Venue overview & history

Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as “Ally Pally”, s one of North London’s most dramatic and historic event spaces, perched high with sweeping views across the city. The Grade II listed Victorian palace and its West Hall host concerts, festivals and, each December/January, the PDC (Paddy Power) World Darts Championship. The PDC World Championship moved from the Circus Tavern to Alexandra Palace in 2008 and has since become synonymous with the festive darts season: a unique mix of world-class sport, raucous crowd atmosphere and a true holiday tradition for many fans. The West Hall’s configuration creates an intimate, intense arena feel, the stage, walk-ons and crowd energy combine to make Ally Pally one of the most atmospheric venues on the darts calendar.

How to get to Alexandra Palace

Public transport is strongly recommended, Ally Pally is well served by rail, tube and buses and road access can be slow on event nights. There’s a dedicated Alexandra Palace rail station (Zone 3) on the Great Northern/Thameslink network with direct services from Moorgate and King’s Cross, it drops you close to the Wood Green side of the park. If you prefer the Tube, the Piccadilly line stops at Wood Green and Turnpike Lane; both are a short bus or 20–30 minute walk up through the park to the venue. Several local bus routes serve stops outside the palace (TfL publishes useful route maps for evening events). If you must drive, the venue postcode is N22 7AY and there is event parking and taxi drop-off areas, but spaces are limited and you'll face congestion leaving after late sessions, allow plenty of extra time or book a taxi in advance. For precise timetables, station updates and route planning on match nights check the Alexandra Palace visitor page and TfL.

Plans for the nights (format & schedule)

You’ve already got the 2025/26 match-by-match breakdown on the page (rounds 1–4 through to the final on 3 January), which is perfect for visitors planning single-night nights-out or multi-night trips. Expect action every day except the public holidays listed by the organisers, early rounds are daytime/evening double sessions while the later rounds concentrate the big-ticket quarter, semi and final evenings with longer runs, bigger crowds and peak atmosphere. Arrive early for walk-ons and entertainment before play starts; the stage presentation and crowd chants begin long before the first dart. (Your schedule listing will help buyers pick the exact nights they want; I haven’t gone into ticket-tier specifics per your request.)

Tips & tricks - getting the most from your Ally Pally darts experience

• Travel early: trains fill up after late sessions. Getting to the rail station or Tube earlier avoids crush and gives you time to grab a drink or merchandise.

• Dress warm but comfortable: the West Hall can be warm near the stage but queues and concourses can be chilly in December, layers are best.

• Cash vs card: most kiosks and bars accept cards, but small stalls and markets may favour contactless or exact change, carry a little cash just in case.

• Food & drink: there are bars and food outlets inside and around the venue, but they can be busy at session breaks, plan snack breaks between sets or pick quieter concourse spots.

• Meet-ups & group travel: if you’re going as a party, agree on a meeting point (outside the main entrance or a named bar), mobile reception can be patchy in the crowds.

• Souvenirs & photos: arrive early to browse merchandise before the crush; stage photos are great but respect players’ walk-on moments and the no-flash rules in some areas.

• Accessibility: Ally Pally provides accessible seating and facilities, check the venue’s accessibility page and book early for the best options.

What to expect inside - atmosphere & entertainment

Expect high-decibel singalongs, colourful walk-ons, pyrotechnics/light shows and a friendly-but-ferocious crowd that helps make the PDC Worlds feel like a proper seasonal event. Early rounds offer a festival-of-darts vibe with many matches, upsets and the chance to see rising stars; the business end of the tournament (quarter-finals onward) turns the venue into a full-on sporting theatre where every dart feels huge. There will be pre-match stage entertainment, sponsor activations (Paddy Power branding), crowd games and occasional promotions (e.g., nine-dart bonuses in recent years), all part of the fun. For first-timers: bring ear protection if you’re sensitive to noise, and be ready to stand/sing, the crowd interaction is half the show.

Practical bookings & money-saving note

You’ve got the right message on your page already: promote the cheapest tickets available across all nights to attract groups and seasonal bookings. For fans comparing nights, early- and mid-round sessions are usually cheaper and excellent value for a full day of darts; the final weekend commands premium pricing but is the peak party experience. Encourage customers to book early for the best seat selection and to capture lower price bands before they sell out.