Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
1 Kensington Gore
London
United Kingdom
SW7 2AR
Opening hours
Our current opening hours are outlined below, but please note that they are subject to change at short notice so please check our website for the latest information before you travel.
Please do not visit if you feel unwell or have any flu-like or COVID symptoms. We do not require visitors or our team to wear face coverings, however you are welcome to wear one if you wish.
Foyle Reading Room
The is open Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). If you are planning a research visit, booking is required.
The opening times are Monday to Friday 10.00am-1.00pm, and 2.00pm-5.00pm (6.00pm when there is a Monday night lecture).
To make an appointment please email
Members’ Room
The Members’ Room is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am-5.00pm (6.30pm when there is a Monday night lecture). Excluding bank holidays.
Tea and coffee are available in the Members’ Room.
The small meeting room pods are free to use, however drop-in availability may be limited. To pre-book and guarantee a meeting room (for a fee of £10 per two hour booking) please email reception at foh@rgs.org
Tea Room
The Tea Room is open to Fellows and Members for lunch from 12.30pm-1.45pm on Monday to Friday.
The Tea Room is cashless and only card payments are accepted.
Exhibition Pavilion
The Exhibition Pavilion is open for drop ins, you do not need to pre-book.
The opening times are Monday to Friday, 10.00am-5.00pm.
The Pavilion is closed on weekends and bank holidays, except when certain exhibitions are on. Please check before visiting.
Attending Monday night lectures and events
Monday night lectures
Our Monday night lectures are open to members only. Pre-booking for in-person attendance is required for all Monday night lectures.
We live stream all of the Monday night lectures so you can watch them from wherever you are.
There is a pay bar before and after Monday night lectures. Only card payments are accepted.
Other events
Our events, conference and training programme is a mixture of in person, online and hybrid events. Please see individual event listings for information about particular events.
To attend any event in person, you will need to have a pre-booked ticket.
You are welcome to wear a mask while walking around the Society and while seated in the event space if you wish.
There is often a pay bar before and after Society events. Only card payments are accepted.
Accessibility at the Society
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Wheelchair spaces and an induction loop are available in the Ondaatje Theatre.
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Personal assistants or carers can usually be accommodated at events (please let the event organiser know in advance).
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Registered assistance dogs are welcome.
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An accessible toilet is available.
Please contact us in advance of visiting if you have any queries about the Society's facilities.
Plan your journey
By underground
South Kensington (Piccadilly, District and Circle Lines): 11 minutes*, 0.7km.
Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line): 15 minutes*, 1.0km.
Gloucester Road (Piccadilly, District and Circle Lines): 17 minutes*, 1.2km.
Green Park - nearest step free access from street to train (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines): 35 minutes or take bus 9 to get to the Society, 2.4km.
*Approximate walking times.
By train
Paddington Railway Station (Hammersmith and City, District, Circle and Bakerloo Lines): 28 minutes*, 1.8km
Victoria Railway Station (Victoria, District and Circle Lines): 37 minutes*, 2.5km
Marylebone Railway Station (Bakerloo Line): 42 minutes*, 2.8km
*Approximate walking times.
By bus
9: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Aldwych/Hammersmith).
52: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Willesden/Victoria).
360: Prince Consort Road Stop RS (from Elephant and Castle/Newington Causeway)
452: Royal Albert Hall (from Kensal Rise/Vauxhall)
By bike
There are a number of public bicycle racks in the area, including one (capacity: 14) on the north side of the Society's building.
Santander Cycles
Several docking stations are within walking distance, the closest one on Kensington Gore outside the Royal College of Art.
By foot
There are many appealing and accessible streets and paths leading to the Society, including through Hyde Park.
Parking
There is no parking at the Society. Only in exceptional circumstances can a parking space be made available if arranged in advance. There is some local on-street parking, parking space in Hyde Park, and some commercial car parks exist nearby, including at Imperial College (evenings and weekends).
Additional paid parking opportunities may be found on the Parkopedia website.