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Everything you need to plan your visit to the Affordable Boarding Show on Friday 30 October and Saturday 31 October 2026...
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Affordable Boarding Show in Central London on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
Planning your visit couldn’t be easier.  Scroll down for Show times, venue details and directions by train, Underground, bus, taxi or car, plus answers to your questions about tickets, private meetings, talks and what to expect on the day.
And why not make a day of it?  You’ll also find some of London’s best-known sights and attractions nearby, so you can combine your visit to the Show with a great family day out in the capital.
Friday 30 October 2026
Show opens: Â 10am (10:00)
Show closes: Â 7pm (19:00)
Saturday 31 October 2026
Show opens: Â 10am (10:00)
Show closes: Â 4pm (16:00)
CLS
107 Queen Victoria Street
London
EC4V 3AL
United Kingdom
Close to major rail, bus and underground connections.
The Affordable Boarding Show is easy to reach by public transport, taxi and on foot.
The closest station is London Blackfriars (mainline and underground).
The Show is also within walking distance of St.Paul's, Mansion House and Bank underground stations, Cannon Street and City Thameslink mainline stations, and Farringdon station for the Elizabeth Line.
We recommend the Transport For London 'Plan a journey' website for planning your route.
The main public entrance to the Show at CLS is on the riverfront (///keys.edits.calls).
Approaching from Queen Victoria Street, turn onto Peter's Hill and walk towards the Millennium Bridge. Â Take the steps down to the riverfront and turn right, you will find the main entrance on the right handside.
Approaching from the south bank across the Millennium Bridgetowards St Pauls, turn left and take the steps down to the riverfront and turn right, you will find the main entrance on the right handside.
Alternatively, there is step-free access by walking along the ricer from Blackfriars Bridge.
The closest station is London Blackfriars (mainline and underground).
The Show is also within walking distance of St.Paul's, Mansion House and Bank underground stations, Cannon Street and City Thameslink mainline stations, and Farringdon station for the Elizabeth Line.
For journey planning we recommend the Transport For London 'Plan a journey' website.
There are many local bus routes that serve the area around the Show venue at CLS.
Bus routes 4, 15, 17, 26 and 76 buses all stop within a few minutes, for example.
Ask your driver to drip you off on Queen Victoria Street (///slicl.hidden.gladiators) which is the rear of the Show venue at CLS.
You will then need to follow the 'by foot' directions (above) to find the Show's entrance via the main entrance for CLS.
Uber Boats by Thames Clippers RG1 and RB6 services stop almost outside at Blackfriars Pier and Bankside Pier, which are just a few minutes walk from the Show venue at CLS.
There is a public car park on Queen Victoria Street, should you wish to arrive by car.
Other car parks are also available with reasonable walking distance.
If you plan to stay in London during your visit to the city to attend the Affordable Boarding Show the following websites may be helpful for finding accommodation:
This is not an exhaustive list, other websites may also be helpful.
Hotels companies with hotels in the immediate area of the Affordable Boarding Show include:
This is not an exhaustive list, there are other B&B and hotel options in the area.
Everyone interested in discovering more about affordable boarding is welcome.
You might already be actively searching for a school, considering boarding for the first time, planning several years ahead or simply curious about alternatives you didn’t know existed.
Parents, children, young people and other family members are all welcome. Whether you arrive with a shortlist or no idea where to start, come along, ask questions and explore the possibilities.
Absolutely! Children of all ages are welcome and we particularly encourage you to bring the young person whose education you’re considering.
Choosing a school is about them, after all. Â They can meet schools themselves, ask their own questions and start to get a feel for where they might be happy.
And because it’s Halloween, we’ve made sure there’s some extra fun too, with our Show magician teaching tricks, free face painting and sweet treats to collect around the Show.
There’s plenty to discover.  Meet boarding schools from the UK, Ireland and South Africa, chat face-to-face with their teams, attend free 40-minute talks and book private one-to-one meetings with the schools that interest you most.
You can also explore the Online Schools Show, collect your VIP goodies, enjoy refreshments and, for Halloween, there’ll be magic, face painting and sweet treats too.
Come for an hour or two or make a day of it – it’s entirely up to you.
Yes. Â You can chat informally with all the schools around the exhibition, but your FREE VIP ticket also gives you the opportunity to book private meetings of up to 20 minutes with the schools that interest you most.
It’s your chance to talk in more depth and ask about anything from academics and boarding life to activities, fees and applications – and get a better feel for whether a school could be right for you.
