London film and TV itinerary

For grand gothic architecture, look no further than Brompton Cemetery – Britain's only cemetery owned by the Crown and managed by the Royal Parks. Among the big names buried here are pioneering suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, and you’ll often see green, white and purple flowers left at her grave, representing her cause. A familiar big-screen sight, the graveyard has starred in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, James Bond film Goldeneye and spoof 007 outing Johnny English. 

Explore the story of life on Earth at this fantastic – and free – museum. A must-visit for all animal lovers and curious thinkers, it’s full of fascinations, including a piece of moon rock and one of the world’s last dodos. It’s also the workplace of evil taxidermist Millicent in Paddington – though luckily our furry friend manages to escape, so you won’t see him in the mammal exhibition!  

From the weird to the wonderful, thousands of examples of human creativity are on display at the V&A. Must-see exhibits include Tipu’s Tiger, a wooden model of a tiger attacking a European complete with sound effects, and the Gloucester Candlestick, the only surviving example of early 12th-century England metalwork. Outside, the John Madjeski Garden is glorious all year round. Look out for two ceramic plaques dedicated to Jim and Tycho, the faithful dogs of original V&A director Sir Henry Cole.  

Tucked away in central London, though feeling like another world from the hustle and bustle, Kensington Gardens is a peaceful haven. A pretty park filled with fountains and flowers, it’s the fictional home to Peter Pan – you’ll find his statue by the pond. Be sure to also visit the Diana Memorial Playground and the stunning Italian Gardens. Do you remember that fountain fight between Mark and Daniel in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason? Yep, it was filmed right here. 

Wander through Notting Hill, where you’ll find a world-famous antique market spilling over with fascinating wares and pretty streets lined with colourful houses and local restaurants. These are the same pastel streets made famous in the Bridget Jones films, as well as Richard Curtis’ Notting Hill. 

Westminster Abbey is steeped in over 1,000 years of history and has been the setting for the coronation of every English monarch since 1066. The abbey has also witnessed 16 royal weddings and now offers hidden history tours, Parliament tours and a jam-packed annual events programme. One of the clues given to Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code leads him here – but you’ll have to watch the film to see what happens next. 

London’s most famous art gallery houses one of the finest art collections in the world. From Botticelli to Van Gogh, eye-up over two thousand-plus paintings spanning 800 years. One of Britain’s most-visited and most-loved galleries, the museum has been bringing people and paintings together for almost 200 years, but that doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past. Expect to see portraits of royals to musicians and artists to celebrities like Ed Sheeran. You might even bump into a film star or two – James Bond’s Skyfall and Downton Abbey shot scenes here. 

From outdoor movie screenings in summer and an ice rink in winter, to its vibrant exhibitions of art, crafts and photography, there’s always something on at Somerset House. The mighty architecture dates back to 1547, when it was a palace for the Duke of Somerset. Its historic setting makes it a perfect location for period filming: it featured in 2023's Napoleon, starring Joaquin Phoenix! 

Covent Garden is one of the capital’s most popular neighbourhoods. Buzzing with food, luxury shopping and beauty stops, it offers a feast for selective shoppers. Explore its iconic Piazza and chic surrounding streets. Discover lots of boutiques from Polo Ralph Lauren to Paul Smith, Chanel to Penhaligon’s. Polish off your day at one of its local eateries – the perfect place to rest, recoup and refuel. Look out for it in Mary Poppins Returns, My Fair Lady, Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw and many more films. 

It’s always showtime in London’s theatre heartland – the hardest part is choosing what to watch. From musicals like Les Misérables and Mamma Mia to the hilarious Play That Goes Wrong, there’s something here to satisfy even the pickiest theatregoer. Don’t miss the likes of Back to the Future, The Lion King and Matilda the Musical if you’re fans of their film adaptations. We’ll bring the razzle-dazzle – you can bring the applause.  

Ronnie Scott’s has been entertaining Londoners since the ‘50s with its jazzy jam sessions, celebrating both up-and-coming musicians and world-famous stars. Think jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davies, to rockers Eric Clapton and Sting. Even Amy Winehouse has performed here, and the club features prominently in her biopic Back to Black. Rock up seven days a week for good tunes and a good time.  

Follow in the footsteps of your favourite film stars at Millennium Bridge, London’s only pedestrian bridge. An elegant steel design, it became the first new bridge across this part of the Thames in more than 100 years when it opened in 2000. It makes getting from St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London with the Tate Modern at Bankside a breeze. When it was first built, pedestrians experienced an alarming swaying motion when crossing it – but don’t worry, that’s since been fixed! See it on screen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Guardians of the Galaxy and Love Actually.     

