Royal Festival Hall Seating Plan

Q: Are hearing assistance options provided?

Yes, induction loops and assistive listening devices are available on request via the Welcome Desk.

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Looking to get the best out of your experience? Check out our Royal Festival Hall seating plan and get real-time seat availability, pricing, and insider tips on the best seats.

Navigating the Royal Festival Hall seating plan

How to choose the best seats in the Royal Festival Hall seating plan?

Royal Festival Hall seats approximately 2,700 people, divided across multiple tiers: Front Stalls, Rear Stalls, and Balcony.
Central Front Stalls rows D–G are the premium choice, immersive, proximity with clear sightlines and excellent acoustics.
Rear Stalls, middle rows (e.g., L–T), deliver strong value for money, with a tiered view and a wide perspective, all without a premium cost.
Balcony front rows (A–C, centre blocks) offer a superb elevated overview, ideal for concerts or orchestral shows where the full stage view enhances the experience.
Side seats in Front Stalls or Balcony aisles may have slight angle restrictions, but are often discounted and still provide a good overall view.
Venue acoustics are uniformly strong. Front Stalls deliver full-body sound immersion, Rear Stalls balance clarity with perspective, and Balcony offers panoramic breadth for large-scale productions.
For theatrical or detail-heavy performances, choose Front Stalls centre (D–G); for orchestral or ensemble events, Balcony front centre gives a comprehensive visual experience

Sections available in Royal Festival Hall

Front Stalls

663 seats
Rows A-AA

The front stalls are divided into three blocks with vertical aisles running the length of the auditorium. There are 17 rows, with up to 43 seats per row towards the back. Rows at the back might have some sight restrictions if the show features a complex set, but this is less of an issue for orchestral concerts.
The best seats are in the central block, offering the clearest, most panoramic views. The rake starts from row B to the back, ensuring clear views from most rows. Row B should be avoided, as it is at the same height as the front row, which means heads could obstruct the stage view.

Rear Stalls

997 seats
Rows BB-XX

The rear stalls are divided into three blocks with vertical aisles running the length of the auditorium. This section has 20 rows, each with 51 seats. The balcony overhang starts at row DD but does not obstruct the stage view.
The best seats are in the central block, offering the clearest, most panoramic views. Seats towards the front of this section still feel close to the action, though seats towards the rear can feel distant. The rake is good across all rows, but the rows are not offset, so heads can cause sightline issues.

Balcony

616 seats
Rows A-N

The balcony is sectioned into 12 blocks by aisles throughout the seating, with seven sections at the front and five at the rear.
Seats near the aisles may have restricted views due to safety rails by the stairwells, which are advisable only if discounted or in limited availability.
The optimal seats are towards the center of row A, offering slightly more legroom and an unobstructed view of the stage. With generally tight legroom, taller patrons may prefer the rear stalls for comparable prices.

Value for money seats

Front Stalls: The rear-row seats offer great views at a lower price.
Rear Stalls: The middle-row seats provide excellent value with clear sightlines.
Balcony: The middle-row seats are a budget-friendly choice with good vantage points.

Best views of the stage

Front Stalls: Central seats in the middle rows provide the best view.
Rear Stalls: Front-row seats are ideal for plays, offering an immersive experience.
Balcony: Front-row seats offer an excellent vantage point.

Accessibility in the Royal Festival Hall

Level access to wheelchair spaces is available in the Stalls, specifically in Rows AA (front stalls) and X (side stalls), accessible via step-free customer lifts to levels 3–5.
Accessible access to Front and Rear Stalls is provided through lifts on both sides of the auditorium (levels 3–4 for front, 4–5 for rear), with ramps and shallow steps for less mobile patrons.
The Balcony can be reached step-free via lifts to levels 5–6, though seating within the auditorium involves steps to rows.
Accessible toilets (plus Changing Places facilities) are provided on every level; the Changing Places room is located on Level 1 near the JCB Glass Lift.
Blue Badge parking and drop-off is available near the venue (Queen Elizabeth Hall slip road), free for badge holders on a first-come basis.
Assistance dogs are welcome, and Southbank Centre offers sound enhancement systems, guiding/narration for visually impaired visitors, and support when requested or booked in advance.
Access Scheme membership (free to join) offers concessions, priority booking, companion tickets, and updates on accessible events.

Know more about Royal Festival Hall

Frequently asked questions about Royal Festival Hall seating plan

Where are the best seats in Royal Festival Hall?

For optimal views, the best seats are typically in the central blocks of the Front Stalls, particularly in rows with higher numbers, offering clear sightlines and proximity to the stage.

Which section of Royal Festival Hall has wheelchair accessibility?

The Front and Rear Stalls sections of the Royal Festival Hall have wheelchair accessibility, with step-free access via customer lifts and designated wheelchair spaces.

Which seats in Royal Festival Hall provide value for money?

Seats in the rear rows of the Front Stalls and the front rows of the Rear Stalls provide good value for money, offering clear views without the higher prices of premium seats.

Is Royal Festival Hall air-conditioned?

Yes, the building uses modern reversible airflow cooling introduced during its 2007 refurbishment.

Can I bring outside food and beverages into the venue?

Soft drinks and snacks can be enjoyed in the foyers, but only Southbank Centre-bought alcohol may be consumed inside auditorium spaces.

Are hearing assistance options provided?

Yes, induction loops and assistive listening devices are available on request via the Welcome Desk.

Is there a cloakroom available?

Yes, a cloakroom is located in the Green Side Foyer (Level 2), £1 per item, card only.