TV and film locations to visit in London, England, and free self guided walking tours
Paddington in Peru has just hit our screens at the time of writing this - you can read our review here - which of course features the iconic Paddington Station, and the street where the Browns live which is actually Calcot Crescent in Primrose Hill (Google Maps link).
London has long been one of the most recognisable stars of the silver screen. The city’s mix of historic landmarks, picturesque parks, and striking modern architecture has provided the backdrop for countless iconic scenes, bringing together Hollywood glitz and British grit. From Tower Bridge to the East End, the city has set the stage for everything from espionage thrillers to romantic comedies.
To help you explore as many of these sites as possible, we've put together 2 different roughly 4 hour walking tours of London to help you explore many of these cinematic gems. Keep reading to discover them...
James Bond and MI6
It’s almost impossible to think of London in film without conjuring up the image of Daniel Craig, sprinting across the rooftop of the Ministry of Defence in James Bond: Skyfall. That sequence, set against the city’s skyline, gives London the thrill and danger befitting 007’s adventures. Bond’s headquarters, MI6, is famously located in Vauxhall, with the building’s exterior serving as the familiar HQ that’s exploded, shot at, and infiltrated time and again. Though off-limits to the public, this imposing structure along the Thames River has become as much a symbol of the franchise as Bond’s Martini.
Harry Potter and Diagon Alley
A more charming, whimsical side of London shines through in the Harry Potter films, where the city itself feels like a portal to a magical world. From the moment we see young Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, journey to King’s Cross Station, the magic is set in motion. Platform 9¾ has since become a real-life attraction at the station, where fans gather to take photos and relive that iconic scene of Harry and his friends running into a wall! Another significant spot is Leadenhall Market, a Victorian market in the heart of the City of London. Its ornate architecture became Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where Hagrid (Robbie Coltraine) introduces Harry to the wizarding world.
Photo by Jon Cellier
Notting Hill
Next up there's Notting Hill; the quintessential British rom-com. Hugh Grant, as the bookshop owner William Thacker, and Julia Roberts, playing the Hollywood star Anna Scott, brought to life the cozy, colorful streets of Notting Hill. One of the most memorable locations is the bookshop where the two first meet, based on a real-life shop that has become a pilgrimage site for fans. The bright houses and lively Portobello Market show off Notting Hill’s distinct character, making it the perfect setting for this unlikely love story. Grant’s and Roberts’ chemistry is palpable, and the neighborhood’s vibrant charm becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the warm, chaotic, nature of the romance.
Photo by Leandro Mazzuquini
Sherlock Holmes and 221B Baker Street
Of course, we can’t talk about London in film without mentioning Sherlock Holmes. The BBC’s modern adaptation, Sherlock, starred Benedict Cumberbatch as the sharp-minded detective and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson, both inhabiting the streets of London in a way that’s both contemporary and steeped in tradition. 221B Baker Street, their supposed residence, is actually filmed on North Gower Street (that's a Google Maps link), close to Euston Square station. This quiet street may seem unassuming, but it’s now a global fan destination, complete with the door and street number that have become famous worldwide. Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Holmes as an enigmatic genius, and Freeman’s dependable Watson, make this spot one of London’s most beloved fictional addresses. There's also the official Sherlock Holmes Museum at the real 221B Baker Street.
Photo by Huan Yu
Bridget Jones, Mission Impossible and Spider-Man at Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge, one of London’s most famous landmarks, also has its fair share of film credits. In Bridget Jones’s Diary, it serves as the iconic backdrop to Bridget’s London life, where Renée Zellweger captures the trials and triumphs of a modern Londoner. The bridge also starred alongside Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, where it hosted a breathtaking chase sequence. London Bridge Station (Google Maps link) even saw action in Spider-Man: Far From Home, with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man swinging through London in a heroic effort to save the day.
Love Actually at London's South Bank
London’s South Bank area has had the spotlight in several films, offering a variety of locations along the River Thames. The Bourne Ultimatum placed Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne right in the heart of the action with tense sequences set around Waterloo Station. As Bourne navigates the bustling terminal, London becomes a fast-paced and chaotic character in his story. Meanwhile, Love Actually brought a softer touch to the same area, where a group of iconic British actors—including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Emma Thompson—navigate love and heartbreak during the Christmas season. The London Eye, with its impressive views of the city, is featured in several films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Paddington the Movie, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Wimbledon and Thunderbirds.
