Visiting ExCeL London can be a thrill for families and business travellers alike—but the sheer number of exhibitions and shows can make planning tricky.
Central Park Collection created this guide to simplify your trip. We operate Royal Eagle Hotel and Central Park Hotel in central London, steps from Hyde Park and major transport links, and we know our guests want to enjoy the best events without the stress.
Whether you’re a first‑time visitor who loves pop‑culture attractions or an exhibitor attending a trade fair, this guide will help you make the most of your ExCeL experience.
What Is ExCel London?
ExCeL London—short for Exhibition Centre London—is the city’s premier exhibition and convention campus. Opened in 2000, it offers roughly 100 000 m² of event space spread over two main halls and attracts around 400 events and 4 million visitors every year.
According to the venue’s impact report, ExCeL generates approximately £4.6 billion of economic impact and supports 37 500 jobs. A recent 25 000 m² expansion integrated new halls and conference suites, making ExCeL one of Europe’s largest combined exhibition and convention centres.
As a carbon‑neutral venue working toward net‑zero by 2040, the campus also includes Immerse LDN, a kilometre‑long waterfront district for immersive experiences, plus green landscaping and a pocket park.
Why Stay with Central Park Collection
Choosing where to stay can make or break your London trip. Our two hotels offer an unbeatable combination of central location, value and tranquillity.
Central Park Hotel
Nestled less than 100 m from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, this hotel places you within a three-minute walk to Queensway (Central line), seven minutes to Bayswater and about fifteen minutes to Paddington. With fast connections on the Elizabeth line, you’re only 40 minutes from ExCeL yet far enough away to unwind among tree-lined streets.
Royal Eagle Hotel
A Victorian-period property near Paddington with bay windows, high ceilings and rooms tailored for families and groups. Guests can enjoy 24-hour refreshments and Hyde Park as their “back garden.” From Paddington you can reach ExCeL in 30 minutes via the Elizabeth line, making it easy to attend daytime sessions and retreat to a quiet neighbourhood in the evening.
By basing yourself in Bayswater you get the best of both worlds—quick access to ExCeL via the Elizabeth line for business or events, and the serenity of Hyde Park for morning runs or family picnics. Our hotels are family-run, offer great value and provide a warm welcome whether you’re attending a trade fair, exploring immersive experiences or simply enjoying London.
Top Events at ExCeL London
Big London Tattoo Show
Thousands of tattoos inked live, from traditional to neo-realism. Browse merch, watch stage acts and meet global artists at this carnival-like celebration of tattoo culture.
The National Wedding Show
Bridal fashion shows, venues and planners under one roof. Try dresses, book tastings and map your big-day timeline — all at the ExCeL London Wedding Show.
MCM Comic Con London
The UK’s pop-culture juggernaut. Cosplay parades, gaming tournaments, creator signings and screenings. Families love daytime zones; superfans dive into panels & Artist Alley late on.
World Travel Market London
Global tourism’s deal-making floor: destinations, DMOs, tour ops, media and travel tech. Trend briefings, content creators and B2B meetings set the agenda for the year ahead.
Bett UK
A global education technology event showcasing the latest edtech, ideas and innovations shaping the future of learning and teaching.
London International Horse Show
A festive equestrian highlight with FEI World Cup™ show jumping and dressage, Carriage Driving and the Shetland Pony Grand National, plus a Christmas village & arena spectacles.
Immersive Experiences Near ExCeL
ExCeL’s waterfront has been transformed into Immerse LDN, a hub dedicated to immersive shows. Current highlights include:
FAME*FACTORY – a high-octane theatrical experience that takes guests on a whirlwind journey through celebrity culture, complete with paparazzi, backstage passes and even a private-jet scene. Perfect for fans of reality TV and live theatre.
SQUID GAME: THE EXPERIENCE – challenge yourself in life-size games from the hit series, from Memory Steps to Red Light Green Light, and enjoy Korean street food afterwards.
The FRIENDS™ Experience – explore recreated sets like Central Perk, dance by the fountain and step through the purple door at Monica & Rachel’s apartment.
Elvis Evolution – an augmented-reality celebration of the King of Rock and Roll using holograms and digital storytelling; ideal for music-loving families.
These experiences run alongside the trade fairs, so you can mix business with fun during your visit.
ExCeL London Event Calandar
Sept 2026
Big London Tattoo Show — ExCeL London — A major tattoo festival featuring leading artists, live entertainment and creative culture.
TRYKA London Race 5 — ExCeL London — An indoor fitness racing event combining running with functional fitness challenges.
Connected Britain 2026 — ExCeL London — A leading event exploring digital connectivity, infrastructure and the future of communications.
London Packaging Week 2026 — ExCeL London — A major event showcasing packaging design, innovation, materials and manufacturing.
PCD London 2026 — ExCeL London — A specialist event showcasing packaging innovation for beauty and personal care.
PLD London 2026 — ExCeL London — Packaging for premium and luxury drinks, with strong supplier presence.
Food & Consumer Pack 2026 — ExCeL London — Packaging focused on food, FMCG and consumer product applications.
