Spend a Day at Olympia Events
Originally opened to the public in 1886 as the National Agricultural Hall, over the years further exhibition spaces have been added to the building once called London Olympia and is now known as Olympia Events. Parts of the building are Grade II listed and have been given historic status, making Olympia the oldest exhibition centre in Europe.
Every year Olympia Events hosts several hundred conventions, congresses, fairs and shows and attracts over 12 million visitors. Thanks to its location and great transport links it is a well-connected and world-class event destination.
Events including the Ideal Home Show, Good Food Show and London Book Fair are held at the Olympia annually and attract thousands of visitors to tour around the exhibition halls, watching talks, visiting exhibitors and purchasing wares to enjoy.
Getting There
Olympia Events is conveniently located close to central London, and transport links to the site are both frequent and reliable due to this. Due to the location it’s recommended that you use public transport methods if you are attending any events at the centre.
By Train: Olympia has its own dedicated train station situated next to the venue, Kensington (Olympia), it’s less than a 2-minute walk from the main entrance.
By Tube: You can get the underground to Baron’s Court (Piccadilly Line), which is a 10-minute walk away, or Hammersmith (Hammersmith & City Line) which is 15-minutes away on foot.
By Bus: There are several bus routes that will get you from the other parts of London to Olympia Events, whether travelling during the day or night. These routes include the 9, 23, 27, N27, and N28.
By Car: There are onsite and off-site parking facilities available at Olympia Events, however, the venue is in a ULEZ zone and therefore it is worth checking if your vehicle is subject to a ULEZ charge before you travel. You can book parking in advance of your arrival using their website.
Things to Do
Being close to central London, there is no shortage of things to do when you visit. You could head to watch the guards outside Buckingham Palace, or head to Kensington High Street or the Portobello Road to explore the street market and shops. If the weather is good there are a number of beautiful parks to enjoy, including Hyde Park, Brook Green, and Holland Park. If you’re after an afternoon of culture, then nearby is the stunning and unique Design Museum with its history of everything from architecture to fashion.
Food and Drink
There are more than 30 bars, restaurants and cafes both on site and close to the venue, so whether you’re looking for something light to snack on, or a full meal you’ll find somewhere to eat.
Within the venue you can eat healthy at Live Well, enjoy a plant-based diet at Plant, the Green Kitchen, have a breakfast roll or freshly baked treat at Coe’s Bakery or have something hot and hearty at Eighteen 86.
Close by you can enjoy a multitude of different cuisines including Indian, Italian, Eastern Mediterranean and traditional British pub food as well as tasty coffee and quick snacks and a number of cosy cafes.
Tips for a Great Day at Olympia Events
Check your transport connections: However you’ve decided to travel to Olympia Events make sure that you’ve checked the train times and any potential traffic issues that could affect your arrival at the venue
Plan your day: There’s so much to do in and around Olympia that you’ll never be short of entertainment. Plan your day so you don’t miss anything.
Bring essentials: Don’t forget to pack your wallet/purse and tickets for any events you’re attending. With so many shops, cafes and entertainment venues on site and nearby you’ll have plenty to fill your day.
Make a Weekend of it
If you’re headed to Olympia Events, whether it’s for a few days for a conference, or a visit to the Ideal Home Show or the Mind Body Spirit Festival, why not make a weekend of it with friends or family?
You could relax and enjoy a show on the West End, or have a great night on the town, experience a new restaurant or cocktails at a bar. Book a stay in one of our London apartments at Canary Wharf, London Croydon or London Kew Bridge and turn your visit into an enjoyable and relaxing getaway.
