Discover the most beautiful filming locations in London

The romantic Netflix series Bridgerton follows the wealthy Bridgerton siblings in their pursuit for love and happiness in 19th century London high society - always under the watchful eye of the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown (Nicola Coughlan) and Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel). In the series, Queen Charlotte's palace is Hampton Court Palace in southwest London: the Bridgerton family often strolls through the Great Fountain Garden, while the Queen enjoys tea with her ladies-in-waiting in Fountain Court. In Master Carpenter's Court, the palace's journeyman's court, Lady Whistledown's scandalous column is printed by Chancery Lane Printers.

In the fantasy film series Harry Potter, orphan Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is admitted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he discovers the magical world and faces dark forces. The hidden Diagon Alley serves as the go-to destination for magical shopping in the films. While most scenes set in this street were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios northwest of London, Leadenhall Market served as inspiration due to its stunning Victorian architecture and ornate covered walkways. The entrance to Diagon Alley, the famous pub «Leaky Cauldron», can be found in a side street of Leadenhall Market. 

The musical film Mary Poppins tells the story of the magical nanny Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), who turns the lives of the Banks family in London upside down. With her charm, imagination, and unique abilities, she brings joy and excitement to both the children and their parents. One of the film’s most touching moments is when Mary Poppins sings "Feed the Birds" as she puts the children to bed. The song tells the story of the Bird Woman (Jane Darwell), who sits on the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral, selling bird food to raise money for charity. The scene is made even more magical when the camera reveals Mary Poppins’ snow globe, inside which St. Paul's Cathedral appears in miniature.

The fictional secret agent James Bond works for the British intelligence service MI6, taking on dangerous missions to stop international villains who threaten the world. In several Bond films, the impressive MI6 or SIS building on the Thames in Vauxhall plays a key role. In The World Is Not Enough, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) flies past the headquarters in his Aston Martin. In Skyfall, the building comes under direct attack by the villain, while James Bond (Daniel Craig) fights to defend it. In reality, this striking structure serves as the actual headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service.

In the movie Paddington, an adorable talking bear travels from Peru to London in search of a new home. He is discovered by the Brown family, wearing a sign around his neck that reads: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” Since they don’t know his name, they call him Paddington - after the famous Paddington Station, where they found him. London Paddington Station is one of the city's major transport hubs, connecting the capital to southwest England and Wales. It is renowned for its impressive architecture, featuring a grand Victorian iron and glass roof and an elegant concourse.

The romantic comedy Notting Hill tells the love story of humble bookseller William Thacker (Hugh Grant) and famous actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). A romantic relationship blossoms between them after a chance encounter in William’s bookshop. The film is set in the iconic London district of Notting Hill, from which it takes its name, and where the real bookshop that served as the filming location is located. Known for its charm, colorful houses, and blend of traditional British life with cultural diversity, Notting Hill uniquely combines the everyday with the extraordinary.

In the action film Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) goes on a school trip to Europe. Meanwhile, the new hero Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) emerges and together they fight against a new threat. However, it is revealed that Mysterio is an impostor, using advanced technology to pose as a superhero. In the final showdown, Spider-Man and Mysterio battle on Tower Bridge. The fight doesn’t take place directly on the roadway of the iconic bridge but on its elevated pedestrian walkways and within its steel structures. From these heights, there is a breathtaking view of the Thames and the London skyline.

The award-winning Netflix series The Crown portrays the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the history of the British monarchy, starting with her accession to the throne. Since the royal palaces still serve as both the working and living quarters of the British royal family and are therefore not accessible, many scenes were filmed in similar historical locations. For instance, Lancaster House and Goldsmiths' Hall in London were used for interior shots of Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, these two historic buildings are not open to the public, but Buckingham Palace itself can be visited during the summer months, from July to September, when the royal family is in Scotland.