Surviving Ally Pally: Insider Tips for the 2025/26 Darts
It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s brilliant.
Going to the darts at Alexandra Palace is a bucket-list event. But “Ally Pally” is an old venue perched on top of a very steep hill, and if you don’t know the logistics, it can be a bit of a nightmare. Whether you’ve got standard tickets or you’re joining us in hospitality, here is how to survive the 2025/26 World Championship.
1. Getting There (Don't Walk The Hill)
First mistake rookies make: getting the train to Alexandra Palace Station and trying to walk it. It is a steep, uphill hike that will leave you sweating before you even get through security.
The Insider Route: Take the Tube to Finsbury Park or Wood Green and jump on the W3 Bus. It drops you right outside the Palm Court entrance. If you are in our VIP packages, tell your taxi driver to drop you specifically at the Palm Court Entrance (West Side), avoiding the massive general admission queues at the Great Hall.
2. The "Fancy Dress" Danger Zone
I cannot stress this enough: Hospitality areas do not allow fancy dress.
In the main hall, you’ll see Smurfs, traffic cones, and superheroes. It’s part of the fun. But if you have bought a hospitality ticket (Gold or Platinum), the dress code is strictly smart-casual. Jeans and a nice shirt are fine. Football shirts and costumes are not. We have seen people turned away at the VIP door for wearing costumes. Don’t be that person.
3. Security & Cashless Venue
Security is tighter for the 2025/26 tournament. Bag searches are thorough, and they are strict on bringing in your own alcohol (don’t do it) or large bags.
- No Cash: The entire venue is cashless. Bring your card or set up Apple Pay.
- WiFi Struggles: With 3,000 people trying to upload to Instagram, the signal inside the Great Hall is notoriously bad. Download your tickets to your phone wallet before you get up the hill.
4. Pace Yourself
The sessions are long—often 4+ hours if the matches go the distance. It gets incredibly hot inside the venue. Dress in layers so you can strip down when the atmosphere heats up. If you are in hospitality, make use of the private bar to get water (and air conditioning) between sets.
Ready to experience it in style? Secure your hassle-free entry with our hospitality packages.
