Your Complete Guide to Conquering London Comic Con 2026

Entering the magical world of London Comic Con

There are so many reasons to add London to your travel agenda this year – from sightseeing getaways and culinary-themed escapes to sporting events and music concerts. But how about visiting this vibrant city to dive into the wonderful world of Comic Con?

The UK capital hosts a multitude of thrilling comic con events throughout the year. However, the biggest – and arguably the best – is MCM Comic Con London. It’s been held at ExCel London twice a year since 2002 and is the place to go to encounter the iconic characters and imagination-fuelled creators behind all your favourite movies, TV shows, comic books and games.

Fancy ticking it off your bucket list? Here, we take a look at how you can immerse yourself in all the fun and fantasy of London Comic Con 2026.

MCM London Comic Con 2026: Dates and Venue

London Comic Con is a true celebration of cosplay, creativity and discovery – and it’s typically hosted on two different dates every year. This gives you double the opportunities to meet your heroes and say hello to a few famous faces who have starred as some of the world’s most beloved characters.

In 2026, MCM Comic Con London is set to take place from Friday 22^nd to Sunday 24^th May and again between Friday 23^rd and Sunday 25^th October. It always happens at ExCel London: a huge 100,000-square-foot exhibition centre located at the Royal Victoria Docks in East London.

Tickets for both events are usually just under £100 for the whole weekend. Or you can buy single day passes from £27 depending on the day you go and the level of priority you want. Kids under 10 can also grab tickets for as little as £7, while children under four years old go free.

You could additionally consider booking a VIP package which typically gives you exclusive access to extra experiences, plus early bird entry to allow you to skip the queues. These tickets sell out quickly though, so you’ll want to secure them as soon as possible.

Other London Comic Con Events to Consider

If you can’t make it to London on the dates of MCM Comic Con 2026, don’t worry. There are plenty of other events you can enjoy throughout the year. This includes:

London Film & Comic Con 2026
Set to be hosted at Olympia London on the 13^th and 14^th June, this popular comic con event focuses predominantly on TV and film characters. You’ll have the chance to meet the actors behind some of the best-known shows and get up close to some truly incredible memorabilia.
London Comic Con Winter

Want to combine a trip to London’s Christmas markets with a comic con weekend? London Comic Con usually hosts a winter event too, with 2026’s taking place in mid-November.

What to Expect at the UK’s Biggest Comic Con

If the MCM London Comic Con is your top choice for 2026, you’re in for a treat! Being the largest UK comic con, you can expect an action-packed schedule of activities and experiences. While the official full programme for both events tends to be released closer to the time, you can expect to see:

Exhibitions and Merchandise

Wander around the huge show floor at ExCel London, stopping off at dozens of stalls selling all sorts of comic con merchandise, memorabilia and collectibles. Keep your eyes peeled for things like Funko Pop! figurines and vintage comic books.

Celebrity Guests and Photo Ops

Is spying your favourite TV, film, anime and gaming stars and creators your main priority? MCM Comic Con London offers up tonnes of opportunities to do just that.

As well as special guest panels, you’ll be able to meet various celebrities, creators and authors. Grab their signatures or, if you’re lucky, get a photo snapped together to remember the day by. You’ll likely see some pretty big names, too – with past guests including actors from Doctor Who, Marvel, DC Comics and Star Wars.

Cosplay Central

Playing dress-up is a big part of any comic con event and is always deeply encouraged. At MCM Comic Con London 2026, you can even expect to find a whole area dedicated to the cosplay community.

Head to the Cosplay Central Stage to catch various panel events focused on topics like how to perfect your cosplay and tips for entering cosplay competitions. You could also check out one of the amazing cosplay workshops where you can learn new techniques for creating realistic props or applying professional-looking prosthetics and makeup.

Comic Village, Side Quest and Pop Asia

These unmissable areas are the perfect places to make a beeline for if you have a special interest in comic books, gaming or Asian pop culture. Comic Village tends to be the home of numerous independent comic, anime and manga creators who are always happy to have a chat and share their latest masterpieces.