Private meetings last for up to 20 minutes and take place in dedicated meeting rooms at the Affordable Boarding Show.
Booking will open approximately two weeks before the Show, when everyone who has booked a VIP ticket will be invited to arrange meetings with the schools that interest them.
There is no limit to the number you can request, so you can make the most of having so many schools together in one place.
Our free Talks Programme gives you the opportunity to hear directly from schools, parents, students and other speakers about affordable boarding and the questions families really want answered.
Talks last approximately 40 minutes and take place throughout both days of the Show.
There’s no need to reserve a place – simply come along to whichever talks interest you, listen, learn and ask your questions.
That’s entirely up to you.
You can arrive at any time during opening hours and come for an hour or two, or make a day of it.
You’re also welcome to leave and return later the same day.
If there are particular Talks or private meetings you want to attend, we recommend planning your visit around those – otherwise, simply arrive when it suits you and explore at your own pace.
Apart from booking your FREE VIP ticket, you don’t have to – but a little planning can help you get even more from your visit.
Take a look at the Exhibiting Schools and Talks Programme beforehand and think about the questions you’d most like answered.
Private meeting bookings will open around two weeks before the Show, and ticket holders will be invited to book directly.
Talks don’t need to be reserved – simply turn up and take a seat.
We want you to explore the Show in comfort.  There’ll be places to sit and take a break, a Cafe selling tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks, and a free cloakroom where you can leave your coat while you look around.
> Â For security and space reasons, please travel light: Â suitcases, large travel bags and rucksacks larger than the standard holdall/backpack size cannot be brought into the Show.
> Â Pets are also not permitted for safety and hygiene reasons.
Yes. Â The Affordable Boarding Show venue, CLS in Central London, has lift access to all floors used by the Show and accessible toilets.
If you have particular accessibility requirements or would like to check anything before attending, please contact the Show team in advance and we’ll be happy to help you plan your visit.
Yes – completely free!
Your FREE VIP ticket gives you access to the Affordable Boarding Show, participating schools, the Talks Programme and the opportunity to book private school meetings, as well as all the added extras taking place around the Show.
Better still, your ticket also gives you full access to the Online Schools Show taking place alongside it.
Quite a lot! Your FREE VIP ticket includes entry to both the Affordable Boarding Show and Online Schools Show, access to all participating schools and both Talks Programme, and the opportunity to book private one-to-one school meetings.
You’ll also receive your VIP bag with Show Guide, pen and goodies, plus Halloween fun including our magician, face painting and sweet treats.
All you need to pay for are any refreshments you choose to buy from the Cafe.
Simply book your FREE VIP tickets online here before the Show.
Visitors aged 16 and over should be registered individually, with anyone aged 16–18 accompanied by an adult.
Families can make one family booking and then tell us how many people will be attending on that ticket – there’s no limit on the number of family members you can bring.
Once booked, we’ll also keep you informed about the Show and let you know when private meeting bookings open.
The Online Schools Show takes place alongside the Affordable Boarding Show and introduces families to another very different and increasingly popular approach to education.
Meet leading online schools, discover how online education actually works and explore the flexibility, academic opportunities and different approaches available.
There’s also a dedicated Online Schools Show Talks Programme where online schools, parents, students and other speakers can share their experiences and answer your questions.
Yes!  Whichever Show brings you through the door, you’re welcome to explore both.
The Affordable Boarding Show and the Online Schools Show have their own identities and Talks Programmes, but at the venue they come together in one exhibition, with boarding and online schools sharing the exhibition space.
Check in once and you’re free to move between them, meet schools from both Shows and discover two very different approaches to education.
Absolutely. Â Your FREE VIP ticket gives you access to the online schools exhibiting alongside the boarding schools, as well as the Online Schools Show Talks Programme.
You can chat with online schools around the exhibition and, just like the affordable boarding schools, arrange private meetings with those you’d particularly like to speak to.
Both Shows are there for you to explore, so please make the most of them.
Because finding the right education is ultimately more important than choosing a particular type of school.
Online education offers a very different experience from boarding, but its flexibility and increasingly wide range of academic options are attracting growing numbers of families.
You may decide boarding is absolutely right for you – or discover an alternative you hadn’t seriously considered before.
With leading schools from both worlds together in one place, why not explore all your options?
Why not turn your visit into a half term treat? Â The Affordable Boarding Show is taking place in the heart of London, so you have the perfect opportunity to explore and have fun in London before or after you come to the Show.
