ROYAL OPERA HOUSE ULTIMATE GUIDE
Open: Mon - Sat: 12:00PM to 10:00PM
Sun: 12:00PM to 6:00PM
Time Needed: 2.5 hours
Price: £20
Many visitors in London venture to Covent Garden to shop, join a free tour, dine or watch street performers in the dazzling Covent Garden Piazza. But opera, ballet and classical music lovers head to Covent Garden for one reason and one reason only: To see a performance at the Royal Opera House.
Built in 1858, the current Royal Opera House is actually the third to be built at its location on Bow Street, as both of the previous theatres were destroyed by fires in 1808 and 1856.
The original venue was constructed in 1732 (when it was known as the Theatre Royal), and was originally designed to be a playhouse. However, over the years the venue expanded into the world-renowned arts venue that it is known as today, and has attracted some of the biggest names in classical and opera music.
Royal Opera House Highlights
Immediately upon entering the Covent Garden Piazza, visitors will be greeted with the massive iron and glass structure known as The Paul Hamlyn Hall (or “The Floral Hall”) which has direct access to the main opera building. This area also boasts a champagne bar and restaurant, so concertgoers can sip on a glass of champagne or have a quick meal before watching a performance.
Besides being blown away by a ballet, opera, or orchestra performance, visitors can also choose from several tours to learn more about this fascinating London venue:
- Behind the Scenes Tour - A 75-minute tour that includes visits to the rehearsal studios, costume and production workshops. The tour also covers the history of the venue, its current productions, and the history of the opera. This tour is designed for those aged 12 and upwards.
- Themed Tours - Depending on the week of your visit, there may be a variety of themed tours available at the Royal Opera House. From "Rooftop Tours" during the summer months to special tours related to iconic plays represented at the venue, like a "Tea & Tour" focusing on the famous Swan Lake or a "Magic and Macabre" tour about the most famous villains in opera.
Additionally, there is a "Stages & Cells: Crime and Theatre in Covent Garden" walking tour taking place on the historic streets of Covent Garden; this tour does not enter the Royal Opera House itself but offers an interesting introduction to the area.
All these tours are led in English, but there is also an option to contact the venue to organize private bespoke tours in the language of your choice. A tour ticket entitles you to 10% off at the shop and café on the day of your tour.
Special Tips
The seats on the third level balcony are said to have the best sound quality.
If you plan on having a drink or a meal before, after or during the interval of a performance, make sure you pre-book your table beforehand to avoid any hassle of waiting around for service (especially during the busier periods).
Be sure to download the ROH Bars app so you can pre-order your drinks and snacks before or after each performance, or during the interval.
Getting There
Address: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, United Kingdom.
By Tube: If you are travelling by tube, the nearest station is Covent Garden, which is a three-minute walk away.
By Train: If you are travelling by train, the nearest station is Charing Cross, which is a ten minute walk away.
By Bus: If you are travelling by bus, you can get to the Royal Opera House by routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 11, 13, 15, 15, 23, 23, 26, 26, 68, 76, 87, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188. The Royal Opera House can be reached by bus routes 1, 501 (southbound only), or 505, 521, X68.
By Car: If you are travelling by car, please note that there is no designated parking for ticket holders; the nearest car parks are located on Drury Lane and Shelton Street (both about a five-minute walk away).
Visiting the Royal Opera House
To find out which performances are taking place at the Royal Opera House during your visit to London, visit the “What’s On” section on their official website.
During the day, the Royal Opera House is open to the general public as well as anyone who has pre-booked a guided tour, however only ticket-holders will be allowed in during performances.
Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before each performance starts, as latecomers will not be allowed into the venue. There will be announcements alerting all concertgoers at least three times before each performance starts.
There are two bars and three different restaurants located inside the Royal Opera House, all of which open 90 minutes before the start of each performance, as well as during intervals. Please note that any food or drink is not allowed in the auditorium.
For those with mobility issues, there is lift access to all the levels of the main auditorium (except the Orchestra Stalls). If you are watching a performance with your family, children between the ages of five and 14 must be seated next to an adult, and babies and infants will not be allowed into the auditorium.
The use of cameras as well as recording equipment inside the venue is strictly prohibited. There are free cloakroom facilities, but be aware that space is extremely limited so try to avoid bringing large items with you during your visit. All visitors may be searched upon entering the venue, and all large bags and rucksacks must be placed in the cloakroom.
Ticket prices and Opening hours
Ticket prices can range anywhere from as low as £9 to as much as £200 depending on which seat or performance you choose. Because performance times and costs may vary, be sure to check out the Royal Opera House’s official website before you visit and/or book your tickets.
The ticket prices for the Behind the Scenes Tour at the Royal Opera House are £20 for adults and £18 for children under 16.
Souvenir programmes are available to purchase for £8, and you can buy them in the Main Entrance Foyer, the Paul Hamlyn Hall or the Amphitheatre Lobby.
The Souvenir Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The shop is normally closed on Sundays unless there is a performance, in which case its opening hours are from at least four hours before the performance starts (or 10:00 a.m.).
Are you visiting The Royal Opera House? You might also want to check out some of the many free tours in London departing every day.
