Movies to Watch Before Your London Trip
London is not only a world-renowned tourist destination but also a city that has served as the backdrop for countless films. With its blend of historic architecture and modern landscapes, London appears in various forms on the silver screen. There are actually more London-set films than you might think, making it quite enjoyable to decide which ones to watch while preparing for your trip. From famous landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace to London’s unique alleyways, experiencing screen-bound London beforehand will surely amplify your travel excitement. In this post, let’s explore which movies and TV shows you should watch before your London adventure.
Harry Potter Series
If you want to feel magical excitement while preparing for your London trip, the Harry Potter series is undoubtedly number one. If you’re short on time, at least watch a YouTube summary of “The Philosopher’s Stone.” The Harry Potter films unfold a fantasy world alongside actual London landmarks, making the city’s streets and attractions feel even more special after watching.
The first place that comes to mind is Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station. This magical platform where Harry passes through the wall to depart for Hogwarts is actually set up as a photo zone inside King’s Cross Station, where fans can take pictures pushing a cart just like Harry.
Additionally, London houses Leadenhall Market, the actual filming location for Diagon Alley, the wizarding shopping street from the movies. This historic market, dating back to the 14th century, appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as the location where Hagrid and Harry shop for wands and supplies, making it a must-visit spot for movie fans.
Other London locations include the spiral staircase at St. Paul’s Cathedral (the path to Professor Trelawney’s room), Millennium Bridge crossing the Thames (destroyed in The Deathly Hallows), and London Zoo’s Reptile House (where Harry talks to the snake).
There are tour packages that include Harry Potter Studio tickets and round-trip train tickets. Essential for Harry Potter fans, and even non-fans become fans after visiting.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Among the many Spider-Man series, “Far From Home” lives up to its title by featuring European locations far from America, particularly with many London backdrops. London’s representative landmarks like Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Shard, Big Ben, and London Eye appear vividly in spectacular action sequences, allowing you to experience London’s charm through the screen in advance. The final battle on Tower Bridge and scenes along the Thames will surely heighten your anticipation for London travel.
Why not capture some snap photos at Tower Bridge, which appears so frequently in films?
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
With the famous line “Manners maketh man” and filled with the sophisticated style and delightful action of English gentlemen, this film shows London’s charm in a different light. Particularly, the actual luxury tailor shop ‘Huntsman & Sons’ on Savile Row, hat shops on St. James’s Street, and stylish streets like Regent Street appear as major backgrounds in the film.
The tailor shop ‘Huntsman’ where Kingsman was filmed looks like an ordinary tailor shop from the outside, so many pass by without knowing. The location is as shown below, but since it’s a regular tailor shop, you might wonder if this is really the Kingsman filming location. Note that there are many tailor shops in the area, so you might think it’s just one of many.
About Time (2013)
If “About Time” is your life movie and you’re going to London, how about visiting the Cornwall region where it was filmed through this tour?
About Time is a heartwarming story that makes you reconsider the meaning of precious daily life and family, along with the special element of time travel. The beautiful coastal town of Cornwall in southern England and London’s emotional streets unfold in the film, allowing you to experience British scenery through the screen first. Since actual London landmarks like Paddington Station, Notting Hill, and Maida Vale Station also appear, pay attention to the backgrounds if you’re planning a London trip.
The Crown (Netflix Series)
When preparing for a London trip, the story of the British Royal Family is as essential as iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Among these, the Netflix original series The Crown is arguably the best content for experiencing British modern history vividly.
Immersive Experience of British Modern History:
From Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to recent major royal events, it blends actual history with dramatic imagination. Essential scenes for understanding Britain appear, including the Suez Crisis, Margaret Thatcher’s reign, and Princess Diana’s story.
Overwhelming Visuals and Real Locations:
Sets and locations that recreate actual royal palaces and London landmarks transport viewers to 20th-century Britain. Gorgeous costumes, elaborate interiors, and actual London streets and buildings enhance the work’s immersion.
If you don’t have much time, watching at least seasons 1 and 2 will make the emotions hit much stronger when you see London’s palaces, streets, and museums.
So far, we’ve explored movies and TV shows worth watching before your London trip. Experiencing London’s atmosphere in advance through the content introduced above, and walking while recalling famous movie scenes during your actual trip will create special memories. Hoping your London journey becomes even more enriching, let’s start preparing for an excitement-filled trip with today’s recommended films.