BBC TV Centre

I love coming to the BBC and watching the free shows.  I have been here several times in the past and watched lots of shows in different studios.  Some shows can drag on for a while and you just want to get home particularly if you haven't had a chance to eat beforehand.

I would recommend getting here early, particularly for very popular shows or you won't get in.  Although you will be given priority tickets for another show.  As I live near by and go past all the time I have seen people queuing outside incredibly early, I'm sure some people must take the day off work.

Still haven't made it for a tour yet, but as I've been in a lot of the studios and the main foyer I probably don't need to pay for someone to show me around.

Friendly and courteous staff, clean environment. Happy to be here.

BBC Television Centre at White City in West London is the headquarters of BBC Television. It is one of the third largest television studio in Britain. In 2011 the radio and television news departments will move to Broadcasting House in central London, the traditional home of BBC Radio, as part of an ongoing reorganisation of the BBC's facilities.
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Hi,
Ive never written to the BBC or any other television programme. But I think the script writer for Eastenders should pack his typewriter and retire. Has'nt there been enough grief in Ronnie's life recently, was'nt having her father murdered and her daughter run over and killed enough for any women. We can understand the deathe of a child, can and does have a dramatic effect for all the family, most of all the mother and father, having gone through this ourselves some years ago,but to steal someone else's child is absolutely stupid, why could'nt the women eventually find happiness with her child, several people that ive spoke to consider this to be a ridiculous storyline and refuse to watch it. A dissatisfied viewer from Bucks

Dear BBC,

I do not normally write to the BBC but I feel that I have to congratulate you and your production team on the "Nativity".

I have never been particularly religious but I thought this was a wonderfully prepared program, put together as one could imagine it to have happened and I have to say, it has made me think.

People are very quick to criticise when things go wrong but maybe not so quick to praise.
With the "Nativity" you have scored a BIG plus with me and I am sure with many others too.

Well done

Tom Baker

Went to see Harry Hills TV Burp, it was so exciting to see the actual BBC building! Something I always remember seeing on the telly as a child if the guys from blue peter did something outside! The staff were great! polite well mannered and helpful. It was a bit like going through an airport when you had to have your bags and stuff x-rayed whilst walking through the metal detector. But it was all handled very professionally! I look forward to going back as an audience member again soon!

I've toured American Media centers before, but the BBC is in a class of its own. Located in the White City and a stone's throw from Westfield, it is very easily accessed by tube or bus system. The labyrinthine buildings are jam packed with studios, production offices, and small surprises (the TARDIS on a random patio gave me a bit of a surprise!). Staff was very friendly, and the tour is extensive. Wonderful time for people interested in media or those hoping to get a glimpse of a celebrity. Feel free to hit the canteen and make sure to pick up presents to take home at the gift shop.

The BBC Television Centre is simply an iconic place that is worth visiting - I went on a tour there and I really enjoyed my experience. There are galleries where you can see the studios that are used to create programmes like So You Think You Can Dance. I was surprised just how high the ceilings were for these studio and the fact that there must have been over 100 lights in each studio. I saw the Blue Peter Garden, which was a bit disappointing actually because it looked quite unkempt! I think Blue Peter are relocating to Manchester so maybe that's why they neglected the garden. I am pleased that I was able to visit the TV Centre, because it is a piece of cultural history.

Went on the CBBC tour with a friend, his sister and nephew. Although living in London I had never been over this way, so was quite exciting seeing television centre. The tour was about £10 and started promptly at 10am. The place was quite as it was a Saturday. I think that might be the best day to go if you have smaller kids. Two tour guides came to meet us and were very nice indeed. Jules and Rich. They were happy and smiling, despite the fact that they clearly did not want to be there, but rather presenting some childrens TV show instead. It did seem that this was where presenter 'learn’ the trade. At any rate, despite this, they were great. They took us to some fav places such as the Blue Peter Garden, the weather presenters room/broom cupboard, saw the making of EggHeads, and the kids could play at being diddy dick and dom (what ever that is) and the BBC shop at the end.

