23, 27, 28, 49, and 391, with stops within a short walk of Olympia Events. Night services N9, N23, N27, and N28 provide evening access. Journey times depend on your starting location but typically range from 15–40 minutes. Buses offer flexibility and are particularly useful if you're travelling from areas not well served by the Underground.
Olympia Events location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Olympia Events
A Century and a Half of London's Premier Event Destination
Olympia Events stands as one of London's most iconic venues, with a heritage stretching back to 1885 when the Grand Hall and Pillar Hall were completed on a former market garden site in West Kensington. Originally conceived as a large indoor space for exhibitions, tournaments, and sporting competitions, the venue followed the tradition of grand exhibition halls inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851. The National Hall annexe was added in 1923, followed by the Empire Hall in 1930, creating a sprawling complex that has hosted everything from international motor exhibitions to world-class entertainment events. Today, operating under the name Olympia Events, the venue continues this legacy while undergoing significant transformation to position itself as a global force in arts, entertainment, and business gatherings.Architectural Character and Historic Spaces
The venue's distinctive character emerges from its remarkable architectural heritage. The Grand Hall, originally the National Agricultural Hall, features soaring Victorian design with stunning glass-roofed spaces that flood the interiors with natural light. The Pillar Hall, completed in 1885 in Italianate style by architects Henry Edward Coe, James Edmeston, and engineers Arthur T Walmisley and Max Am Ende, showcases ornate ironwork by Handyside of Derby. Olympia Central, built as the Empire Hall in 1929 by architect Joseph Emberton, is instantly recognisable by its large Olympia signage integral to the building's exterior on Hammersmith Road. These interconnected spaces—Olympia Grand, Olympia National, Olympia West, and Olympia Conference Centre—offer flexible layouts that adapt to exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, festivals, and live performances. The complex underwent significant investment following its acquisition by Capco Plc in 2008, and is now being reimagined with £1 billion of private investment to create a world-class entertainment destination.Events and Entertainment Throughout the Year
Olympia Events hosts hundreds of high-profile events annually, drawing professionals and visitors from across the globe. The calendar features prestigious events including the London Book Fair, Ideal Home Show, Comic Con London, and The AI Summit. The venue regularly welcomes major music performances, fitness competitions like Hyrox, immersive exhibitions such as the Titanic Exhibition London, and seasonal celebrations including Winter Funland and Ideal Home Show Christmas. With its transformation nearing completion in spring 2026, the venue will introduce a state-of-the-art music venue, performance spaces, restaurants, a theatre, and premium office space, further cementing its position as London's premier entertainment and business hub.Accessibility and Transport Connections
The venue benefits from exceptional transport connectivity. Kensington (Olympia) station sits directly adjacent, served by the London Overground's Mildmay line and Southern Rail services. The District Line operates a weekend spur directly to the station, while weekday visitors can change at West Brompton for a quick 2-minute Overground journey. Multiple Underground stations lie within walking distance: West Kensington (8 minutes), Barons Court (9 minutes), Shepherd's Bush (2-minute Overground transfer), and High Street Kensington (12 minutes). Numerous bus routes serve the venue, including routes 9, 23, 27, 28, 49, and 391, with night services N9, N23, N27, and N28 providing evening access. The venue is just 25 minutes' drive from Heathrow Airport, making it highly accessible for international visitors. Parking is available for blue badge holders by advance booking, though the surrounding area is subject to stringent restrictions and falls within the Ultra Low Emission Zone.Sustainable Practices and Modern Facilities
Olympia Events operates as a certified sustainable event venue, committed to environmental responsibility through energy efficiency initiatives, waste reduction programmes, and renewable energy integration. The complex provides comprehensive visitor facilities including restrooms, food and drink options, seating areas, and information boards. Mobile reception throughout the venue is strong, ensuring connectivity for attendees. The venue's commitment to accessibility includes lift access to multiple floors, though capacity during peak events can present challenges. The transformation project incorporates contemporary sustainability standards, positioning Olympia Events as a leader in responsible event hosting within London's cultural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Victoria Monument
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Mr Mathias Winkler
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Пам'ятник Володимир Великий / Monument to Saint Volodomyr the Great
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Hammersmith Bridge
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Kensington War Memorial
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142 Cromwell Rd
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Kensington Palace Green
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Notting Hill Gate
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George Orwell Plaque
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St Peter's Church, Notting Hill
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Howard Staunton Blue Plaque
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Queen Victoria Statue
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Brompton Cemetery
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St Augustine's Church
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The Castle
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Unmissable attractions to see
Leighton House
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The Tower House
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the Design Museum
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Kyoto Garden
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Holland Park
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Sambourne House
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DNA VR
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Earl’s Court Police Box
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KidZania London
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Notting Hill Hillgate Village
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The Gate Picturehouse
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Ladbroke Square Garden
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Upside Down House - Westfield White City
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The Dove, Hammersmith
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Bush Hall
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Essential places to dine
Il Portico
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The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
1.4 km
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Akira Restaurant at Japan House London
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Dishoom Kensington
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Alexandrie Restaurant
1.5 km
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Grato
1.6 km
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Zuaya London
1.6 km
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Prezzo Italian Restaurant London Kensington
1.7 km
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Spaghetti House Italian Restaurant Kensington High Street
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The Shed
1.8 km
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Core by Clare Smyth
1.9 km
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Gold
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Ci Tua Osteria Romana
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Osteria Napoletana
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La mia Mamma Notting Hill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Octavia Foundation - Kensington
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the Design Museum Shop - High Street Shop
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the Design Museum Shop
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Oxfam Shop - Kensington High Street
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Westfield London
1.4 km
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The London Heritage
1.5 km
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Jigsaw
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Good
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London Souvenir Kensington
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Urban Outfitters
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Notting hill store
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The gift store
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Appletree boutique
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Kensington Palace Shop
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RETRO GIFTS RETAIL
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Curtains Up
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Prince of Wales
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High Spirit Cocktail Bar
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The Builders Arms
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The Churchill Arms, Kensington
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AMARO BAR - London
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Piano Kensington
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The Henderson Bar & Kitchen
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Stables Bar
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The Sun In Splendour
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The Owl and Monkey Cocktail Bar
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Naked & Famous Bar
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The Earl of Lonsdale
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The Hereford Arms, South Kensington
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Business Friendly
