London County Hall
London
A historic riverside landmark on the South Bank, London County Hall is home to site-specific theatre and major visitor attractions beside the London Eye.
Reviewed by Nandini J ·
AddressCounty Hall, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 7GP, UK
About
London County Hall is a landmark former civic building on the South Bank, beside the Thames and opposite the Houses of Parliament. Designed by Ralph Knott, its Grade II*-listed main block was built in stages during the early twentieth century and is distinguished by its Portland-stone river frontage.
The building's former Council Chamber provides an unusual setting for live performance. Its octagonal layout and surrounding galleries place audiences close to the action, giving productions staged there a different atmosphere from a conventional proscenium theatre. The performance entrance is on Belvedere Road.
Access
A step-free route leads from street level to the Courtroom Stalls. A wide ramp reaches the foyer and lifts continue to the Stalls. The Galleries are reached by steep, narrow stairs and do not have lift access.
The main wheelchair position is in Stalls Row F, space 160, with F159 reserved for a companion. A unisex accessible toilet is on foyer level; staff can help with the heavy doors on the route. A hearing loop is available, although coverage varies by seat.
Assistance animals can remain with visitors in the Stalls or be cared for by Front of House during the performance. Give access requirements when booking and recheck the route with the venue before travelling. See the official access information.
Getting there
Waterloo is the nearest major station, with National Rail and Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City line services. The official access guidance also identifies Westminster as a nearby option; both routes involve a short walk, but journey times and station accessibility should be checked before travel.
Bus routes 77, 211 and 381 serve the County Hall area. The nearest vehicle drop-off point for the theatre entrance is at the corner of Belvedere Road and Chicheley Street; vehicles cannot stop directly outside the entrance.
County Hall is within the Congestion Charge Zone. Check the official venue information and TfL for current routes, step-free travel and service changes.
History
London County Hall was built as the headquarters of London's metropolitan government. Site work began in 1909, construction of Ralph Knott's Edwardian Baroque design followed from 1911, and the central building was formally opened by King George V in 1922. The wider complex continued to develop over the following decades.
County Hall served as the centre of London government until the Greater London Council was abolished in 1986. The main block has been Grade II* listed since 1951, and its former civic spaces—including the Council Chamber—have since been adapted for cultural, hospitality and visitor uses.
Before you go
Allow plenty of time for ticket checks and bag searches. The theatre space has no cloakroom or luggage storage, so bring only a bag that can fit comfortably beneath one seat. Larger luggage should be left elsewhere before you arrive.
Late admission and readmission are not guaranteed. Photography may be permitted before or after a performance and during an interval, but phones, cameras and recording devices must not be used while the performance is in progress.
Age guidance, arrival times and other policies can be production-specific. Check the official FAQs and your ticket information shortly before travelling.
Nearby guides
- Where to eat and drink near London County Hall
Restaurants, coffee and bars within about three minutes of London County Hall, organised for a proper pre-show meal, a quick bite or drinks after the curtain call. The guide focuses on menus, booking and service details published by the venues themselves.
- Where to stay near London County Hall
From a hotel inside County Hall to South Bank stays with all-day bars, restaurants, pools and room service, these places are within about 2–9 minutes’ walk of London County Hall.
Frequently asked questions
What is London County Hall?
What is London County Hall?
It is a former London local-government headquarters in a Grade II* listed main block that now accommodates theatre and other events.
What is distinctive about the building?
What is distinctive about the building?
Ralph Knott’s main block has a five-storey Portland-stone exterior, a mansard roof, sculptural niches and an octagonal Council Chamber designed for more than 200 members.
What kind of theatre is associated with County Hall?
What kind of theatre is associated with County Hall?
Its documented theatre use centres on immersive courtroom drama staged in the former Council Chamber, with the audience close to the action.
Where is London County Hall?
Where is London County Hall?
It is on London’s South Bank beside the River Thames, the London Eye and Westminster Bridge, opposite the Houses of Parliament, with an entrance on Belvedere Road.
Is there step-free access to the Courtroom Stalls at London County Hall?
Is there step-free access to the Courtroom Stalls at London County Hall?
Yes. A ramp leads from street level to the foyer/atrium, and separate lifts provide step-free access to the Courtroom Stalls. The Galleries have no lift and require stairs.
Where is the wheelchair space?
Where is the wheelchair space?
The primary wheelchair space is in Courtroom Stalls row F, space 160. It is a parking space for a wheelchair, with F159 kept for a companion.
Are assistance dogs allowed?
Are assistance dogs allowed?
Space is available in front of or under Stalls seats for an assistance animal. Front of House can care for the animal in a safe place during the performance if requested.
How do I request access support?
How do I request access support?
Tell the venue about requirements such as step-free access or bringing an assistance dog when booking. You can also email access@kxtickets.com or use the venue's contact form; accessible performances can be requested there, although the performance type is currently to be confirmed.
Which station is closest to London County Hall?
Which station is closest to London County Hall?
Waterloo is the closest Underground and National Rail station. The stated walk from Waterloo to the adjacent London Eye and County Hall area is about five minutes, using the South Bank exit.
Which buses stop near County Hall?
Which buses stop near County Hall?
The venue operator lists routes 211, 77 and 381. Nearby South Bank stops also include night services N1, N68, N171, N343 and N381; check TfL before travelling.
How can I walk from Embankment or Charing Cross?
How can I walk from Embankment or Charing Cross?
Both stations are on the north side of the Thames. Cross Hungerford Bridge; the stated walking time is 10–15 minutes.
When did London County Hall open?
When did London County Hall open?
The central building was officially opened by King George V in 1922; the wider complex reached its initial completion in 1939.
Who designed County Hall?
Who designed County Hall?
The building was designed by architect Ralph Knott in an Edwardian Baroque style.
Is London County Hall listed?
Is London County Hall listed?
Yes. Historic England lists the main block at Grade II*, with a first-listing date of 19 October 1951.
How early should I arrive at London County Hall?
How early should I arrive at London County Hall?
The venue asks all ticket holders to arrive at least 45 minutes before the performance for ticket checks and bag searches.
Is there a cloakroom, and what bags are allowed?
Is there a cloakroom, and what bags are allowed?
There is no cloakroom or luggage storage. Bags must fit comfortably under one seat, and every bag is subject to a security search.
Is the performance suitable for children?
Is the performance suitable for children?
The recommended age is 10 and above, with parental guidance. Children under five are not admitted; under-16s must be accompanied by and seated next to someone aged 18 or over.
Can I use my phone or take photographs inside?
Can I use my phone or take photographs inside?
Photography is permitted before and after the performance and during the interval. Cameras, recording devices, Meta glasses and mobile phones are forbidden during the performance.