Discover Britain’s blockbuster mystery and thriller locations

Love solving mysteries? Step into the world of one of the greatest literary detectives, Sherlock Holmes. Located at 221b Baker St, his ‘real life’ address in the books, this museum is full of memorabilia, manuscripts and curiosities, and is decked out in authentic Victorian style.

Hope you’ve got a head for heights! Trust us, the views of the capital are worth it. This bungee jump experience will catapult you above central London’s iconic skyline from a 160ft crane.  

Uh oh – you’ve been summoned for jury service in this theatrical masterpiece from Britain’s grand dame of mysteries, Agatha Christie, in the unique setting of London’s County Hall. It’s up to you and the jury to decide if Leonard Vole can escape the hangman’s noose. See you in court... 

Feel the adrenaline rush as you take flight and freefall through the air at this indoor skydiving experience. In the 60-minute flying session you’ll be guided by an expert instructor, while friends and family can spot you from the 360-degree viewing platform. iFLY is open to all ages from three years up.

It’s no mystery why masses of big screen thrillers have chosen the Old Royal Naval College as a filming location. The crowning glory of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, these dramatic buildings bring oodles of atmosphere to any production. Walk the very same corridors you’ll see on The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024), Enola Holmes (2020) and Holmes & Watson (2018).  

Voyage to one of Britain’s historic docklands for a snippet of Georgian life in Kent.  The Dockyard is a must-visit for TV fiends and history buffs, setting the scene for Bridgerton (2020–) and playing an important part in historic battles and wars. Mystery fans will love it here too, with Enola Holmes (2020), A Spy Among Friends (2022) and Operation Mincemeat (2021) all choosing the Dockyard to film at in recent years.  

Leeds Castle is jam-packed with things to do: from an adventure golf course to a bird of prey centre and outdoor art sculptures. Once a palace for Henry VIII, this 900-year-old castle is full of historic artworks and treasures. Mystery-lovers: the race is on to complete this intricate maze of yew hedges in the grounds of 12^th-century Leeds Castle. Your prize for making it to the centre is a visit to the magical underground grotto, whose walls are lined with legendary creatures.   

Hever Castle was the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, who later became queen of England for just 1,000 days. Here you can delve into her journey from debutante to queen, via priceless letters, portraits and storytelling events. Although the castle dates back to 1270, it’s more than a museum: it hosts summertime festivals, live music and more, including everything from jousting tournaments and falconry displays, triathlon races to photography courses. Those up for a challenge should take on its 100-year-old Yew Maze. 

Join this idyllic light railway at Tenterden, where you can learn about its history before riding through the rolling – and sometimes unexpectedly steep – High Weald countryside. The railway marked its 50th birthday since becoming a tourist attraction in 2024, so there’s no better time to take a ride – just like a turtleneck-wearing Henry Cavill in Argylle.  

Wizz through the air at Hangloose Adventure in Kent's Bluewater Shopping Centre. 

Zoom over the ground on England's longest zipline, the Skywire, fly high at the outdoor skydive machine or choose Aerial Trekking for thrilling high ropes.

Behind Bletchley Park’s stunning facade are some big secrets. During World War II, codebreakers including Alan Turing called Bletchley Park home, where he and a team of brilliant minds focused on cracking the Enigma code. Now you can discover their vital work and its impact on the outcome of the war at this immersive museum, where wartime secrets are revealed. It was also the filming location for the Turing biopic The Imitation Game (2014), starring Benedict Cumberbatch. 

Immortalised in films such as Batman Begins (2005) and Paddington 2 (2007), Hatfield House is a sparkling example of Jacobean architecture. It’s also a favourite of the Holmes family, it seems: spot it in Enola Holmes (2020), Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011) and its predecessor, 2009’s Sherlock Holmes. The estate hosts a range of events throughout the year, including immersive theatre performances and an autumn music festival. 

Not far from Windsor, the grand stately home of Cliveden operates as both a luxury hotel and a National Trust site. It sits on 376 acres of National Trust grounds and you can tour the formal gardens, walk the fitness trail, ride a vintage flotilla on the Thames, head to the spa, or have afternoon tea at The Great Hall. It’s made plenty of big screen cameos, including in 2009’s Sherlock Holmes, and you can indulge your inner detective to tackle the house’s marvellous maze. 