You could also test your gaming abilities at Side Quest: a dedicated space for both retro and brand-new release games where you can watch special demos or take part in tournaments. Or why not venture into Pop Asia to immerse yourself in energetic K-Pop or J-Pop?

Where to Stay for Comic Con

Once you’ve secured your Comic Con London tickets, you’ll want to consider all of your travel logistics – including where to stay in the city. Luckily, there are plenty of hotel options near ExCel London.

There’s something to suit every budget, too. Here are a few excellent picks situated either next door, within easy strolling distance or just one station stop away from the event venue:

Novotel London ExCeL – located right next to ExCel and perfect for those who crave convenience.
Aloft London ExCel – a contemporary hotel with stylish décor inspired by music and technology.
Moxy London ExCel – a budget-friendly option with a playful design and various social spaces to gather with any friends also attending London Comic Con.
Travelodge London ExCel – a cheap yet cheerful pick very close to ExCel London.
Premier Inn London Docklands – a basic but reliable chain hotel a few minutes’ walk from ExCel.
Sunborn London Yacht Hotel – a unique hotel located on a luxury yacht floating in the Royal Victoria Dock.
Crowne Plaza London Docklands – a mid-range option with good amenities, less than 10 minutes from ExCel.
InterContinental London – a more luxurious pick near the O2 stadium.
Point A Hotel London Canary Wharf – a cheaper option in modern Canary Wharf.

Where to Eat Near ExCeL London

Refuelling in between events (or simply once the day comes to a close) couldn’t be easier at ExCel London Comic Con. Both the venue and the local area offer plenty of tempting picks serving up all manner of cuisines, meaning you’re bound to find something to match your cravings.

Options available within the event’s space usually range from tasty street food stalls to pop-ups from well-known London eateries. You could also check out the official ExCel London dining guide for inspiration or add some of the following options at the nearby Royal Docks or Canary Wharf to your shortlist:

Tapa Tapa – for sensational Spanish tapas and delicious sangria.
Zero Sette Bar Restaurant – a tempting Italian bistro located inside ExCel London.
Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar – a waterfront restaurant offering a street food-inspired menu featuring tacos, wings and burgers.
Café Spice Namasté – an award-winning Indian restaurant in the Royal Docks.
Fremantle Bar & Kitchen – a cosy Gastropub close to ExCel London.
Hawksmoor Wood Wharf – a premium steakhouse perfect for a post-comic con meal.
Dishoom Canary Wharf – a well-known Indian chain serving up flavoursome Bombay-style food.
Crate Bar and Pizzeria – a laid-back spot for craft beer and fresh pizza.
Nora – a stylish restaurant serving Modern European cuisine.
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre – offers a vast food court if you can’t decide what you want to eat.

Getting from Heathrow to ExCeL London: Your Comic Con Journey

If you’re flying into the city for comic con, getting from the airport to the venue will be your very first priority. It doesn’t have to be stressful, either – especially if you consider a premium airport transfer service like the Heathrow Express.

The Heathrow Express is by far the fastest and easiest way to journey from Heathrow to MGM London Comic Con. Our trains take just 15 minutes to get from the airport to Paddington Station. From there, you can hop on an Elizabeth Line train to Custom House station (a journey taking just 25 minutes) that is located just around the corner from ExCel London.

It’s a seamless, step-free route that takes under an hour door-to-door. Meaning? You can dedicate more time to perfecting your cosplay outfit ahead of meeting your favourite celebrities at MCM Comic Con London. Plus, you can also save a few pennies by booking your Heathrow Express tickets in advance – an Advance Discounted Single is just £10.

There are several other travel routes you could take between Paddington Station and ExCel London, too. This includes hopping on the Circle or District London Underground line to Tower Hill and then changing onto the DLR line until you reach Custom House. For even more options, consider using the Transport for London website or app to plan your journey in advance.