Living in the heart of London, I must admit that my exploration of this vibrant city was often limited to routine paths. However, as a passionate travel content creator and a movie buff, I’ve decided to embark on a thrilling summer challenge: to uncover the hidden treasures of London’s film locations. The result? A captivating blend of movie magic and iconic landmarks, perfect for both locals and tourists to discover all year round. Join me on this cinematic journey through 11 enchanting London film locations that are sure to ignite your sense of adventure and make you wanna binge watch all the movies mentioned in this post…
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London Film Locations for Movie Buffs
1. Notting Hill: A Colourful Tour
Notting Hill is an Instagramable gem nestled within the city of London, known for the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival, Colourful houses and eclectic Portobello Road Market. Nottinghill has been a prime spot for London film locations, it has charmed audiences in films like Paddington Bear 1 and 2, as well as the beloved classic Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
Ways To Get to There: Notting Hill Gate Tube Station
2. The Natural History Museum
Step back in time in history and enjoy the natural wonders where dinosaurs, mammals, and insects await your visit at the Natural History Museum. This free-to-visit attraction has appeared on the silver screen and has graced the big screen in 14 films, including favourites like Paddington Bear, Night At the Museum 3, Marvel’s The Eternals, Tom Cruise’s The Mummy and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) just to name a few, which is why it’s number 2 in our London Film Locations.
Ways To Get to There: South Kensington Tube Station and Knightsbridge Tube Station
3. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace takes centrefold as the regal abode of past British monarchs and current royalty and stands as an emblem of British history and elegance. This iconic landmark welcomes visitors from all over the UK and the world seeking a glimpse of the Royal Family or a Buckingham Palace Tour. Having featured in over 28 films including The BFG, Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, James Bond’s Die Another Day, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Johnny English, The Queen, The Iron Lady and even The London Olympics 2012 James Bond sequence with the Queen for the opening ceremony.
Ways To Get to There: Victoria Tube Station, Green Park Tube Station and St. James Park Tube Station,
4. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is at the heart of London’s West End and is a must-see for any traveller. From Ripley’s Believe It Or Not to the theatre district, this vibrant location has dazzled in over 50 films, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Austin Powers, The Dark Knight, The Football Factory, Trainspotting and Furious 6 just to name a few.
Ways To Get to There: Picadilly Circus Tube Station, Leicester Square Tube Station and Green Park Tube Station.
5. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square has a lot of history, it was named after Britain’s victory back in 1805 after the Battle of Trafalgar. It’s a short 10-minute walk from Picadilly Circus and has played host to many events including Chinese New Year, Pride in London and even Carol Singing under the Christmas Tree which is an annual gift from Norway every year.
There is plenty to see in Trafalgar including Nelsons Column, the Trafalgar Square Lions, 2x fountains, various statues, the Trafalgar Square Police Box which was the smallest police station in London, The National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery.
Trafalgar Square is number 5 in our London Film Locations because has appeared in 48 movies which include; Wonder Woman, Captain America; The First Avenger, 28 Weeks Later, 101 Dalmatians, The Core and Edge of Tomorrow. Trafalgar Square is probably one of the most recognisable of the London Film Locations.
Ways To Get There: Charing Cross Tube station, Leicester Square Tube station and Embankment Tube station or you can walk there from Leicester Square.
6. Kingscross
Perhaps better known as the Location for young wizards and witches to depart on the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 3/4 and the Harry Potter store. Kings Cross has appeared in at least 11 other movies this is another of the London film locations for the Wonder Woman as well as 4x Harry Potter Movies, The Woman in Black 2, The Imitation Game and Mission Impossible; Rogue Nation.
Ways To Get to There: King Cross St. Pancreas Tube Station or Euston Rail Station
7. Westminster
Westminster, home to iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abby and Westminster Bridge, boasts a rich historical tapestry including the Gunpowder Plot. This revered location has starred in 40 films making it a haven for filmmakers when it comes to London film locations.
Some of the films this location has appeared in include; Suffragette, The Iron Lady, 28 Days Later, Transformers; The Last Knight and V for Vendetta.
Ways To Get to There: Westminster Tube Station, Waterloo Tube Station or you can walk there from Waterloo.
8. South Bank
One of the most popular London film locations in London to visit for tourists, locals and filmmakers alike, is South Bank, a hub of creativity, that entices visitors with attractions like the London Eye, Shreks Adventure and the National Theatre. The London Dungen, the Haywood Gallery and the National Theatre, there are also many restaurants and hotels.
