Olympia, London

Kensington and South Kensington

Location

Address
Hammersmith Road
W14 8UX
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 7385 1200
Email
[email protected]
Public transport:
Tube: Olympia Train: Kensington Olympia

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About Olympia in London

📍 Location: Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX.
🚇 Nearest stations: Kensington Olympia (District, Mildmay).
Time needed: 1-4 hours (longer with dining and activities).
💸 Price: Free entry (shopping, dining and activities vary).
📸 Best for: Exhibitions, dining and live entertainment.

About

Step into Olympia in Kensington, London's newest destination for entertainment, dining, culture, business and events.

Following a landmark £1.3bn transformation, the iconic west London venue has entered an exciting new chapter, bringing together world-class entertainment, rooftop dining, vibrant public spaces and unforgettable cultural experiences. Once known for its historic exhibition halls built 140 years ago, Olympia has been reimagined as a new destination to eat, meet, discover and stay.

Whether you're catching a headline gig, dining at the new rooftop terrace or at Pillar Hall, enjoying free public entertainment or simply checking out this corner of the capital, there's always something new to discover at Olympia. 

Why you should visit Olympia

  • It's London's newest destination for entertainment, culture, hospitality and events and one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the world! 
  • Catch live music, theatre and more at multiple state-of-the-art event spaces.  
  • Stay, eat and drink at several food spots, two hotels and bars.  

Top things to do at Olympia

Discover exciting new places to eat and drink

Olympia is now home to an incredible array of restaurants, bars and eateries for any occasion – from meeting friends for afternoon tea to grabbing a quick bite before a show, or enjoying an intimate dinner, Olympia offers everything from elegant dining to casual food hall favourites.

Head upstairs to Olympia's striking new rooftop destination, where four distinct food and drink experiences sit beneath a spectacular glass canopy.

  • Unwind at Lillie's, an elegant rooftop terrace inspired by the charm of an English garden, where seasonal British small plates are paired with English sparkling wines and champagne.
  • Transport yourself to Tokyo after dark at Wolves of Tokyo, where expertly crafted sushi, yakitori, signature dishes and refined cocktails are served against a stunning backdrop.
  • Grab a quick bite at Arbour, Olympia's lively food hall bringing together farm-to-fork British dishes, gourmet fried chicken, smashed burgers, artisan coffee and freshly baked pastries.
  • Sip margaritas and creative cocktails at Bar Arriba, a vibrant Mexican-inspired rooftop bar serving bold flavours, sharing plates and DJ sets throughout the week.

Just around the corner, you can experience the grandeur of the Grade II*-listed Pillar Hall at Idalia, Olympia's stylish all-day restaurant and bar. Serving modern British dishes, afternoon tea and expertly crafted cocktails, it's the perfect spot for everything from leisurely lunches to pre-show dining.

A new era of live music and entertainment for London

Entertainment has always been part of Olympia's story, and now it's taking centre stage once again... Watch internationally acclaimed artists perform at British Airways ARC, Olympia's state-of-the-art, 3,800-capacity live music venue, bringing some of the world's biggest names to west London.

And that’s not all... Get ready for British Airways Theatre, opening in 2027 as London's largest new permanent theatre in almost 50 years, bringing world-class productions to a spectacular new home.

Explore vibrant public spaces

Olympia’s one hectare (2.5 acres) of public space are yours to explore, unwind and enjoy. Whether you're visiting for an event or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

  • Discover the Square, where free live music, performances, public art and family-friendly events bring the destination to life.
  • Until the end of summer, enjoy the Art of the Playground at the Square every Wednesday and Sunday from 12pm until 5pm – a live programme of DJs, broadcasters and emerging artists who are rewriting the rules of the space.
  • Look up at the Canvas, the spectacular 83-metre (272ft) digital artwork above Emberton Walk, showcasing immersive digital art, live content and large-scale creative installations.
  • Later this year, Olympia will come alive along Olympia Way, a newly pedestrianised street that will host year-round events, cultural activations and experiences.

Stay in the heart of the action

Turn your visit into a city break with an overnight stay at Olympia.

  • Hyatt Regency London Olympia offers modern five-star comfort just moments from Olympia's restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
  • citizenM London Olympia is set to open later this summer, bringing its signature smart, stylish rooms to the destination and giving visitors even more ways to stay at Olympia.
  • Hilton London Olympia is another top option that's ideally located between Olympia and Kensington (Olympia) Station.

Insider tips for visitors

  • Make a day of it. Olympia is much more than an events venue. From rooftop restaurants and live entertainment to public art and open spaces, everyone is welcome.
  • Book ahead. From global music stars to emerging talent, British Airways ARC hosts an exciting programme of live music. Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot!
  • Travel by public transport. Kensington (Olympia) Station is located right next to Olympia, while Barons Court, West Kensington and Shepherd's Bush all provide convenient connections across London.