The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2026 — ExCeL London — A major event offering inspiration, advice and products for homebuilding and renovation.
IAAPA Expo Europe — ExCeL London — A leading event for theme parks, attractions, entertainment and leisure professionals.
Food Service Industry Expo — ExCeL London — An event showcasing products, services and innovations for the foodservice industry.
Oct 2026
Brand Licensing Europe 2026 — ExCeL London — Europe’s leading event connecting brands, retailers, manufacturers and licensing professionals.
Digital Accountancy Show – DAS — ExCeL London — An event exploring technology and digital transformation across accountancy.
Digital Finance Show – DFS — ExCeL London — An event exploring digital transformation and innovation across financial services.
Dentistry Show London — ExCeL London — A major dental event showcasing products, technology, education and industry developments.
New Scientist Live — ExCeL London — A science festival featuring expert talks, interactive experiences and the latest discoveries.
UK Black Business Week & Show 2026 — ExCeL London — A business event celebrating entrepreneurship, networking and professional development.
The National Wedding Show — ExCeL London — A major wedding showcase featuring suppliers, inspiration and ideas for couples.
Home, Life & You LIVE 2026 — ExCeL London — A lifestyle event offering inspiration across the home, family and wellbeing.
Musical Con 2026 — ExCeL London — A celebration of musical theatre featuring performances, workshops, talks and fan experiences.
Nov 2026
The Business Show London 2026 — ExCeL London — A major business event offering expert advice, networking and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Paper & Tissue Show — ExCeL London — An international exhibition connecting businesses across the paper and tissue industries.
London EV Show — ExCeL London — A major event showcasing electric vehicles, mobility technology and industry innovation.
The European Pizza Show — ExCeL London — A celebration of the pizza industry featuring suppliers, products and industry experts.
London Vet Show — ExCeL London — A leading veterinary event featuring education, products, technology and networking.
HOMES UK — ExCeL London — An event bringing together professionals from housing, development and regeneration.
London Build Expo — ExCeL London — A major construction event covering design, technology and the built environment.
Dec + 2027
London Perfume Exhibition — ExCeL London — A fragrance event featuring perfume brands, experts, discoveries and experiences.
London International Horse Show — ExCeL London — A prestigious equestrian event featuring world-class competition and festive entertainment.
Scrooge Cirque — ExCeL London — A festive circus production combining acrobatics, performance and the story of Scrooge.
MegaCon Live 2027 — ExCeL London — A major fan convention celebrating comics, film, television, gaming and cosplay.
Motorsport Expo 2027 — ExCeL London — An event showcasing motorsport technology, vehicles, products and industry expertise.
Car Culture UK — ExCeL London — A celebration of automotive culture featuring cars, displays and motoring brands.
MOVE IT 2027 — ExCeL London — A major dance event featuring classes, performances, competitions and workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from your hotels to ExCeL London?
From Royal Eagle Hotel (Paddington) or Central Park Hotel (Bayswater), go via Paddington → Elizabeth line → Custom House (for ExCeL). Typical door-to-door time is ~30–45 minutes.
Which property is best for the Elizabeth line?
Choose Royal Eagle Hotel for the shortest walk to Paddington. Central Park Hotel is near Bayswater/Queensway with a quick link to Paddington.
Which ExCeL station/entrance should I use, and is it step-free?
Use Custom House for the West Entrance (main halls); Prince Regent (DLR) for the East/ICC. Custom House is step-free.
Why stay in Bayswater/Paddington instead of next to ExCeL?
Quieter streets by Hyde Park, more dining options, fast Elizabeth line access, and central sights after the show—good value on busy event weeks if you’re comparing hotels near ExCeL London.
Do you cater for exhibitors and teams?
Yes—twin/family room options (subject to availability), early breakfast / grab-and-go on request, and luggage storage before check-in/after check-out (subject to space).
Do you offer business-friendly services and rates?
Yes—corporate & group rates, fast Wi-Fi, practical workspaces in select rooms, welcoming lobby/lounge areas, and printing/scanning assistance via reception. Ask for tailored allocations around show schedules.
Any direct-book perks?
Yes—book direct for exclusive benefits (e.g., member-style rewards such as The Guestbook, and early check-in/late check-out where available). Click here to view our exclusive offers.
Do you have parking? What about ExCeL?
We don’t advertise on-site parking; we can point you to nearby car parks. ExCeL has on-site parking (pre-book recommended). Venue postcode: E16 1XL (some car parks list E16 1FR).
How do Heathrow and London City Airport fit in?
Paddington ↔ Heathrow is direct via Elizabeth line (or Heathrow Express). ExCeL ↔ London City Airport is a short DLR ride. Which makes our hotels perfectly located for international travellers.
Where can I check events and travel updates?
See ExCeL’s What’s On for dates and opening times, and use TfL for live status (Elizabeth line/Jubilee/DLR) and strike info.
Image credits:
Hero banner – Grimshaw Architects
‘Squid Game: The Experience’ – Photo by Joe Scarnici / Getty Images for Netflix
ExCeL London (main entrance) – Photo by Herry Lawford via Flickr, uploaded to Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