Here are some some favourite London sights and attractions suggested by our team, suitable for different ages and within easy reach of the Show venue at CLS, next door to the Millennium Bridge...
One of London’s must-visit art galleries, and directly opposite the Show's venue at CLS on the south side of the River Thames, the Tate Modern is the place to see some of the most exciting art of the 20th and 21st centuries – housed in a former power station.
Choose a ticketed exhibition of Frida Kahlo, Julio Le Parc or Ana Mendieta – or simply sample some of the Tate’s enormous free collection.  Look out for child-friendly exhibits where children are encouraged to explore art.
Did you know? Â The Tate Modern was extended in 2016, with the opening of the Blavatnik Building - an impressive 10-storey pyramidal tower that adds even more exhibition space to this world-famous gallery.
> Â Getting there from the Show:
5 minute walk across Millennium Bridge.
> Â Price:
Public collection free.  Special exhibitions cost from £15 adult and £5 child, advance booking recommended.
> Â Further info:
Looming impressively over our part of London, and just a few minutes’ walk away from the Affordable Boarding Show, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks.
Constructed in the late 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, it miraculously survived the Blitz and hosted the first marriage of King Charles III in 1981.
> Â Getting there from the shows:
4 minute walk.  Simply stroll up the steps of Peter’s Hill.
> Â Price:
Free to admire the exterior.  To go inside family tickets cost from £37.50.
> Â Further info:
Right next door to the shows, take a stroll across London’s newest bridge over the River Thames, the high-tech Millennium Bridge, with its intricate design and remarkable engineering. Enjoy fabulous views along the river.
Did you know?  The Millennium Bridge opened in June 2000 but closed just three days later, when people walking its impressive span noticed a swaying sensation. Engineers found that so many people walking together caused an unsettling motion. Dampers were installed and the ‘Wobbly Bridge’ reopened in 2002.
> Â Getting there from the Show:
1 minute walk. Â Immediately adjacent to the City of London School.
> Â Price:
Free.
> Â Further info:
Beside the Tate Modern sits a carefully reconstructed replica of the theatre where William Shakespeare cemented his world-famous reputation. Â Enjoy its authentic construction as you wander past.
Did you know?  Shakespeare’s Globe was granted special permission to have a thatched roof.  There has been a law against thatched buildings in London since the Great Fire in 1666!
> Â Getting there from the Show:
7 minute walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn left, walking along the riverside.
> Â Price:
Shop always open.  Guided tours available.  Limited standing tickets for performances from £5.  Advance booking recommended.
> Â Further info:
Full of life, bustling Borough Market offers a taste of London’s rich food and drink scene, with numerous places to eat and drink – from traditional English cheeses and fish to gourmet snacks from around the world.
Wander around this foodie wonderland and soak up the market’s unique atmosphere!
> Â Getting there from the Show:
20 minutes walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn left, walking along the riverside. Â (Near London Bridge Station for rail or underground access.)
> Â Price:
Free, but allow a budget for treats!
> Â Further info:
Western Europe’s tallest building commands a striking presence over London.
It was built in 2012, and earns its name from its unmistakable jagged shape, jutting into the skyline.
A viewing gallery on the 72nd floor offers an amazing view over the River Thames, and far beyond across the capital. Â This is an exciting experience for all ages.
Did you know? Â The Shard is covered by 11,000 glass panels, with a surface area of 56,000 square metres... equivalent to eight football pitches!
> Â Getting there from the Show:
25 minutes walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn left, walking along the riverside. Â (Above London Bridge Station for rail or underground access.)
> Â Price:
Viewing gallery from £24 adult, £19 child.  Advance booking recommended.
> Â Further info:
A significant part of the Great Britain's Second World War history, the Royal Navy Town-class light cruiser HMS Belfast played a key role in defending the Arctic convoys and supporting the D-Day landings.
It’s a great chance to explore (and climb all over!) a formidable warship, moored in the River Thames – a hit with children and adults alike.
Did you know? Â The 12 six-inch guns of HMS Belfast packed so much power during the bombardment of Normandy the force actually cracked the porcelain of the crew toilets!
> Â Getting there from the Show:
30 minutes walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn left, walking along the riverside. Â (Near London Bridge Station for rail or underground access.)
> Â Price:
From £26.60 adult, £13.40 child.
