London is filled with iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Fair warning, though, you will get trapped in a massive crowd if you are near any of these three landmarks. People want to see the Queen and her corgis, ya know. There are other great landmarks in London, ones that you have probably seen in movies and television shows. So if you are heading off to London soon or maybe want to plan a trip in the far-off future, here are the top 10 movie and television locations that you should totally visit in London. The most important and best part about a majority of these locations are the price: they are all free. Well, except if you get lunch at Speedy's Cafe.
1. Speedy's Cafe and 221B from Sherlock BBC
If you are looking for the real Baker Street where Sherlock Holmes resided, well I'm sorry to inform you that 221B does not exist but Baker Street does and this isn't the right street. Sorry. However, North Gower Street is where the hit BBC series "Sherlock" is filmed. When I was in London this is the one place where I truly wanted to go and it wasn't until my third week in London that I finally figured out that I had been walking past the street the entire time but never knew it was right under my nose. Right next door is Speedy's Cafe and yes, they do have a Sherlock Full English Breakfast. I recommend the tea as it is absolutely excellent.
2. Kings Cross Platform 9 3/4
Those looking on Platform 9 for the 3/4 will not find it. They moved the location of the trolley because everyone was trying to take pictures with it and caused massive congestion. Instead you'll find the iconic location right near the back of Kings Cross right next door to the official Harry Potter store. Warning: there is a long line to take your picture at the trolley. You get to pick your house scarf, then the attendants take your picture as you are heading off to the Platform. Another warning: you will be tempted to spend all your money at the official store. Stay strong.
3. The Tube Stations
The Tube Stations in London are gloriously beautiful. Hence why it is a popular place to film movies and television shows down there. If you have seen the romance movie "About Time" then you might recognize this photo where the two main characters are shown going off into two different directions on the Tube. The station is Maida Vale and it's the one place that I regret not going to. Bummer.
4. Notting Hill House
If you go looking for this blue door on Portobello Road, sadly you will not find it. The owners auctioned the door off and replaced it with a black door. Don't be disappointed though: Portobello Road will make up for it. Every day, they have vendors selling all sorts of items, but I would go on Saturday because it is an amazing sight.
5. Trafalgar Square
If you have an obsession with "Doctor Who" then you have come to the right place. Remember the 50th Anniversary Special when the Doctor is holding onto the Tardis for dear life? He lands in Trafalgar Square. It is an amazing place and you get a pretty view of Big Ben.
6. The Department of Energy and Climate Change Roof
If you want to be like James Bond in "Skyfall" and stand on a roof overlooking London, then I have some bad news for you. Sadly, you cannot. Unless you have friends in very high places.
7. Leadenhall Market
Harry Potter fans, rejoice. Leadenhall Market was used as Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film. It's also the oldest market in London.
8. St Bart's Hospital
Wanna see where Sherlock faked his death in the BBC series? Well, St. Bart's is where it is at. Good Luck.
9. Tower Bridge
Just imagine that you are flying on a broomstick and you are totally in Harry Potter. Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic British symbols and it's pretty neat to actually walk across it. If you walk across it towards the Tower of London there is a super amazing fancy restaurant that has the most amazing British Mojito ever. Good times.
10. The Red Telephone Box
Every movie filmed in London has featured at least one telephone box. They always sneak a scene in somehow. You can't go to London without taking a photo with one, but I wouldn't recommend standing in one. They are dirty and more often used as toilets, so beware.