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London County Hall stands as a striking symbol of Edwardian Baroque architecture and historic London grandeur. Designed by Ralph Knott and opened in 1922 by King George V, this iconic riverside building served as the seat of London’s government for over 60 years. Today, it’s been reinvented as a lively hub of culture and entertainment, home to major attractions like SEA LIFE London, Shrek’s Adventure, and the London Dungeon. At the heart of it all lies the grand former council chamber, now transformed into an atmospheric stage for the gripping courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution. The London County Hall seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.

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About London County Hall

  • London County Hall has a seating capacity of 369 seats, providing an intimate and immersive theatre experience.
  • The venue offers various sections with different capacities, including 230 seats in the Courtroom Stalls, 43 seats in the North Gallery, 53 seats in the Central Gallery and 43 seats in the South Gallery.
  • The Jury Box seating (12 VIP seats) is a standout feature, allowing patrons to feel like active participants in the trial, and offering a unique and engaging perspective.
  • Premium seats in the Courtroom Stalls, particularly between rows C and E, provide an exceptional viewing experience. 
  • Whether you prefer a more affordable option in the gallery or seek a premium experience in the Courtroom Stalls or VIP Jury Box, London County Hall offers a range of seating choices to suit every preference and budget.

​London County Hall Seating Plan >

seatmap

London County Hall, an architectural masterpiece, holds a captivating history that dates back more than a century. Designed by the visionary architect Ralph Knott and built by Holland, Hannen & Cubitts, the construction of this grand building began in 1911. However, the tumultuous events of the First World War caused significant disruptions, leading to an elongated construction period. It was finally completed and officially opened in 1922 by King George V, serving as the esteemed headquarters of the local government, London County Council initially and then the Greater London Council. Following the abolition of the Greater London Council in 1986, the once bustling halls fell into a period of relative dormancy. However, in the mid-1990s, the building underwent a remarkable transformation after being bought by a Japanese investor, Shirayama Shokusan, evolving into an enticing entertainment and business complex.

  • London County Hall showcases a magnificent architectural design, characterized by its grandeur and elegance. 
  • Designed by Ralph Knott, the building exemplifies the Edwardian Baroque style and is faced in Portland stone.
  • The main six-storey structure was constructed by Holland, Hannen & Cubitts and has intricate details, ornate embellishments and impressive proportions.
  • The North and South blocks were built by Higgs and Hill. These were added later,  between 1936 and 1939. The Island block was completed in 1974.
  • The architectural features of London County Hall draw inspiration from various historical influences, combining classical elements with Baroque flourishes. The result is a harmonious blend of neoclassical columns, decorative friezes, and ornamental motifs.
  • The building's exterior has a symmetrical composition and an imposing central entrance. The grand arched doorway serves as a magnificent focal point, welcoming visitors into the remarkable interior.
  • The interior spaces of London County Hall exude grace and sophistication. The soaring ceilings, intricate plasterwork and exquisite craftsmanship showcase the architectural prowess of the era.

London County Hall has been home to a variety of captivating productions, with one of its standout shows being ‘Witness for the Prosecution’. Since its debut on 6th October 2017, this site-specific production of Agatha Christie's gripping courtroom drama has enthralled audiences with its immersive storytelling. Set in the former council chamber, the play invites spectators to become part of the trial, as they witness the unfolding drama from the jury box and the surrounding seating. With its compelling performances, intricate plot twists and atmospheric setting, Witness for the Prosecution has received rave reviews, captivating theatregoers and showcasing the versatility of the London County Hall venue. Another notable production at London County Hall was The Money. Running from 26th May 2021 to 18th July 2021, this thought-provoking play explored the complexities of wealth, power and morality in contemporary society. Julius Caesar, Counted, Who Stole Santa Claus? are a few other notable productions.

Know Before You Go

  • Tube: London County Hall is conveniently located within walking distance of Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster stations. These stations provide access to a range of London Underground lines, including the District, Circle, Jubilee, Northern and Bakerloo lines. 
  • Train: For those arriving by train, London County Hall is easily accessible from several National Rail stations. From the nearby Waterloo, Charing Cross, and Waterloo East stations, visitors can simply walk to County Hall.
  • Bus: Hop on bus routes such as the no. 211, 77 or 381 to reach County Hall effortlessly, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
  • Parking:  South Bank Car Park is situated just a short stroll away. This multi-story car park offers a convenient and secure parking solution for visitors to County Hall. Other nearby options are Waterloo Car Park, a 2-minute walk and Q-Park Westminster, a 12-minute walk from London County Hall. The venue is within the Congestion Charge Zone.
  • Courtroom Bar: Enjoy a pre-show drink at the Courtroom bar that opens one hour before the performance. 
  • Toilets: There are toilets available on each floor, including accessible toilets, at the London County Hall.
  • Wheelchair Seats: In the Courtroom Stalls, row F 160 provides the main wheelchair space in the auditorium, which is a designated area for parking a wheelchair throughout the performance.
  • Lift Access: London County Hall offers step-free access to the Stalls through lifts from the street to the atrium and another lift from the atrium to the chamber.
  • Accessible Toilet: Accessible toilets at London County Hall include a unisex option located on the foyer level along with separate accessible toilets for females and males on the Courtroom Stalls level.
  • Assistance Animals: Seats in the Stalls at London County Hall provide room for assistance animals. Alternatively, with prior intimation, the staff can also take care of them during the performance. 
  • Hearing Assistance: Hearing loop facilities are available at the venue. Most of the Courtroom Stalls level has good signal, except row A.
  • Book in Advance: We advise that you book tickets in advance to secure your desired date and time.
  • Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, arrive early to explore the surrounding South Bank area and enjoy the ambience. This will also give you ample time to find parking or reach the venue via public transportation.
  • Transportation: If you plan to drive, consider using nearby car parks or alternative transportation options, as parking may be limited. Utilise public transportation, such as the Tube or buses, which offer convenient access to London County Hall.
  • Rules and Regulations: While visiting London County Hall, adhere to any visitor guidelines and respect the rules and regulations of the attractions or productions you attend. This ensures a pleasant experience for everyone and helps maintain the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.
  • Recording Policy: Be mindful of any photography restrictions during performances. Ask at the venue if you wish to record anything. 
  • Accessibility: Seating levels other than the Stalls section have poor accessibility, so be careful while booking your tickets, if you or your guests have special needs.
  • La Cucina Di Mamma: The restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine near London County Hall, where diners can indulge in traditional dishes prepared with love and care. 

  • Directions

    to La Cucina Di Mamma

  • Westminster Kitchen Grill House: A must-visit for steak lovers, the restaurant serves up succulent cuts of meat in a cosy and inviting atmosphere near London County Hall. 

  • Directions

    to Westminster Kitchen Grill House

  • Troia Southbank: The venue presents a delightful taste of the Mediterranean, with a menu featuring flavorful dishes inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the region.

  • Directions

    to Troia Southbank

  • Brasserie Joël: Brasserie Joël showcases the elegance of French cuisine, inviting guests to savour exquisite dishes crafted with the finest ingredients in a sophisticated setting. 

  • Directions

    to Brasserie Joël

  • Hannah Japanese Restaurant: This spot brings the flavours of Japan to London, offering a diverse menu of authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and sashimi to traditional hot dishes and teppanyaki. 

  • Directions

    to Hannah Japanese Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions About London County Hall

London County Hall is located on the South Bank of the River Thames. The official address is Belvedere Road, London - SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.