Have you ever wondered around a place and thought “I’ve seen that building somewhere”? More often than not, it’s usually because it’s been in one of your favourite films! In London, there are so many famous film locations and places where some of the most iconic scenes form some of the most classic films have been shot. Take a look at our pick of the best. And don’t forget your popcorn!
Famous film locations across London
Hampstead Ponds
NORTH
Beautiful Kenwood House in Hampstead is a sight to behold. Which is probably why it’s been used in many a London based movie. Most notably, it was used in the Julia Roberts film Notting Hill where her character is filming for a Henry James adaptation (not confusing at all, right?!). Close by are the Hampstead Ponds where the Gary Oldman classic Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was filmed. You might not be able to buy a ticket for the Hogwarts Express but will you be able to get to the famous Platform 9 ¾ from the Harry Potter films at Kings Cross station. The best bit? You can get a professional photo taken there too!
#InnTheKnow top tip: Get your full Harry Potter fix while you’re in Kings Cross and visit the official Harry Potter shop!
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MI5 Building
SOUTH
Passed off as Paris in the movie musical Les Miserables, some scenes were actually filmed in the historic Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval. Fun fact, the Pirates of the Caribbean films were also partly shot here too! It’s no surprise that many a James Bond film were shot all over London but if we whittle it down, you’ll want to see the MI5 building in Vauxhall to really give you all the ‘shaken not stirred’ feels. Heading over London Bridge to Borough Market, you’ll see a familiar flat just above The Globe Tavern Pub on Bedale Street where Bridget Jones’ Diary was filmed. And finally, back over in New Cross, you can actually grab a pint of something cold and refreshing at the Duke of Albany pub where cult classic Shaun of the Dead was filmed. We can’t promise it’s not zombie free though...
#InnTheKnow top tip: If you want to travel a little differently when you’re South side, try out the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper!
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Shoreditch
EAST
If you’re wanting to see where the infamous Kray brothers used to enjoy a drink or two (and where the biopic film Legend starring Tom Hardy filmed some of its scenes), you need to head down to The Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel. For the proper film buffs, you’ll need to head over to Shoreditch to Gainsborough Studios where the iconic Hitchcock shot some of his silent films such as The Lady Vanishes and The Wicked Lady. The once studio now apartment block overlooks Shoreditch Park which is now home to Hitchcock’s Reel Sculpture.
#InnTheKnow top tip: Now that you’re Shoreditch side, a visit to Brick Lane market is a must – be prepared to eat, shop and people watch until your heart’s content!
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Notting Hill
WEST
If you thought the film Notting Hill was filmed in Notting Hill, you’d be… absolutely correct! The fictional home of Hugh Grant’s bumbling William Thacker character can be found at 280 Westbourne Park Road. And while the bookshop he owned wasn’t a shop in real life, it’s now a Notting Hill souvenir shop so you can still get your fill. Remember the classic football hit Bend It Like Beckham? You can go and kick a ball around (or just enjoy a relaxing walk) at either Gunnersbury Park or Twickenham where loads of the film’s scenes were filmed. If you’re looking for something a little more ‘la di da’, you’ll get a slice of that at Hammersmith’s Hope & Anchor pub where Downton Abbey was filmed and did its thing as the fictional York Public House.
#InnTheKnow top tip: Hunt down the colourful pastel houses of Notting Hill for those envy inducing social media snaps!
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Temple Church
CENTRAL
Hatton Garden’s tiny pub, Ye Olde Mitre, played a part in Guy Ritchie’s huge film, Snatch. The local for Mike Reid’s character Doug the Head, you’ll also find his fictional diamond shop nearby at Premier House, 12-13 Hatton Garden. 12th century church Temple Church is not only an iconic London building but a spot for puzzle cracking with Tom Hanks in the legendary film The Da Vinci Code. Over at the Royal College of Physicians in Fitzrovia, not only was this location used for a scene in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again but it also acted as the Metropolitan Police Station in Paddington 2! Harry Potter fans will be beside themselves after a trip to the famous Leadenhall Market. The magical location for Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron (spot the blue door of the opticians in Bull’s Head Passage), you’ll be transported back to the films in an instant.
#InnTheKnow top tip: Grab a bite to eat at the famous Leather Lane filled with delicious food from all over the world.
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After you’re done ticking off famous film landmarks, there’s nothing stopping you making a real day of it. Why not check out our pick of the best views of London, from panoramic hidden treasures to secret spots no one else knows about. Alternatively, if you want to tie in even more walking than your usual walk around town, our walking trails will be the one for you. On that note, all we’ll say is ENJOY!