Photo by Radu Ioan Iancu
4 hour free walking tours of TV and film locations in London
London, one of the most dynamic and historic cities in the world, has long been a favoured backdrop for filmmakers. From dramatic period pieces to action-packed blockbusters, its streets, landmarks, and skyline have made memorable appearances. So that's why we've put together 2 suggestions of routes you can walk around London to see many of these famous locations, with lots of landmarks along the way. We've also plotted the points on a Google Map so you can open the route on your phone.
Free walking tour of London's film and TV locations (option 1):
In this self-guided walking tour, you'll see spots that were used in classic tv programmes and films such as Paddington, Bridget Jones and Harry Potter. If you were to walk it end to end, without stopping, it'd take you around 2 hours and 40 minutes, so that's probably around 4 hours by the time you've stopped for a coffee or some lunch along the way. If you don't want to walk quite that far, we've included an option to jump on the Underground and take out a chunk (but if you do that you'll miss some sights, detailed below!). There's also a Google Map below so you can follow the tour on your phone (please note: we can't take any responsibiliy for the route Google takes you - you must always only walk where it is safe to do so.).
4-Hour Walking Itinerary
Starting Point: Paddington Station
Famous for: Paddington (2014, 2017)
Easy to get to on the underground from wherever you're staying, begin your journey at Paddington Station, where the beloved bear first arrived in London. The station has a shop dedicated to the friendly bear with lots of memorabilia.
Stop 1: Hyde Park (20-minute walk)
Famous for: Peter Pan (2003)
Walk to Hyde Park, one of London’s largest green spaces. It’s featured in films like Finding Neverland (2004), starring Johnny Depp, and is a lovely peaceful start to your day.
Stop 2: Kensington Gardens and Albert Memorial (15-minute walk)
Famous for: The Crown (Netflix)
Stroll through Kensington Gardens to see the Albert Memorial, a tribute to Prince Albert. Nearby, Kensington Palace appears in The Crown as a royal residence. Kensington Palace is currrently home to the Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate), so you could extend your walk slightly if you wanted to cross the (vast) gardens and see the palace. Just after you cross the Serpentine Bridge you will go past the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain which is a child-friendly fountain.
Stop 3: Natural History Museum (10-minute walk)
Famous for: Paddington (2014)
Another 10 minutes of walking and you'll be at the Natural History Museum, an architectural masterpiece that’s been a filming location for Paddington and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014). To get here you will have walked past the Royal Albert Hall too. Entrance to the Natural History Museum is free, but you can book tickets in advance to help you skip the queue. If you do call in, it will prolong your walking tour, but it's well worth a visit! You can easily spend 2 - 4 hours in there.
Stop 4: South Kensington Station to Westminster Bridge (15 minutes by Tube)
Famous for: 28 Days Later (2002)
This is the point where you can walk for an hour to our next location, or you can take the Tube to Westminster Station. Exit to find Westminster Bridge, a pivotal location in 28 Days Later and countless other films. If you do walk (as shown on our map below), you'll walk through Knightsbridge passing the very posh shops of Harrods and Harvey Nichols as you do, before getting to Buckingham Palace. You'll then go down Birdcage Walk and get to Big Ben, with the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament) just beyond it, as you arrive at Westminster Bridge.
Stop 5: Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral (15-minute walk)
Famous for: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Keep walking down the Victoria Embankment and head into St. Paul’s Cathedral, where scenes from Mary Poppins Returns (2018) were filmed. Then come back out and cross the Millennium Bridge, featured in Harry Potter. Once across the bridge you'll be at Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern.
Stop 6: Borough Market (15-minute walk)
Famous for: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Keep walking, and you'll be a stone's throw from The Golden Hinde (a historic boat that's now a museum) and end the tour at Borough Market. This lively spot has been the backdrop for many films and TV series such as Bridge Jones, and offers a quintessential London experience!
Here's the map of that London walking tour.
But if that doesn't quite tick enough boxes for you, we have another suggestion....!
4 hour self guided walking tour itinerary of film locations in London, UK (option 2)
This walking tour option is better than option 1 (above) for Marvel fans, as we tick off Spider-Man: Far from Home and Thor: The Dark World.
