London's Film Locations: Discovering Iconic Movie Settings Across the Capital
London is featured in many awesome movies because of its tall buildings, cool streets, and fancy palaces. Discover some of the best spots where movies were filmed, from the historic buildings in Greenwich to the famous streets of Notting Hill. You'll love exploring these iconic locations during your trip to London! When you visit London, make sure to check out these places to create great memories!
#Exploring MI6 Film Locations in London
In action movies, the MI6 Building in Vauxhall is pretty famous. It shows up in James Bond films. In "Skyfall," you can see it getting blown up while Judi Dench's character, M, watches from far away. The outside of the building is also seen in other James Bond movies like "GoldenEye," "The World Is Not Enough," "Die Another Day," and "Spectre." Lots of scenes from these movies are shot there because it's a really popular spot.
#Lights, Camera, South Bank: Iconic Film Scenes in London
Lots of movies use London’s South Bank as a cool spot to film. It’s one of the best places to remember in London because of all the movies shot there. One of the favorite scenes that is shot here is from "Love Actually," where Liam Neeson's character bonds with his stepson, Sam. There are also other cool scenes from movies like "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," and "Closer" that were filmed there.
#Borough Market: A Star-Studded Setting in London
Borough Market is not just a top market in London; it’s also a popular spot for movies! In "Bridget Jones’s Diary," it's where Bridget Jones lives. Remember the bustling streets in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"? That was filmed here too! And in "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," it's where Bridget and Mark Darcy have a romantic moment. So, if you want a taste of movie magic, head to Borough Market!
#London Underground: A Cinematic Stage
The London Underground, known as the Tube, has been in loads of movies, making it a super famous film spot in London. In "Skyfall" and "The Bourne Ultimatum," there are intense scenes set in the Underground. And remember "Sliding Doors" with Gwyneth Paltrow? The whole story revolves around whether she catches a tube train before the doors close!
Even the futuristic Canary Wharf tube station shows up in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." And there's the spooky Aldwych Tube Station, abandoned but still used as a filming location in many movies.
#Charming London Mews: Scenes from the Screen
London mews are not just pretty streets; they're also popular spots for filming movies and TV shows! In Notting Hill, St Luke’s Mews is where you'll find the pink house from "Love Actually," where Keira Knightley's character lives. And in South Kensington, at the end of Stanhope Mews South, is Harry's house from "Kingsman: The Secret Service."
Even Holland Park Mews makes an appearance in an episode of "The Crown." These picturesque mews bring a touch of magic to the big and small screens alike!
#Temple Church: A Film Icon in London
The Temple Church, erected in the 12th century, is more than a historical place for religious service in London; it appeared in movies as well. In “The Da Vinci Code," it is when Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu gain clues on the riddle. They think the effigies of the Knights Templar engraved inside the church will assist them in deciphering the mystery code. It's a cinema where history and mystery come together in a huge dimension!
#King’s Cross: Where Movie Magic Meets Reality
King’s Cross railway terminal is probably the most popular movie setting in London because it is the home of Platform 9 3/4, a famous setting from the Harry Potter films.
It is the hyperrealistic atmosphere that this cinematographic landmark has created. Anyone, whether they are a visitor or a local, can take a photo of this luggage cart disappearing into the wall, like in the movies. It is an opportunity to become part of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry fantasy universe when you are actually in the middle of London!
#Waterloo Station: A Scene Stealer in London
Waterloo station is one of the best spots in London to be featured in movies. And "The Bourne Ultimatum" is definitely one of them.
A heart-stopping moment in one scene happens when Matt Damon's character attempts to help others escape without being shot by the snipers. It's one of the most emotional moments in all Bourne movies.
Hatton Garden: Where Crime Meets Cinema
The black side of Hatton Garden has been shown in several crime movies as well. The Ye Olde Mitre pub, presented in Guy Ritchie’s “Snatch,” is a perfect spot for film enthusiasts in London.
The same diamond district streets also crop up in "The Hatton Garden Job," which is a film about a group of four senior citizens who committed the £200 million burglary at the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company. It's a place where real-life heists and cinematic thrills are happening together!
Westminster Bridge: Iconic Scenes of London
Westminster Bridge, which is located directly south of the South Bank, is probably London's most famous film location. The place is the most British: there is Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the background.
The feature films "28 Days Later" and the Bond film "Spectre" have been filmed in the area as well. After being hit by Bond's gun, Blofeld’s helicopter crushes into the bridge in “Spectre.” It is this ultimate destination where fact leaps over the city landmarks.
#Magic in the City: Exploring Leadenhall Market
One of London's enchanting film spots is Leadenhall Market. This gem in the City of London gained fame as Diagon Alley in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone."Bull’s Head Passage in Leadenhall Market doubled as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, the wizard’s pub leading to Diagon Alley.
If you're a Harry Potter fan and want to see more filming locations, try my free, self-guided Harry Potter walk. You'll visit places like St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, Borough Market, and more!
#Trafalgar Square: Lights, Camera, Action!
Trafalgar Square isn't just a famous landmark; it's also a popular filming location in London for many classic movies. In "Captain America: The First Avenger," the square was used for VE Day celebrations. And in "V for Vendetta," it's where mob scenes unfold as a crowd marches through the square before heading to the Houses of Parliament. It's a place where history meets the silver screen!
#Hampstead on Screen: A Neighborhood of Movie Magic
Hampstead, my favorite London neighborhood, is a popular film location in the city. You might recognize Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath from "Notting Hill," where Julia Roberts’ character stars in a Henry James adaptation. The nearby bathing ponds also make an appearance in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."
Additionally, scenes from the film "Hampstead" were shot on Flask Walk, Hampstead High Street, Church Row, and Perrin’s Court. It's a neighborhood where cinema comes to life!