Open to visitors of all faiths and none, London’s iconic cathedral is an architectural masterpiece – and hosts daily services, live music recitals and cultural exhibitions. Join a guided history tour, check out its fantastic art collection, and keep an eye out for Tom Cruise – he was spotted here in Mission: Impossible – Fallout. And the famous ‘Feed the Birds’ scene in Mary Poppins? Filmed on the very steps of the cathedral.   

One of the city’s oldest markets, Leadenhall has been feeding hungry Londoners since the 14th century. It’s a beautiful iron and glass structure, combining Edwardian style with a modern shopping and dining experience. Potterheads – did you know that you can spot it in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as Harry and Hagrid make their way to Diagon Alley? Experience a traditional British pub for yourself here at the Lamb Tavern, serving up classics with a twist: think cider-battered fish and chips and Guinness rarebit. The market’s other big-screen outings include Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

See some of the best views of London atop one of its newest skyscrapers. The Sky Garden is a bucolic viewing platform that’s free for all – just be sure to book a slot in advance. Watch the sun set over the city skyline for a romantic date night. 

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, such as the Crown Jewels – a collection of 23,578 gemstones. Meet the tower’s famous ravens, tour with a regal Yeoman Warder, and experience the Ceremony of the Keys.

This architectural masterpiece is a must-see London landmark and has some of the best views of the Thames, especially at sunset. Step inside to marvel at its Victorian engine rooms and brave the high-level walkway for an unforgettable experience. You might even spot Ethan Hunt (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins Returns) or Spider-Man (Spider-Man: Far From Home) on your adventure. 

Get up-close to some of London’s cutest residents at London Zoo, which dates back almost 200 years. For an extra-special visit, book an animal experience – will you meet the meerkats or monkeys? Don’t miss the zoo’s Reptile House, which featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Spanning 395 acres, there’s plenty to do in this Royal Park – one of eight in London. Families will love the choice of playgrounds, while wildlife watchers should head to the boating lake to spot the colony of grey herons who call it home. Don’t miss London’s largest collection of roses at Queen Mary’s Gardens – there are 12,000 of them here to sniff. Fans of spy drama Slow Horses might know Regent’s Park better as ‘The Park’, the fictional headquarters of MI5. 

Explore London’s alternative side, with live music, street food and the eclectic Camden Market. This neighbourhood has had the spirit of punk at its heart since the 1970s, and you’ll still find this rebellious spirit alive in the shops and pubs that line the main road.  

Climb to the top for the best views of north London, before checking out the health-food cafes and indie shops of the surrounding neighbourhood. Its characteristically pastel-hued houses are instantly recognisable as the home of the Brown family in Paddington! You’ll also know it from Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Back to Black. 

At the meeting point of the Grand Union and Regent canals, this waterside quarter is full of pubs, cafes and restaurants – some of which are located on boats. With its tree-lined walks and village-style charm, you’d never guess you’re in central London. Spot these tree-lined waterways in Paddington 2 and Spider-Man: Far From Home. 

Ride London’s only cable car for sky-high views of the capital. As you fly 90m above the River Thames, look out for scene-stealing landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin. For an extra-special spin, indulge in a Fast-Track ticket, giving you access to a private cabin on your non-stop round trip.  

Unleash your inner seafarer on a truly immersive experience on board London’s iconic museum ship. No need to worry about seasickness – the former tea clipper is docked near the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. If you’ve a head for heights, don’t miss the chance to climb the ship’s famous masts for a sailor’s-eye view over the city skyline. Plenty of surprises lie beneath, too – from the dry dock, you can even touch the ship’s striking copper hull.

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, Enola Holmes and Holmes and Watson. 

Bang in the middle of Maritime Greenwich, this fantastic market is crammed with stalls, selling everything from vintage fashion to vinyl records. If you’re here at lunchtime, you can tour the world with your stomach thanks to an eclectic line-up of traders serving up Korean corndogs, dim sum and fresh English oysters. Leave room for dessert, because there are plenty of cupcake and ice cream sellers to soothe a sweet tooth, too.  

This classical house is a gem of English architecture, filled with impressive artwork. Explore its geometric marble floors and spiral Tulip Stairs. It’s free to visit, or you can book a guided tour for a more in-depth look at its history. In Bridgerton, its facade doubles as the exterior of Somerset House in central London, while The Crown series four showcases the Tulip Stairs in scenes with Princess Diana. 

London’s oldest enclosed Royal Park is packed with historic things to see and do. It’s home to the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory, as well as the Prime Meridian Line that divides the earth’s eastern and western hemispheres. Bridgerton buffs will recognise the park’s rose garden from the show, while fans of Bridget Jones will remember Bridget and Shazza discussing the hopeless romantic’s love life here in Bridget Jones’s Baby.