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Kensington Olympia: One of the capital's most iconic exhibition and events venues, situated on Hammersmith Road in West Kensington.
West London's most storied events destination is in the middle of a remarkable transformation. Olympia London, known to many as Kensington Olympia, has been a cornerstone of the capital's cultural and commercial life for over 140 years, and right now it is arguably more exciting than it has ever been. Whether you are heading there for a trade show, a live music event, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Olympia London is one of the capital's most iconic exhibition and events venues, situated on Hammersmith Road in West Kensington. Originally opened in 1886 as the National Agricultural Hall, it quickly evolved into a major hub for public spectacle and commerce, hosting everything from motor shows and circuses to fashion weeks and tech conferences. Its vast, vaulted glass halls, still standing today, gave it a grandeur that few venues in London could match.
History of Olympia
Over the decades, Olympia became synonymous with large-scale consumer and trade events. The venue hosted Vivienne Westwood's debut fashion show, one of London's first ever cinemas, and countless industry-defining exhibitions spanning sectors from beauty and interiors to gaming and engineering. That legacy of hosting the world's most significant events remains very much intact.
Olympia London is located at Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX, in the West Kensington area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It sits just north of the Earl's Court neighbourhood and south of Kensington High Street, placing it at the heart of one of London's most well-connected and culturally rich parts of the city.
The venue's address, W14, sometimes causes confusion, as it falls within the Hammersmith and Fulham borough rather than Kensington, despite the station and venue both carrying the Kensington name. For practical purposes, it is surrounded by the residential streets of West Kensington to the south, Holland Park to the north, and Barons Court to the west, making it a short distance from some of London's most attractive neighbourhoods.
Kensington (Olympia) station is served by the London Overground and the District line. The District line service is limited — it generally operates on weekends and during certain peak periods, running to and from Earl's Court. The London Overground and National Rail services run more consistently throughout the week, connecting the station to a wide range of destinations across London and beyond.
If you are planning your journey and want to confirm live service information, TfL's Journey Planner is the most reliable tool.
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If you are attending an event at Olympia, whether a multi-day trade show, a conference, or a live performance, staying nearby makes the experience significantly more comfortable. The venue now has two hotels on site in the Hyatt Regency and citizenM, but for those who prefer more space and flexibility, serviced apartments in Earl's Court offer an excellent alternative.
Your Apartment's Earl's Court property at 59 Longridge Road, SW5 is a ten-minute walk from Olympia London. With fully equipped kitchens, flexible check-in, and no hotel-style restrictions on how you use your space, it is a practical base for anyone spending more than a night or two in the area. Long-stay discounts are available from seven nights, making it particularly well-suited to exhibitors, contractors, and corporate visitors with extended commitments at the venue.
12 things to do in Earl's Court
Earl's Court sits at the centre of one of London's most rewarding neighbourhoods. Kensington's world-class cultural attractions, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and the Science Museum, are within easy reach, as is Hyde Park for morning runs or weekend walks. Earls Court Road and Brompton Road offer a strong local selection of cafés, restaurants, and independent shops. Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, is just over a mile away, and Olympia London, one of the city's busiest exhibition and events venues, is a short walk north, making this a particularly practical base for business travellers attending conferences or trade shows.
Kensington Olympia: One of the capital's most iconic exhibition and events venues, situated on Hammersmith Road in West Kensington.
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Earl’s Court has always been a place in transition, from farmland to bohemian hub to the quietly cosmopolitan neighbourhood it is today. And perhaps that’s part of its appeal. It doesn’t try too hard to define itself.
