Join us

Become a member and discover where geography can take you.

Join us

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

1 Kensington Gore
London
United Kingdom
SW7 2AR

Where to find us

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 COVID-19 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 Foyle Reading Room 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 (6.30pm when there is a Monday night lecture).

To make an appointment please email enquiries@rgs.org

 

Members’ Room

The Members’ Room is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 5.00pm (excluding bank holidays).

Tea and coffee are available in the Members’ Room.

To book one of the small meeting pods in the Members’ Room, please email Reception foh@rgs.org

 

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.

Browse London-based exhibitions

 

Tea Room

The Tea Room is open to Fellows and Members for lunch from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Monday to Friday.

The Tea Room is cashless and only card payments are accepted.

 

Monday night lectures

Pre-booking for in-person attendance is required for all Monday night lectures.

You are welcome to wear a mask while walking around the Society and while seated in the Ondaatje Theatre if you wish.

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.

Browse Monday night lectures

 

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

  • Wheelchair spaces and an induction loop are available in the Ondaatje Theatre.

  • Personal assistants or carers can usually be accommodated at events (please let the event organiser know in advance).

  • Registered assistance dogs are welcome.

  • An accessible toilet is available.

Please contact us in advance of visiting if you have any queries about the Society's facilities.

Underground stations 

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

Use TFL Journey Planner

Mainline stations

Paddington Railway Station (Hammersmith & 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

Bus routes

9: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Aldwych/Hammersmith)

23: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Great Western Road/Hammersmith)

52: Exhibition Road/Royal Albert Hall (from Willesden/Victoria)

452: Royal Albert Hall (from Kensal Rise/Vauxhall)

Use TFL Journey Planner

Cycle or walk

Cycling: There are a number of public bicycle racks in the area, including one (capacity: 14) on the north side of the Society's building.

Find cycleways and bicycle racks

Santander Cycles: Several docking stations are within walking distance, the closest one on Kensington Gore outside the Royal College of Art.

Visit Santander Cycles website   

Walking: There are many appealing and accessible streets and paths leading to the Society, including through Hyde Park.

Find footways to the Society