South Bank is one of those locations that is just picturesque during the day and night highly Instagramable and a great film Location. It has appeared in over 75 movies including; Harry Potter, James Bond; Spectre, Thor; The Dark World, Fast and the Furious 6, About Time and Guardians of the Galaxy just to name a few…
Ways To Get to There: Waterloo Tube Station, Westminster Tube Station or you can walk there from Westminster
9. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge, an architectural masterpiece, and one of London’s most iconic landmarks has stood tall for 137 years and although it has seen many changes in that time both on it and around it, Tower Bridge remains the gateway for vehicles and pedestrians to cross, the bridge even rises on occasion for boats to pass the underneath on the River Thames.
This iconic landmark has appeared in over 110 movies including Wonder Woman, Mission Impossible, Paddington Bear 2, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, Bridget Jones; The Edge of Reason, The Mummy Returns, Spice World the Movie and many more…
Ways To Get to There: Tower Hill Tube Station, Fenchurch Street Tube Station and London Bridge Tube Station
10. Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf, is a thriving business district, that has embraced transformation and found its way into the spotlight over the years filled with lots of trendy restaurants, bars and a mall.
The area itself has also been featured in 50 films including Casino Royale, Batman Begins and Love Actually. Most surprisingly Canary Wharf Train Station is probably one of the unlikeliest London Film Locations that you would expect to be featured in a galaxy far, far away but it actually featured in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Ways To Get to There: Canary Wharf Tube Station or you can use the DLR
11. Greenwich
Greenwich is the third of our London film locations nestled along the Thames, beckons with attractions like The Royal Observatory, The National Maritime Museum, The Cutty Sark, Up at the O2 and the Market just to name a few.
Greenwich has also appeared in 43 films including Thor; The Dark World, Les Miserables, Gullivers Travels, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Kings Speech and Four Weddings and a Funeral
Ways To Get to There: North Greenwich Tube, MBNA Thames Clipper, Emirates Cable Cart and the Cutty Sark DLR
Other Notable London Film Locations
- London Skyline – The London Skyline has appeared in many movies
- The Tube and London Underground – There have been a few movies filmed using London Tubes and in the underground including Bourne Ultimatum, Creep and Sliding Doors.
- All Saints Church in Fulham – This was featured in the 70’s version of the Omen
Unlock the Magic of Iconic London Film Locations
Whether you choose to do these locations in a day or over the course of a few days, you’ll embark on a captivating journey throughout London’s enchanting film locations, where history, culture, and imagination combine. Whether you’re a local seeking a new perspective on London or a tourist ready to explore, these cinematic landmarks offer a glimpse into a world of magic and wonder of the Silver Screen. As you traverse through the streets and immerse yourself in these iconic settings, let the spirit of movies guide you on a memorable adventure through the heart of London.
Loved this post – I lived in London for two years and never really appreciated these famous locations! I’ve only seen Buckingham Palace once ha! Such a great post for film lovers like me!
Thanks, I am glad that you liked the post. To be honest I have lived in London all my life apart from when I have worked summer seasons abroad and have only just started to appreciate what London has to offer now and that was the first time I visited Buckingham Palace. Be sure to check out my next few posts coming about more locations in London with a theme.
Hey Lauren, it’s crazy to think that when you live somewhere you don’t get the chance to appreciate it because of work and life gets in the way. I am from London and have on just for the first time watched the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Love this post!!! Pinned it to add to my “I must travel here” list.
Going through your list, I already feel like I have been to so many of them through the movies. Especially Notting hill. Great idea and compilation!
This is a post close to my heart, as I live in London! I actually didn’t know a lot of these films were filmed in locations like Piccadilly Circus and Westminster. Of course, I recognise the Harry Potter reference at King’s Cross, who doesn’t?!
Never paid attention to these fabulous locations as film locations in London. Have fond memories from visiting some of these as Trafalgar square, Buckingham Palace, Greenwich and Piccadilly Circus. Will cover rest of the places in the next visit especially Notting Hill and the natural history museum as loved seeing them in the films!
I love how you wrote this! We often visit a city like London and go to the tourist sights. And we also watch movies that show cities. Mentioning what movies were filmed at each spot took me back to both the scene in the movie and my memories of the places. I’m looking forward to revisiting!
It always a great idea to explore your own backyard. We often tend to ignore our own city whereas there can be many discoveries. London is evergreen and the Tower bridge ever so graceful. Though it has started to be so crowded now.
Such a great list. I love all the places that you listed, and thoroughly enjoyed visiting them. I can’t wait to get back to London to see them all again!
Great list! I’ve been to all of these sites when I visited London many years ago. I’d love to go back again and revisit all of them.
I love this guide! I wish I had a similar one for when I went to the states. Film locations really interest me!
That’s such an interesting post! I live in London too and I didn’t know about half these locations being in films. I had no idea bits of Wonder Woman had been filmed in Trafalgar Square and I thought Night at the Museum had all been filmed in the US. Which parts are in the London museum?
I LOVE THIS! London has a LONG history and I’d love to visit. Thanks for the post!
