Five Famous Filming Locations in London for TV Shows
London has long been a favourite choice for film and television sets. With its instantly recognisable landmarks and memorable locations, the City presents a fantastic backdrop for cinematic scenes and soap operas alike.
In this article, we’ll explore five famous TV shows filmed in London. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling dramas, dark comedies, or royal sagas, these shows offer a glimpse into life in our wonderful Capital.
Five TV Shows Filmed in London
Scenes from Carolyn's kitchen in Killing Eve
1. Killing Eve
One of the most notable TV shows filmed in London is Killing Eve.
Killing Eve is a thrilling BBC spy drama that has captivated audiences worldwide. The plotlines of this show take characters across the globe from sunny Barcelona to chic Parisian neighbourhoods, but ultimately, everything is tied back to London.
Several iconic buildings and landmarks have been featured, from Nelson's Column to the SIS Building at Vauxhall Cross, but one particularly eye-catching building is Carolyn's townhouse home.
While Eve's home was built from scratch at a studio, Carolyn's townhouse was filmed at a real location in Kensington. The Regency-style terraced townhouse is located in the desirable area of Holland Park, with classic stone steps and jet-black railings leading to the front door.
The fabulously stylish interior features a high ceiling and hardwood floors. Interestingly, the kitchen and utility rooms are located below ground level. This is linked to Victorian-era history when maids and cooks would have worked predominantly in the basement.
Scenes from Fleabag, outside the Guinea Pig Café
2. Fleabag
Another popular TV show set in London is Fleabag. Fleabag was created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and is based on her one-woman show, first performed back in 2013.
While the inside of Fleabag's modestly-sized flat was filmed on a soundstage, you can find the property in London which represented its exterior on Laurier Road.
The property is located in Dartmouth Park, Camden, and sits on a hill that leads up towards Highgate from Kentish Town. A short walk away from the property, you can find the gorgeous leafy park of Hampstead Heath.
You can also find the café which became the Guinea Pig Café a few streets away on York Road. In the real world, this cafe is known as the Bold Café & Restaurant. Should you want to access Fleabag's key filming locations in London on your doorstep, take a look at our stunning properties in Finsbury Park - renowned for its popular community events.
Scenes from After Life
3. After Life
Set in the fictional town of Tambury, After Life follows the life of a local newspaper journalist after a personal tragedy.
While Tambury might not be real, the locations used for filming it are. Some of these locations can be found dotted around London, including the street where Tony lives with his dog Brandy.
The series uses the gorgeous Vale of Heath, a small hamlet in Hampstead, as the location of Tony’s home.
Outside of London, Hemel Hempstead's Old Town is used to portray the high street of Tambury and Tony's workplace.
Scenes from The Crown
4. The Crown
One of the most iconic TV shows set in London is The Crown. This programme is centred around different generations of the British royal family and dramatises the historical events which shaped them.
While many scenes are set within Buckingham Palace, most of the filming took place at Lancaster House.
Lancaster House, originally named York House, is nestled in the heart of St James's Park just a stone's throw away from Buckingham Palace.
5. Sherlock
Sherlock also uses various locations in London for filming. This modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the brilliant, but eccentric, Sherlock Holmes.
The show cleverly incorporates contemporary London into its storytelling, using famous landmarks within its intricate plots.
One of the most notable locations in BBC’s adaptation of Sherlock is 221B Baker Street, Sherlock’s home. However, despite the name, the exterior shots were actually filmed at 187 North Gower Street.
The front door of Speedy’s cafe next door often appears in the series and has since become a popular spot for Sherlock fans.
Immerse Yourself in London Culture with Berkeley Group
London isn’t just the backdrop for these fabulous TV shows; it’s also a lively city, filled with unique charm and endless opportunities.
Imagine living in the heart of the action, surrounded by the same properties that feature in these beloved series. With a new home in London or a commuter-friendly town nearby, you can explore an array of famous filming locations, whenever you feel like it.
Start your search for your new home today or discover why you should buy with Berkeley Group.