All in all a good morning out, kids thought it was great and Westfields shopping centre is across the road for lunch

A friend and I attended one of the tours of the BBC building where they show you around all the studios and facilities and give you a peek into the inner workings of the Beeb. You get to see shows being filmed and get an insight into how the weather shows are produced. This is a real treat for anyone who is either a bit of a media geek, or just a staunch supporter of British Broadcasting.

I’ve attended several television recordings here over the past eleven years and have always had a fantastic time. The staff of BBC Audience Services are always friendly and helpful, and very accommodating when it comes to accessibility needs. There are several good transport links to the centre (both White City station and the new Wood Lane station are just over the road, and bus routes 72, 95, 220 and 272 run past).

The second home of broadcasting (the first is Broadcasting House, of course). The building is well-known to many, but few people have taken the excellent tour. One of the best deals is to apply for free tickets for shows. Some go in a fraction of a second, but there are always some available. Take a chance just for the experience of being there. I must admit, I visit the BBC often, but to appear in shows, not to sit in the audience. No, you haven’t sen me. 'cos I’m usually on the radio.

Brilliant building! Had a day pass to see their weather studios and it was just brilliant and very informative!

Great place to visit, I got tickets for a talk show a few years back and made some comments, the researcher later sought me out and took my details, and they invited me back for other discussions. They even sent a cab!
I will really miss this place, it has so much social history

An institution and bastion of excellent broadcasting.

I have been to BBC TV Centre on several occasions to see several shows such as French and Saunders, Mastermind and Two Pints recorded.

Each show has been a unique experience into the inner workings of TV programs which opens up your mind to all that goes into making your favourite shows a reality.

What’s more the behind the scenes work and the out takes are some times more fun than the actual shows.

Its a great way too se your favourites close up (audience numbers are limited) and especially for free.

This whole area of London is classed as “BBC Land” as it’s dominated by various BBC buildings. Television Centre being the most impressive and the one open to the public. They run tours here but I would recommend catching a show and being part of the audience. What better way to spend an evening as a freebie, watching a programme you enjoy live! I have many fond memories of this place and remember dancing in the crowds to Top of the Pops and also worked as a Steward. The building has improved considerably over the years, as a while ago, the audience had to wait outside but now the audience have the luxury of waiting indoors and sipping a drink in the bar before a show. It’s great for star spotting too and when you are being led to the studio, remember to take in the many pictures decorating the walls of years gone by and the shows and actors that graced the building’s presence.

Went to see QI being filmed here and I had an absolutely brilliant time. The tickets were free (most BBC shows are) and we had amazing seats. You could literally lean forward and grab Stephan Fry by the nose. Staff and ushers were very friendly. The only thing i would say is get to the studio early. If you want good seats you will need to arrive at least an hour and a half before the show starts.

Highly recommended week night fun.

If there is ever to be a war like the 1st and 2nd big ones, then I’m heading straight to TV Centre. I’ve only ever been there for auditions so I don’t know what the tour is like or anything but I do know it is expansive and labyrinthian in structure. As one of the leading centres for television in the world, it is pretty snazzy and feel a bit like the future in some sections. Other sections less so, like the canteens.

To back up my opening sentence – almost everything you’d ever need is at BBC White City with shops throughout the building. Little coffee kiosks scattered about and then a WH Smith. It’s like a microcosm of a city in one inconveniently designed building where the population is littered with TV stars. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Andrew Marr wandering about. I can, it’s three.

It's a shame that the Beeb are going to sell this landmark.The familiar face of 'Auntie' since the sixties, it must have seen so many stars come and go from here, it almost has a magical aura around it. You can take tours around the famous 'doughnut'
and see the studios at work, or you can get free tickets for shows if you apply in advance. Either way, it's probably best to take a look now as I'm sure it won't be here for many years longer.

BBC Television Centre Tours are a fascinating way to look into how the media permeates our lives in almost everyway possible.

This world famous organisation is offering tours which will last for one and a half to two hours. In that duration you will get a very rough idea of how the news is presented in the UK and world-wide.

The tour includes visiting the BBC News Room,playing in their interactive studio and visiting other studios which have been the home of many controversial,amusing and interesting productions.

Do keep in mind that you do have to book and there is a fee but its not extortionate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/tours