York Hall

York Hall is a sports venue and protected historic building in Bethnal Green in east London. The main ring stands at the center of a large hall with high ceilings, while rows of wooden benches arrange themselves around the arena.

The building opened in 1929 as a public swimming and exercise hall for Bethnal Green residents. After the Second World War, the building shifted into a venue for professional boxing matches and later received heritage protection.

Boxers from the neighborhood often train in this hall, where national champions once launched their careers. Local communities also use the rooms for gatherings and celebrations outside competition times.

Sports events often take place in the evenings, while swimming and fitness areas remain accessible during daytime hours. It is best to check the event calendar beforehand, as competitions may limit access to certain sections.

The changing rooms below the main hall hold memorabilia from former fighters and photographs of championship bouts spanning several decades. Some boxers return to sign walls that now form an informal gallery of local sporting legends.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Inception: 1929

Official opening: 1929

GPS coordinates: 51.52970,-0.05528

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30