What events take place at Olympia?

Olympia's iconic heritage halls continue to host some of London's biggest exhibitions, sporting events and live experiences. From cutting-edge technology conferences and international sporting tournaments to celebrations of food, culture and creativity, there's always something happening across The Grand Hall, National Hall, West Hall and Central Hall.

Highlights include London Tech Week, one of the UK's leading technology events; Hyper Japan, celebrating the very best of Japanese culture; and London Premier Padel, bringing world-class padel to the capital. Whatever your interests, Olympia's year-round programme offers plenty of reasons to visit again and again.

Where is Olympia in London

Olympia is located on Hammersmith Road in Kensington, west London. 

How to get there

  • Tube and train – Kensington (Olympia) Station is just a seven-minute walk away and is served by the Mildmay line, District line and National Rail services. Barons Court, West Kensington and Shepherd's Bush Underground stations are also within walking distance.
  • Bus – Several bus routes stop close to Olympia. Check Olympia's website before travelling for the latest information.
  • Cycling – Check TfL cycling to find out more about suggested cycling routes and nearby docking stations. A public cycle hub is also located via the Hammersmith Road entrance of The ICC.
  • Car – Parking is only available for Blue Badge holders attending an event and must be booked in advance where applicable.

Opening times 

Olympia’s public spaces are open day and night. For specific opening hours across its venues, restaurants or events, please check the Olympia website before your visit.

Things to do nearby

Enjoy plenty of activities near Olympia. Stroll the scenic grounds of Holland Park, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Soak up the culture at the Design Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A. Stop for a spot of shopping at Westfield White City, Kensington High Street and Notting Hill

Olympia London FAQs

Is Olympia London worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Olympia is one of London's most exciting destinations with a variety of cool experiences to enjoy from food and drink spots to live music venues and a theatre. 

What Tube line goes to Olympia?

Kensington (Olympia) is the nearest station to Olympia, which is served by the District and Mildmay lines. You can also travel on the Central and Piccadilly lines from other nearby stations.

What venues are at Olympia?

After its £1.3bn regeneration, Olympia is set to be home to several venues: the British Airways ARC, the Grand Hall, Pillar Hill and the British Airways Theatre – opening in 2027.

How big is Olympia in London?

Olympia is made up of around six hectares (14 acres) of land. The regeneration boasts just under one hectare (two acres) of new restaurants, bars and event space, as well as one hectare (2.5 acres) of new public space on Olympia Way and Emberton Walk.

How long should I spend at Olympia?

You can spend as long as you like at Olympia! With everything from eateries and live events to hotels, you could easily spend a whole day here, use it as your base for visiting the rest of London or just pass through. 

Facilities & Accessibility

View Detailed Access Guide See detailed accessibility information for this venue on AccessAble

Access Inside Building Facilities
Accessible lift
All routes suitable for pushchairs or prams
All routes suitable for wheelchair users
Some routes suitable for limited mobility users
Steps with handrail within building
Steps within building
Wheelchair spaces available in auditorium
Access into the Building
Automatic doors
Full, non-assisted wheelchair access
Ramps from parking area to entrance
Ramps with handrails to entrance
Steps from parking area to entrance
Steps with handrails to entrance
Accessible Communication Facilities
Audible alarm system
Clear signage (colour contrast, large letters or pictograms)
Accessible Parking Facilities
Blue badge parking available
Designated disabled parking available within fifty metres of main entrance
Public car park available within two hundred metres of main entrance
Accessible Venue Facilities
Assistance dogs welcome
Emergency evacuation procedures for guests with disabilities
Level access, ramp or lift to dining area
Level access, ramp or lift to restaurant or cafe
Level access, ramp or lift to the bar
Level access, ramp or lift to the lounge
Level access, ramp or lift to the shop
Special dietary requirements catered for
Staff available to assist
Wheelchairs available free of charge
Additional Accessible Facilities
Accessible baby changing rooms
Level access, ramp or lift from entrance to reception
Low payment counters
Attraction Facilities
Patron toilets
Public toilets
Catering Facilities
Bar
Breakfast included
Cafe
Event catering
Food shop
Nut-free option on menu
Outdoor dining / Beer garden
Private Dining
Restaurant
Set price menu
Vegetarian options on menu
Event Facilities
Breakout Rooms
Business centre
Conference rooms / Meeting rooms
Offers charity rates
Raked or tiered seating offered
Trade vehicle access
General Facilities
Escalators
Free WiFi
Guest lounge
Lifts
Luggage storage
On site parking
Secure cycle storage

Events at Olympia