I have visited London once for some work, didn’t get enough time to visit all this place. Would definitely check them out in my next visit.
Wow! I love the Kingscross and Tower Bridge. They are really popular. I will take note of these locations for my next itinerary. Kudos!
I love this blog. Its great that London has so many film locations and is so interesting. great read!
For those who like Bridget Jones, her flat was just outside the South exit of Borough Market.
Tom Hardy and the Taboo series was filmed all over the East End but you might find it hard to recognise those locations.
The Waterloo and city line is a favourite for films as is the old Aldwich station which you can see on the end of the Strand.
Really great post! I like the idea of finding ways to enjoy your own city in unique ways. I really can relate better with London through some of the movies noted in this post.
First off, I love the London series that you run. It provides a complete insight into the whereabouts of the space. I also love your Instagram feed. When I plan a trip to London, I’m really gonna bother you to help me with an itinerary 🙂 Cheers!!
Wow what a great compilation, as reading your post also took me to movie world. Not only Hollywood films but many Bollywood films have been shot here which I can relate now. Tower Bridge and London skyline is the most popular attraction and seen in many movies. Also going down for London Tube is seen in many Indian movies too.
I love your take on London, featuring places where films were shot. Being a hopeless romantic I count myself among those who loved Notting Hill the movie.
Next year, we are going to Europe and London is one of our stops. Thanks for sharing.
I still can’t believe I’ve never been to London, but this gives me so much motivation to go! I love all of these movies too!
What amazing places! Looks like I totally need to book a trip!
That are some beautiful locations. The Tower Bridge is my favorite of all wish to visit there once.
Buckingham Place, the National History Museum and the Tower Bridge have been featured in a couple of movies I’ve watched so for sure, if I visited London, I’d definitely take my snaps over there.
I’m visiting London in the next few days so this post has come at a perfect time!! Thank you so much!! I’m going to visit a few of these places. So excited!!!
London is such a wonderful destination especially for families. These places are great to visit!
I have never been to London, but I’ve always wanted to visit and it is definitely on my bucket list! While there I would love to visit every place mentioned here. Especially Buckingham Palace and Kings Cross!
I agree. These are some of my favourite parts of London. I love exploring the city. It is a beauty to behold.
I’ve visited a few of these places when I was In London several years ago. The view of London Bridge and Westminster is quite spectacular. I’d love to visit London again in the future.
Love this post – and love visiting locations like this; also from literature or birth places of writers. It’s amazing when you get to a spot that you have seen so many times on the silver screen – and then you are standing there – aaaah.
Oooh what a great list, I would love to see the places from my favourite movies in person!! Harry Potter and Captain America top that list, I will go and check them out hehe
It’s just a shame the cast weren’t about to actually get a photo with Jackie 😉
I like this post! I love movies and going to locations if I am around. I have visited all these places before but I had no idea about certain movies filmed there! I ones did a Harry Potter tour, which was really great as well.
Hi Marlies, I am glad that you liked the post and London is so iconic when it comes to what it actually offers. I am glad that you enjoyed the Harry Potter Tour, I will be posting a few more self-guided tours throughout September.
The U.K. will most likely be my next international trip so this post is of particular interest to me. I didn’t realize how many iconic film locations existed right in London, and that many have been featured in several movies. My daughter is a film aficionado, so I’ve added several to our itinerary that we may have otherwise overlooked. Thank you!
Hi Jackie, thanks for reading you and your daughter will Love London and because your daughter is a film buff, be sure to check back on my September posts which will include Harry Potter Free Walking Tour and the James Bond Free Walking Tour. Have a great trip.
Wow! What a great list of amazing locations! I’m yet to visit London and I’ll definitely visit at least some of them on my trip. The Natural History Museum sounds quite fascinating and definitely not to be missed. The Westminster, Greenwich and Tower Bridge would be on top of my list after the museum.
London is a great place to visit with plenty to do. I am currently writing a London series so don’t forget to check back soon.
Except for Natural History museum and Greenwich, I have visited all the others. I wish I could have gone inside Buckingham but then, I am always curious about palaces. Nice set of locations
Hi Ami, I love palaces as a well I am considering doing the Buckingham Palace tour soon, I think that there are also so many stories to be told in any palace. Be sure to check out my Tower of London post out in September.
I am going to share this post with a movie buff friends of mine who loves to visit places where movies were shot! I recognise most of them from some movie or the other and have even visited some myself when I was in London almost a decade ago, expect, of course, Kingscross! I recognise it where Harry Potter was shot but I didn’t know that there are 11 other movies featuring this place! That’s super interesting to know.
Hi Medha, thank you for sharing, glad that you enjoyed, I was shocked to find out just how many films were filmed in London to be honest, whilst researching. Be sure to check out my next post on James Bond places you can visit out in September.
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