The Best Films Set in London

It’s no secret that London is admired all over the world.

This is perhaps why our beautiful capital city has been chosen as the backdrop for countless critically acclaimed movies over the years, from superhero blockbusters to classic romantic comedies.

If you fancy ‘set-hopping’ around London, we have six of the best films set in London and their locations for you to explore.

Cruella

Numerous scenes from the adaptation of the classic The Hundred and One Dalmatians were filmed in and around London. Although, you may struggle to recognise some of the buildings as they were CGI-altered to imitate London in the 1970s.

Drop by the luxury department store, Liberty, to retrace the fashion-forward villain's footsteps. This stunning building located in Carnaby sets the scene for Estella's first job in the world of fashion. This magnificent Tudor-inspired building is now home to an acclaimed fashion house full of exclusive designer items, including homewares and fragrances.

From here, take a stroll to 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, where you will marvel at the architecture and be transported back to the Baroness's workshop. You can even hire this venue for weddings – imagine your photos with that iconic staircase and incredible dome in the background!

You could even treat yourself to a first-class steak at Smith and Wollensky, the 1930s art deco restaurant where Estella and The Baroness have lunch.

Or perhaps wander in the shops along Portobello Road in West London, where Estella finds her inspiration for her Cruella makeover.

Paddington & Paddington 2

Follow in our favourite Peruvian bear’s paw prints to visit some of the beautiful locations used for both Paddington movies.

While the station’s exterior where Paddington first arrives in London is actually the timeless aesthetic of Marylebone Station, you can relive the moment in the movie when Paddington is initially discovered by standing at the railway platform at Paddington Station. You can even snap a photo with the statue of the beloved bear which stands at the entrance.

To imagine what it would be like to live on one of the streets with some of the highest London property prices, you must visit the pastel-rainbow coloured street where the Brown family lives. Although the film indicates the street is in Notting Hill, the actual road is Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill.

The antique shop owned by Mrs Brown’s friend Gruber is a real-life store called Alice’s Antique Shop and can be found on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. And don’t forget a visit to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington; the workplace of villain and taxidermy-enthusiast, Millicent Clyde.

Notting Hill

This iconic romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant was not only the highest-grossing British film of 1999, but it also transformed the area of Notting Hill into a world-famous tourist attraction.

The legendary blue door of William Thacker’s flat, one of the most recognised homes in London, has since been auctioned off for charity. Fortunately, the door has been replaced by a blue replica, which makes 280 Westbourne Park Road the ideal place for a romantic selfie.

The Travel Bookshop where the leading characters meet for the first time was inspired by The Notting Hill Bookshop at 13 Blenheim Crescent, just around the corner from 142 Portobello Road, the address of the fictional shop. Today, the site is a gift shop, but you can still get your photo taken under the classic 'Travel Book Shop' sign at the side of the building.

If you feel extravagant, you could stop off for a tasty Japanese lunch at Nobu in Mayfair. In this restaurant, Anna famously confronted a group of tourists speaking rudely about her. Or head over to the Lancaster Room at the Savoy where the film’s climactic press conference was held.

Your Notting Hill tour would also not be complete without a visit to the delightful Portobello Road Market, where Hugh Grant is walking through at the movie's opening; the vintage market is filled with everything from clothes, one-off artwork, and exclusive antiques. 

Harry Potter

A must-visit for any Harry Potter fanatic is the Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station. Hold on to the conveniently placed luggage trolley disappearing into the wall and imagine you are being transported to the Hogwarts' Express.

Take a trip to Leadenhall Market and recapture the magic of Diagon Alley, the mysterious shopping area behind the Leaky Cauldron pub. You'll be amazed at the outstanding Victorian architecture. Also, look out for the opticians on Bull's Head Passage which was used as the pub’s original entrance.

If you are an animal lover, you'll enjoy stopping off at London Zoo. The Reptile House is where Harry frees the Burmese python in the Philosopher's Stone.

Stop off at the Great Scotland Yard in Westminster to visit the site used as the entrance to the Ministry of Magic. Although sadly, there is no magical telephone box.

If you want to see the exterior of the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters and the home of the Black family, head to Number 12 Grimmauld Place, located on Claremont Square in Islington.

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Although this was filmed in various locations across Europe, London featured heavily in the final action scenes of this blockbuster. 

Travel to St Pancras International Station to revisit the Midtown students’ arrival as part of the final stop on their European vacation. The stylish station is widely renowned as one of the greatest masterpieces of Victorian Gothic architecture and has fantastic transport links and hospitality venues. 

Stop by Alexandra Palace Theatre to visit the location where Mysterio's tests his high-tech holograms before attacking London. You will be amazed at the intricate detail of the architecture and unique interior design. 

Finally, travel up The Shard to arrive at the location of Nick Fury's office and marvel at the view. Of course, you will also have the perfect view of Tower Bridge, the backdrop for where Spider-Man bravely fights to save the people of London.

Skyfall

Home to the world’s best secret agent, London provides the perfect location for this critically acclaimed film.

The Vauxhall Cross SIS Building on the banks of the River Thames that featured in the film actually houses the real-world headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service. In contrast, they used the Four Seasons Hotel in Trinity Square to represent the UK Government building.

Recreate the scene at The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, where Bond meets the new Q for the first time while they are both studying Turner's Fighting Temeraire painting. 

Base yourself in the Whitehall district to explore the locations of many scenes from the film, including Parliament Square, where M is driven to a meeting with Mallory and the Westminster Underground Station, where Bond emerges from the tube station exit.

Visit The Old Vic Tunnels underneath Waterloo Station for the location of MI6's secret underground base from World War II or relive the movie's final moments by looking up at the Department for Energy and Climate Change, which provided the roof-top platform for Bond to look out over London.

If you are tempted to make the backdrop to so many movies your permanent home but are unsure where to start, we can help. At Berkeley Group, we are committed to finding you your dream home. Search our impressive collection today to browse the latest London property opportunities available for you.