The building’s history is marked by resilience. It sustained damage during the Second World War but was restored to its former glory. More recent renovations and extensions, including the John Peel Centre, have ensured that Broadcasting House remains a state-of-the-art broadcasting facility.
DIRECTORY
Broadcasting House
Broadcasting House, the iconic headquarters of the BBC, stands as a testament to the evolution of British broadcasting. Since its first radio transmission on 15th March 1932, the building has been at the heart of the nation’s audio-visual output. Situated between Oxford Street and Regent’s Park in central London, its imposing Art Deco architecture has become a recognisable symbol of the BBC.
Originally constructed with Portland stone over a steel frame, the building’s distinctive design has often been likened to a ship, complete with a clock tower and aerial mast. Its interior boasts nine floors above ground and a further three below, housing the bustling hub of news, entertainment, and information production that is synonymous with the BBC.
It’s fascinating to contrast the BBC’s early days with its current status as a global media powerhouse. In 1930, a news bulletin consisted of nothing more than piano music, a stark difference to the 24/7 news cycle of today. Broadcasting House has been at the centre of this transformation, evolving from a pioneering radio station to a multi-platform media organisation with a worldwide reach.
The building’s architectural significance cannot be overstated. As an outstanding example of Art Deco, it is Grade II listed and a cherished part of London’s skyline. Broadcasting House is more than just a building; it is a living symbol of British broadcasting history and a vital part of the nation’s cultural landscape.
Address and Contact Details
Address: Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London W1A 1AA
General Enquiries: While Broadcasting House is the headquarters of the BBC, general visitor enquiries for tours (when available) would typically be directed through a specific BBC Tours contact. For general BBC enquiries, the main BBC website offers contact options.
Website: BBC (for general BBC information, specific tour information may be on a dedicated tours page [opens in new window]).
Travel Connections
Broadcasting House is centrally located in London, making it highly accessible by public transport.
Underground (Tube)
- Oxford Circus Station (Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines): Approximately a 3-5 minute walk. This is the closest and most common station for accessing Broadcasting House.
- Bond Street Station (Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines): Approximately a 10-12 minute walk.
- Great Portland Street Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines): Approximately an 11-13 minute walk.
- Regent's Park Station (Bakerloo line): Approximately a 10-12 minute walk.
Train
- The closest major train stations are those connecting to the Tube network. London Euston, Charing Cross, and London Victoria are all easily reachable by Tube from Oxford Circus.
- Bond Street Station also connects to the Elizabeth line, offering direct train connections to and from areas like Paddington, Heathrow Airport, and destinations in the east.
Bus
Numerous bus routes serve the area, with stops very close to Broadcasting House:
- Margaret Street / Oxford Circus (Stops RD, RE, RF): Buses 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 22, 25, 43, 453, 55, 73, 88, 94, 98, 137, 139, 159, 189, 207, 390, 453, N2, N3, N7, N8, N13, N15, N18, N20, N22, N26, N55, N73, N88, N98, N109, N113, N136, N137, N149, N207, N253, N279, N390.
- Great Titchfield St / Oxford Circus Stn (Stop OP): Buses 12, 88, 453, N3, N18, N109, N136.
- John Prince's Street / Oxford Circus (Stop JC): Buses 137, N137.
River Boat
- There is no direct river boat access to Broadcasting House. The nearest piers would be along the Thames (e.g., Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier), requiring further Tube or bus travel to reach Broadcasting House.
Car
- There are no public car parking facilities directly at Broadcasting House.
- Pay-and-display parking bays are available on nearby streets and in Cavendish Square, but parking in central London is generally discouraged due to congestion and cost.
- Broadcasting House is within the Congestion Charge zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Cycling
- Santander Cycles docking stations are available nearby on Great Titchfield Street, John Prince's Street, and Little Argyll Street.
- Bike racks may be available in the vicinity.
Facilities
- Public Spaces: The BBC offers some public spaces, including the piazza outside Broadcasting House, which occasionally hosts public events.
- Cafes/Shops: While primarily a working building, there might be BBC-branded shops or small cafes accessible to the public, particularly if tours are running. Historically, there was a public shop selling BBC merchandise.
- BBC Club W1: This is a private members' club primarily for BBC staff, though retired and alumni members may gain access with a BBC Club pass. It has a Media Café.
Access
- Broadcasting House aims to be accessible. For specific accessibility information regarding tours or events, it is best to check with BBC Tours or the event organiser directly.
- Information for visitors with disabilities is often provided for specific tour offerings.
- Assistance dogs are generally permitted.
Entry Fees
Entry to the public areas outside Broadcasting House is free of charge.
- Historically, the BBC has offered tours of Broadcasting House. If these tours are running, they typically incur an entry fee, which varies depending on the type and length of the tour. Information and booking for tours would be available via the official BBC Tours website (if active).
Opening Times
Broadcasting House is a working building, so public access to the interiors is generally limited to pre-booked tours or specific public events.
- The public piazza and exterior can be visited at any time.
- Opening times for any public-facing shops or cafes would typically align with standard retail hours in the area.
- For specific tour times, please check the official BBC Tours website.
Articles
Art Deco London: An exploration of the major Art Deco styled buildings in the capital.
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
Oxford Street (1-2 minutes): London's premier shopping street, home to countless high-street brands, department stores, and flagship shops, offering a bustling retail experience.
Regent Street (2-5 minutes): A grand shopping street known for its elegant architecture, high-end fashion brands, and the famous Hamleys toy store.
Marylebone High Street (5-8 minutes): A charming and upscale village-like high street offering independent boutiques, artisan food shops, and excellent restaurants.
Cavendish Square Gardens (3-5 minutes): A beautiful and historic garden square offering a peaceful green space amidst the busy West End, ideal for a short break.
London Palladium Theatre (5-7 minutes): A renowned West End theatre hosting major musicals, concerts, and variety shows in a grand setting.
Carnaby Street (7-9 minutes): A famous pedestrianised street known for its independent fashion boutiques, quirky shops, and vibrant atmosphere, particularly associated with the "Swinging Sixties."
Wallace Collection (10-12 minutes): A national museum housed in a historic London townhouse, displaying 18th-century French paintings, furniture, porcelain, and old master paintings. Entry is free.
Hyde Park (10-15 minutes): A vast Royal Park offering sprawling green spaces, a boating lake, and various monuments, perfect for walks, picnics, and relaxation.
BT Tower (10-15 minutes): An iconic telecommunications tower, a prominent landmark on the London skyline. While no longer publicly accessible for viewing, it's impressive from the outside.
Trafalgar Square (15 minutes): A famous public square in central London, home to Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, and often a site for public demonstrations and celebrations.
