Seeing as nothing screams ‘Secret London’ quite like a TV show about espionage and assassination taking place in the Big Smoke, we thought it only right that we round up some of the spots in the city that served as a backdrop in the new binge-worthy season of Black Doves.
If you didn’t already know, the critically-acclaimed Netflix spy thriller centres around a covert organisation (the Black Doves) who uncover and trade political secrets. It features a fair few familiar faces, including Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, and Ambika Mod – and aside from a few scenes here and there, the majority of the filming took place in our capital city. So, without further ado, here are the directions to head in if you want to fully immerse yourself in all of the gasp-inducing action.
10 Downing Street
Okay, in keeping with the covert nature of the show, we’re starting off with a filming location that isn’t quite what it seems. With Wallace (Andrew Buchan) having been recently appointed Prime Minister, him and his wife Helen (Keira Knightley) are living at 10 Downing Street. However, what you see on screen – unsurprisingly – isn’t the real 10 Downing Street. Most of the interior shots were filmed at Harefield Grove in Uxbridge whilst the exterior scenes were shot at Gray’s Inn in Holborn.
St Mary le Strand
One of London’s most historic churches gets a bit of screen time in this season of the show. Helen and Laila (Ambika Mod) meet in the courtyard outside St Mary le Strand to discuss the whereabouts of Reed (Sarah Lancashire).
Somerset House
Not particularly surreptitious in stature, London’s legendary Somerset House makes an appearance in season 2 of Black Doves when Helen and Laila can be seen dashing through the gallery, alleyway, and corridors of the landmark in episode 2.
National Theatre
The National Theatre serves as the setting of a rather tense conversation between Helen and Mr Conteh (Babou Ceesay) in episode 2.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park is the beautiful backdrop for Helen and Reed’s regular meet-ups. The duo meet on a bench in the middle of the 200-acre park to discuss their Black Doves dealings.
Trafalgar Square
It’s not all gunshots and gallivanting, folks. Trafalgar Square gets its moment to shine during a bittersweet goodbye between Helen and Sam (Ben Whishaw) in a heartfelt moment in the final episode of the season.
Jack Solomons
Last but not least, we have this stylish Soho speakeasy that serves as a regular hangout for Sam, Eleanor (Gabrielle Creevy), and Williams (Ella Lily Hyland). The trio are frequently found in the subterranean spot, catching up over a drink or two.