Start: Tower Bridge
Get to Tower Hill Tube station and then walk 8 minutes, past the Tower of London, to get to Tower Bridge. Once you're there, marvel (did you see what we did there?!) at one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, which has had staring roles in blockbusters like Spider-Man: Far From Home. It was also in the climatic finale of Sherlock Holmes (2009) starring Robert Downey Jr.
Take a quick stroll along the Thames before heading west.
Stop 2: Leadenhall Market
Walk 18 minutes to this stunning Victorian market, the exterior of which appeared as Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Explore the intricate ceilings and shop for Harry Potter-themed souvenirs. Depending on the time of day, this is a lovely stop for something to eat or drink.
Stop 3: The Globe Tavern and Borough Market
Another 16 minutes of walking, this time over London Bridge, takes you to Bridget Jones’s stomping grounds. Enjoy a pint at The Globe, the pub beneath Renée Zellweger's character Bridget's apartment, or grab a snack at the bustling Borough Market.
Stop 4: Somerset House
If you're OK with a 35 minute walk, head through Southwark (pronouned "Suthick") and cross the Thames at Blackfriars Bridge. Carry on along the Embankment to Somerset House. If you'd rather take the tube, you could get on at Tower Bridge and get off at Temple, which is right by Somerset House. Walk through the grand courtyard where scenes from GoldenEye and Love Actually were filmed.
Stop 5: Southbank and Westminster Bridge
Head along the river to Southbank, passing filming spots from Doctor Who and The Bourne Ultimatum, as you head to Westminster Bridge. You'll also pass the Ministry of Defence building at Whitehall, and the Victoria Embankment Gardens, which are a lovely stop for a picnic if the weather is on your side. Once you get to Westminster Bridge, cross the bridge and enjoy the iconic skyline views.
Stop 6: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
OK so strictly speaking this last bit isn't walking - but it's a great way to see London. Take a Thames Clipper boat - you can find a timetable here - to Greenwich Pier and admire the dramatic backdrops from Pirates of the Caribbean and Thor: The Dark World. I went to Greenwich for the first time earlier this year and was bowled over by how beautiful it is, with it's impressive historic buildings... but with vast views of the shiny City skyscrapers in the background. It really is a striking mix of old and new. Whilst you're in Greenwich, be sure to check out the Cutty Sark, The National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory.
View the Google Map route of this itinerary here >>
But please remember to not follow a map blindly, and to always use your own best judgement of walking routes.
Grab a bite to eat or rest your legs at one of these nearby gems...
Strings - Italian and Spanish Restaurant - Live Music
The Strings is a modern restaurant with guitar live music from 7 PM onwards. Enjoy Spanish and Italian delicacies while listening to the marvellous tunes of the guitar close to the London Eye and the Big Ben.
Cubana | Restaurant & Cocktail Bar | Authentic Taste of Cuba
Our London restaurant serves Latin American cuisine and cocktails. The authentic taste of Cuba at Cubana Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
More info on how to visit each tv and film location mentioned in this guide
The Notting Hill Boookshop
Fall in love with Notting Hill all over again with our online store. Shop our selection of books, gifts, and souvenirs inspired by the beloved Notting Hill Bookshop and the iconic movie.
Leadenhall Market - Shopping and Dining in the City of London
Leadenhall Market is located in the heart of the Square Mile in London, boasting a selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars.
Portobello Road Market
The official website of Portobello Market.
Tower Bridge, London
From the High-level Walkways, take in stunning panoramic views and experience the thrill of seeing London life through the Glass Floors.
London Eye: The Official Tickets Website
See London like never before with the London Eye. Book tickets with the lastminute.com London Eye official website to enjoy the best prices.
Sherlock Holmes Museum - The official home of Sherlock Holmes
Test your knowledge. Are you a Sherlock super sleuth? Take our fun quiz to test your knowledge about Sherlock Holmes, his adversaries and adventures
From rooftop chases to quiet streets, London’s landmarks have captured countless moments on film, each one adding a layer of cinematic history to the city’s already rich tapestry. Whether it’s the elegance of Notting Hill or the thrill of an MI6 mission, London remains a timeless character, capable of transforming itself to suit any story. It’s no wonder this city is such a magnet for filmmakers, as each new film or series offers a fresh way to see London, keeping its magic alive, both on screen and off.