> Â Further info:
Perhaps the most iconic structure on the River Thames, Tower Bridge features a lifting deck with the centre of the bridge splitting and rising up to admit tall vessels coming up the River Thames into central London.
It’s a remarkable sight, whether admiring from the riverbank or walking across.
There is also a museum and, for a charge, a long upper viewing walkway to explore if you’d like to experience the view from higher up.
Did you know?  Tower Bridge is frequently mis-named, by people mistakenly calling it London Bridge – actually the name of the (much less impressive) concrete bridge a short way up the river.
> Â Getting there from the Show:
30 minutes walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn left, walking along the riverside.
> Â Price:
Free to cross.  To enter and cross the upper walkway, £18 adult, £9 child.
> Â Further info:
London is full of dramatic history – and the Tower of London is perhaps home to some of England’s most significant and bloody moments.
Built nearly a thousand years ago, the Tower of London has served as a defensive fort, a royal residence and as a prison, whose inmates included Guy Fawkes and two of Henry VIII’s six wives.
The Tower contains the Crown Jewels of the British monarchy, and its famous Beefeaters (more formally called 'Yeoman Warders') guard the tower.
Did you know?  Legend has it that if the Tower of London’s many ravens were ever to leave the site, the White Tower at the Tower of London – and even the monarchy itself – will fall!
> Â Getting there from the Show:
20 minute walk. Â Stay on the north bank of the River Thames and walk east along Upper and Lower Thames Streets.
> Â Price:
To enter £38 adult, £19 child.
> Â Further info:
With Halloween happening while the Affordable Boarding Show is taking place, you could explore London’s darker side with a visit to the London Dungeon... the sinister home of some of the capital’s most gruesome stories, crimes and criminals.  Prepare for a fright!
Did you know? Â Legendary actor Brian Blessed, with his unmistakable booming voice, plays Henry VIII in a lifelike projection within the London Dungeon.
> Â Getting there from the Show:
30 minute walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn right, walking along the riverside. Â (Near Waterloo Station for rail or underground access.)
> Â Price:
From £27 adult, £22 child, when booking ahead.  Expect to pay more for walk-up tickets.  Consider getting combined tickets with the London Eye.
> Â Further info:
Take your time soaking up views of London from this impressive observation wheel.  It’s a great way for children to get to know the capital from the air.
Opened in 2000, the London Eye offers a view across London, giving a different perspective of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as well as other London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral.
Did you know?  The London Eye was constructed horizontally, laying over the River Thames on barges, before being hoisted into a vertical position.  It has 32 capsules – a number chosen to represent London’s 32 boroughs.
> Â Getting there from the Show:
30 minute walk. Â Cross the Millennium Bridge from the Show venue at CLS to the south bank and turn right, walking along the riverside. Â (Near Waterloo Station for rail or underground access.)
> Â Price:
From £29 adult, £26 child, when booking ahead.  Expect to pay more for walk-up tickets.  Consider ‘fast-track’ ticket options or combined tickets with the London Dungeon.
> Â Further info:
For many, no visit to London is complete without a visit to London’s West End, where shops and entertainment of all types wait to be explored.
Be spoilt for choice as you stroll along Oxford Street, seek out Hamleys – London’s famous toy shop – on Regent Street, or check out Covent Garden, full of bustle and character.
Did you know?  Carnaby Street, just off Regent Street, was home to much of Swinging London’s "coolest cats" (exceptionally fashionable and stylish people!) in the 1960s, driving the new fashions within a cultural movement that shook the world.  The area still hosts amazing boutiques.
> Â Getting there from the Show:
45 minute walk. Â Why not take a bus or the underground, West End underground stations include Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
> Â Price:
Free to explore, but if you enjoy shopping, prepare for temptation!
> Â Further info:
Covent Garden, Â Leicester Square, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street
St George’s combines outstanding education and exceptional-value boarding with a warm community where young people live with friends, discover their strengths and are encouraged to ‘Aim Higher’.
The Royal School Wolverhampton combines exceptional-value boarding with strong academics, a warm community and outstanding opportunities, including elite swimming, helping young people grow in confidence and independence.
The King’s Hospital School combines 350 years of tradition with strong academics, modern boarding and outstanding opportunities, in a welcoming community where young people thrive and discover their talents.
Hilton College is an all-boys boarding school in South Africa, where boys from 20 countries enjoy strong academics, outstanding sport and arts, on a 1,600-hectare estate with its own wildlife reserve.
