As one of the world’s biggest film-making locations, it’s no wonder why London is a hub for movie lovers. With its rich history, vibrant culture and variety of architectural styles, the city offers an extensive array of activities for cinephiles to explore.
From iconic film locations and movie-themed immersive experiences to candlelit concerts, you can take it a step further with this fantastic guide of film-related things to do. Whether you’re a film buff or simply love the silver screen, get ready to discover the best cinematic plans for your next adventure in the city.
1. Discover a magical place at Avora: New World Cocktail Experience
Speaking of otherworldly adventures, Avora: New World Cocktail Experience whisks you away into a magical realm, brought to life by incredible set design, live actors and mesmerising projections.
Your journey begins in a laboratory where you’ll be equipped with a jumpsuit and given a colour-changing cocktail to acclimatise you to the new world, next you’ll enter a mystical woodland for your second concoction and then, as night falls, you’ll forage for spirit-filled ‘Juniper Berries’ and sip your third cocktail by the colourful glow of bioluminescent flora and fauna. Let’s just say, if you loved the vibrant world of Avatar, you’ll definitely love the world of Avora.
2. Pay a visit to one of London’s many film locations
It’s no secret London is a hotspot for filming with its historic buildings, picturesque parks and bustling streets. It may even be that your favourite flick unfolded right here in the labyrinthine metropolis. So why not step through the screen and put yourself in the shoes of much-loved characters by exploring the many familiar filming locations that can be found around the city?
Whether it’s the pastel houses seen in Notting Hill, the local haunts of Shaun of the Dead (sadly The Winchester pub is now a block of flats but at least it’s zombie-free – I hope) or Paddington train station, where the marmalade-obsessed bear met the Brown’s and got his name.
3. Enjoy a cinematic story in the theatre with The Lion King
We all know the tale of Simba’s journey to reclaim his throne – seen it told through striking animated adventures as a child – but there’s nothing quite like experiencing the story unfolding on stage. An award-winning musical, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is a spellbinding piece of theatre, enchanting audience members of all ages with powerful vocal performances, incredible props, stunning set design and songs you can’t help but sing along to. I mean, try saying ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’ in monotone with absolutely no melody – it’s impossible.
4. Fall under the spell of film soundtracks by candlelight
If you are looking to celebrate the best of the big screen, then a cinematic Candlelight concert is just the ticket. You’ll be in film heaven, listening to sonorous sci-fi and fantasy soundtracks, being swept away by epic scores or even embarking on a magical journey into the musical world of Ludovico Einaudi.
The concerts take place at a variety of London locations including the centuries-old Southwark Cathedral and Central Hall Westminster. There, a sea of candles will illuminate the historic architecture and talented musicians with a soft, flickering glow. Sit back and relax as string ensembles or quartets give these familiar songs a stunning acoustic twist.
5. Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps with a visit to Platform 9 ¾
A trip to Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross station is a must for any Potterheads. Make sure to grab your cloak and charge your phone up beforehand as this is a prime photo opportunity; just look out for the luggage trolley half embedded in the wall (and just pre-warn you there’s occasionally a queue, especially in the festive period). Once you’ve got the golden shot of you about to embark on your journey to Hogwarts you can also swing by the gift shop, reminiscent of Olliver’s Wand Emporium, to stock up on gifts for like-minded friends and family members.
6. See where stories are brought to life on this blockbuster Film Tour
London is a hotspot for filming, with its collection of historic architecture, bustling streets and iconic landmarks serving as a perfect backdrop to unlikely romances, witty comedies and slick spy capers. To explore one particularly cinematic spot look no further than this tour of the Old Royal Naval College, one of the world’s most popular filming locations.
Over the course of 60 minutes, you’ll find out secrets from behind the scenes, live out moments from hits such as Bridgerton, The Crown, Four Weddings And A Funeral and Thor: The Dark World, and even walk the very halls Meryl Streep once strode through as the iron lady.
7. Step into the shadowy world of Batman
The Batman Unmasked Exhibition will be in London until December 30, giving fans plenty of time to explore its fascinating collection of original props, costumes, and iconic vehicles from the Batman films. Visitors can immerse themselves in the gritty world of Gotham City through themed rooms, including the Batcave and Arkham Maze, while also enjoying interactive gaming and comic areas. Don’t miss the chance to see the Batmobile from The Batman (2022) and the Batpod from The Dark Knight.
8. Take a selfie with the film stars at Madame Tussauds
Ok so they might not be the real deal, but some of the waxwork figures can be pretty uncanny and may even fool a few friends when you post a photo on Instagram; at the very least it warrants a double-take. If you’re one to watch a film for the actors starring in it, then this may be the closest you’ll get to the stars of the big screen: see how you measure up to The Rock, bust out your best heroic pose in the Marvel Hall of Heroes and take a seat beside wise-cracking Han Solo.
9. Dive into the BFI’s extensive film collection
If you’re on the hunt for a rare gem: free film-related things to do in London, then BFI has got just the thing. At their Mediatheque in BFI Southbank, you can hole up in a booth, slip on headphones and watch one of their 95,000 titles; all without spending a penny. You can even travel back to the beginning of cinema in the 1890s or unearth a pioneering documentary on an intriguing subject, there’s something to float every boat – even if it’s a long-forgotten sitcom you once loved but completely forgot the name of.
10. Swing by Leicester Square to soak up the buzz of a film premiere
Talking of free things to do – if you have the passion, time and intense urge to get a celeb selfie then you could always swing by Leicester Square for a film premiere. Numerous titles will be bringing spectacle to the square throughout 2024 and if you want to find yourself among the flashing lights and rubbing shoulders (from afar) with the well-dressed talent, you could try and grab a spot by the barriers to see it all unfold and maybe even grab a photo with one of the stars.
If jostling crowds and patience aren’t your thing though, you could always just duck inside a nearby cinema to scoff popcorn and watch a film from the comfort of a plush seat – just probably not the one that is premiering unless you have a special invite (in which case – get you!).
11. Top it all off with a stay in a film-themed hotel
If you want to go all in on a film lover’s day in London, then you better book a stay at a hotel to suit the occasion. The Wizard Chambers should be top of the list for any Potterheads. Sequestered away down a portrait-lined passageway in the lower ground floor of the Georgian House Hotel, these bewitching rooms are decked out with velvet curtains, cauldrons and many charming curiosities that will make it feel like you have stepped inside the films themselves.
Alternatively, ibis Styles London Ealing has paid tribute to nearby Ealing Studios with budget-friendly prices and film-themed decor – think corridor carpets covered in film quotes, Hollywood-style bulb lights and cinematic cocktails such as ‘Some Like It Hot’.