From rollercoasters and rides for all ages, to world icons made entirely from LEGO, this action-packed park has it all.

Don’t want to leave? There are two hotels on site, both with fun LEGO-themed rooms. Think treasure hunts, bunk beds and a pirate swimming pool.

Built in 1750, this smugglers inn in Cornwall was a rest-stop for travellers crossing the treacherous Bodmin Moor and was later made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s bestselling novel, Jamaica Inn. Originally a coaching inn, linking Launceston to Bodmin, it’s halfway between so became the place where tired passengers rested themselves and their horses some 270 years ago. The inn boasts places to stay, as well as its own on-site museum. 

Hold on to your helmet at England’s fastest zip line. Skywire soars over Cornwall’s scenic Eden Project. 

Hangloose’s Eden Project location also offers other activities for those bursting for a fast fix of adrenaline - not only can you hurtle down Skywire, but check out base jumping, aerial trekking on its high ropes or for big kids with bottles of bravery, there’s a 20-metre high cliff swing.

Calling all sleuths! This annual literature and culture fiesta celebrates the work and life of Agatha Christie, one of Britain’s best-loved crime novelists. It is held in September, with most events taking place at Torre Abbey, in Torquay – including film screenings, walking tours, historian lectures and murder mystery nights. Look out for fun-filled fringe events too, such as river cruises, bar crawls and wild swimming.

Discover the holiday home of queen of mystery, Agatha Christie, which hugs the River Dart in rural Devon. Christie took inspiration for her stories from the area and its surroundings. You can take the Dartmouth Steam Railway here for the ultimate period adventure.  

Filled with tropical plants and trees, the vast Eden Project even has an indoor waterfall and bamboo huts. It was transformed from a disused clay pit to two world-famous biospheres – including the world’s biggest conservatory – and hosts live music and events year-round.  It doubled as an ice palace in Die Another Day (2002), Pierce Brosnan’s Bond swansong – although on your visit, you’re promised balmy climes in the biomes whatever the weather outside!   

Explore a legacy spanning 500 years at Burghley House. You’ll recognise both its exteriors and interiors from the big screen – mystery fans can probably picture Tom Hanks’ Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code (2006) here. Put your own brainpower to the test and see if you can make it to the centre of the mirrored maze in the magical Garden of Surprises. 

Perched high on a hill with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside, this castle is a familiar sight to viewers of The Crown (2016–2023) or The Da Vinci Code (2006). Explore the current castle and gardens, dating from 1832, built on the site of an original castle from the 11th century.

An unmissable feat of architecture, Lincoln’s Cathedral has been towering over the city and county for over 950 years. One of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, discover the intricate work indoors on a floor tour, or climb the steep steps for a tower tour. Did you know that Lincoln Cathedral doubled for Westminster Abbey in The Da Vinci Code (2006)? 

With activities for all the family, get ready to make a splash and climb high at this outdoor activity centre. Join in with the women's outdoor group, take a wellbeing walk, try a canoeing tour and more.

Get locked in a room for 60 minutes, with no way out – unless you can crack the code. These immersive escape rooms’ themes include outer space, fantasy, horror and magic – which will you choose? Get ready to put your friendships to the test. 

Chug through the Leven Valley to Lakeside Station on this 3.2-mile (5.1km) heritage line, on the banks of Lake Windermere, where you can take a relaxed cruise around the lake. It’s appeared in many films and TV programmes over the years, including the TV series of Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1996). 

Step inside two carefully restored train carriages for dinner with a difference at Bassenthwaite Lake Station. Two carriages used for Kenneth Branagh’s 2017 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express now host diners in a unique setting at a revamped former railway station. There’s a busy events programme, including murder mystery nights, to get stuck into.  

From ziplines and via ferratas, to camping on the edge of a cliff – this outdoor activity centre is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. As a working slate mine, it has subterranean adventures too: think underground rock climbing, rope bridges and behind-the-scenes tours of the tunnels.

Enjoy adventures on both land and water at Buttermere Valley, which includes the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. The valley makes a jaw-dropping backdrop to a Tom Cruise stunt in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023).