London is the UK’s fabulous capital city. If you’re visiting London, you’ll be close to some of the most iconic filming locations the city has seen, no matter where you are.
London attracts around 30 million visitors from around the world every year. Every corner of the city brings something different to light and appeals to different people.
As a bustling capital city, it has been picked as the location for some of the most iconic films the world has ever seen.
From the Harry Potter franchise to Paddington Bear, let’s take a look at the top ten most iconic filming locations in London.
10. Paddington Station – bear and station alike
Sharing a name with the station itself, Paddington the movie had certain scenes on the platforms shot inside the Paddington Station.
However, the exterior of the station in the movie was actually filmed outside Marylebone tube station.
Address: London St, Tyburnia, London W2 1HL
9. Australia House – Gringotts Bank
When it comes to London film locations, you know there’s going to be more than one Harry Potter filming location on this list.
The diplomatic mission of Australia in London is the location for the only bank in the wizarding world, Gringotts Bank.
Address: 71 Aldwych, London WC2B 4HN
8. London Zoo – About a Boy
London Zoo is located just north of central London and has featured in numerous films. When Harry talks to the snake for the first time in Harry Potter, that scene was filmed on location here.
However, another huge movie that was filmed here was Hugh Grant’s About a Boy. About a Boy was shot in several areas of London, London Zoo being one of them.
Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
7. Charing Cross – numerous action movies
Charing Cross Underground Station has been used as the filming location for many action movies.
The most notable of these action films would probably be Skyfall, in which it appears as ‘Temple Station’. Other movies filmed here include Thor: The Dark World and The Bourne Ultimatum.
Address: London WC2N 5RJ
6. Westminster Bridge – an iconic London location
Westminster Bridge is one of the most recognisable locations in the city. It has appeared in numerous shows and movies throughout the years.
You might recognise it from Doctor Who. It’s the spot where the Doctor and Rose go for a run at the very beginning of season 1. An alien spacecraft lands there later on in the series.
Or, perhaps you recognise it from Spectre when a helicopter crashes into the bridge. It’s also featured in the iconic 00s Amanda Byne’s movie, What a Girl Wants. You could go on forever with this one.
Address: Westminster Bridge, London
5. Tower Bridge – Bridget Jones and more
In the movies, Bridget Jones leaves in Borough Market. Tower Bridge is one of the most defining features of the London skyline, and it features in the first two movies as part of Bridget’s commute to work.
Tower Bridge features in loads of TV shows and movies, including Mission: Impossible, Killing Eve, the episode of Friends where they go to London, and so much more. It is certainly one of the most iconic filming locations in London.
Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
4. Buckingham Palace – the crown jewel of iconic filming locations in London
When you think of London, you think of the Royal family and Buckingham Palace. Millions of tourists flock to this spot every year.
It has been the location for numerous shows and movies throughout the years. Perhaps one of the most iconic of these is Gandhi. Other movies include Die Another Day, National Treasure, and the series Victoria.
Address: London SW1A 1AA
3. Big Ben – it’s been blown up seven times in movies
One of the biggest tourist attractions in London all on its own, Big Ben has been a popular target for films, particularly action films. In fact, the tower has been blown up in movies at least seven times!
This happened in the James Bond movie Spectre, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, and London has Fallen, to name a few. Big Ben also acts as the backdrop for a particularly climactic moment in Mary Poppins Returns.
Top keep in theme with filming locations, check out our article for the best The Sound of Music filming locations in Salzburg.
Address: London SW1A 0AA
2. King’s Cross Station – platform 9¾
This is definitely one of the most iconic filming locations in London.
Although there is no real platform 9¾ that takes Harry and his friends to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at King’s Cross Station in London, visitors flock to this location all the time to snap a picture.
The train station was featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and if one of the best places to see in England with kids. Ironically, though, platform 9¾ was actually filmed between platforms four and five!
Address: London N1C 4TB
1. Portobello Road – Notting Hill and more
Notting Hill is a vibrant and trendy area of London. With the famous Portobello Road Market, thousands of visitors flock here every year.
It is recognised as the filming location of Bedknobs and Broomstick, Paddington Bear, but perhaps most iconic for its namesake, Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
The iconic blue door from the film is located at number 280 Westbourne Park Road and is often abuzz with people seeking it out.
Across the street is 142 Portobello Road, Hugh Grant’s Travel Book Shop from the film. You can visit the real bookshop that inspired the one in the movie on Blenheim Crescent.
Notable mentions
221b Baker Street: This was a fictional address in Sherlock Holmes. However, thanks to clever marketing, a Sherlock Holmes Museum can be found at this location today.
Claremont Square: 23-29 Claremont Square in Islington is the location of Sirius Black’s house in Harry Potter.
Hammersmith Bridge: Daniel Craig’s fifth stint at playing James Bond saw Hammersmith Bridge as a filming location.
Gabriel’s Wharf: One of the most famous scenes from Love Actually, starring the likes of Colin Firth and Emma Thompson, was filmed on a bench at Gabriel’s Wharf. Remember when Liam Neeson and his son talk about love?
Tottenham Court Road: This location makes an appearance in An American Wolf in London.
FAQs about the most iconic filming locations in London
What are the most iconic locations in London?
Some of the most iconic locations in London include Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Bridge. These locations have brought some of the most iconic scenes, and the most memorable scenes, in TV and film history.
What has been filmed in West London?
Notting Hill was filmed in West London, true to its name. Bridget Jones was filmed in parts in West London, too.
What is the most popular place to film a movie in the world?
New York City is touted as the most popular place to film a movie.
