Whether you’re visiting London on business or leisure explore the city with open eyes! London has been featured in a variety of movies, from action to crime, children movies and love stories. Even if you’re primarily in London for business, why not combine it with pleasure and enjoy your bleisure stay?
London is an amazing place for sightseeing, shopping and culture. So why not feature one of the best cities in the world in a movie? That’s probably what a lot of writers and directors thought as well! By no means exclusive but here are at least 9 movies that have stood out for us. If you can think of another movie that was shot in London please leave your comment and we’ll happily include it!
1) Harry Potter
While Hogwarts might be set in a mysterious and undisclosed location a lengthy train journey away, a good proportion of the action happens in London across the 8 movies. Remember the bus that squeezes through two double deckers in ‘The Order of the Phoenix’? Piccadilly Circus from ‘Deathly Hallows: Part 1’? And, of course, King’s Cross platform 9 and 3/4 where the Hogwarts Express departs from every autumn. Let’s not forget that the first ever theatrical version of Harry Potter premieres at the Palace Theatre in London this year too!
Picture: VisitLondon
2) Love Actually
It might be set in the run-up to Christmas, but ‘Love Actually’ can really be enjoyed any time of year. Where do we even begin with this one? Between the movie opening and closing in Heathrow airport, the Southbank looks glorious as Sam talks to his step-dad, we visit Notting Hill and Somerset House, and even step inside places like Selfridges and 10 Downing Street. Though not the real one. Obviously.
Picture: Cremedela
3)Â An Education
Set in 1960’s London, this movie is regularly credited with launching the career of leading actress Carey Mulligan. In the movie, her local shops are on St. Johns Parade in West Ealing, her local school in Acton and her childhood home on the idyllic Carberry Avenue.
Picture: IMP Awards
4) James Bond
With MI5 headquarters right on the banks of the Thames, it’s only fitting that so much of the action of James Bond movies should take place in the capital. From ‘Die Another Day’ and the scenes in a fictional train station in Vauxhall to the newest movie ‘Spectre’, which features a dramatic helicopter/boat/explosion sequence above the river, London may take a bit of a beating in the Bond movies but it still manages to look absolutely dazzling whilst doing so.
Picture: Visit London
5) Notting Hill
While there is no need to mention which part of London this movie is set in, there are a number of other big locations that feature in this Richard Curtis classic. If you happen to stay in one of our serviced apartments in Notting Hill you cannot miss a few hot spots. Wander down Portobello Road to find the famous blue down and Notting Hill bookshop. But don’t worry even if you don’t find these famous London film locations. Notting Hill is a beautiful area to wander around and is definitely worth a visit.
Picture: MediaCircus
6) One Day
Naturally, a rom-com spanning 20 years is going to feature a number of different locations, but the British capital makes a healthy appearance along the way. Soho café Floridita makes features, as does Hampstead Heath Lido and Westminster Cathedral.
Picture: Movie Quotes and More
7) Bridget Jones Diary
Whilst the famous cat-fight between Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcy happens outside a fictitious Greek restaurant, there are a number of London landmarks that make an appearance, including the Globe Tavern in Borough Market, the Tate Modern Restaurant and London’s Royal Exchange, where a half-naked Bridget runs too in the show to find her love (swoon.)
Picture: Miramax
8) Legend
This 2015 blockbuster is a thriller-cum-biographical portrayal of identical twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray, the infamous gangsters who caused chaos in 1960s East London. Pellicci’s Café features, which has lived on Bethnal Green Road from 1900 right through to this very day, as does the Arts Theatre Club, which can be found in Soho.
Picture: Silberscreen
9. Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Yes, it had to be on the list! Bedknobs and Broomsticks is an absolute classic children’s Disney movie from the early 1970s. It’s a wonderful magical story starring Dame Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson – also known for his role as dad in Mary Poppins. The famous scene in the movie is set on Portobello Road with children and David Tomlinson. You may even remember the melody of the Portobello Road song that they sing while dancing down the streets.
The group travels to Portobello Road to locate the rest of the book.
Picture: Earnthis
If you’re looking for great things to do in London finding famous film locations will certainly keep you busy! Do you think we missed a great movie set in London? Let us know in the comments below or just share which is your favourite!