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 stunning architecture, the city offers an extensive array of activities for cinephiles to explore. From iconic film locations and movie-themed immersive experiences to candlelit concerts, there’s no shortage of options for movie enthusiasts.
So, if simply watching your favourite films doesn’t quite hit the spot for you, 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 Hans Zimmer’s epic scores or even embarking on a magical journey into the musical world of Joe Hisaishi. The concerts take place at a variety of London locations including the centuries-old Southwark Cathedral, Central Hall Westminster and St. Stephen Walbrook. 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. Learn behind-the-scenes secrets at the Disney 100: The Exhibition
It goes without saying this should be on any Disney devotee’s list. But it’s not just fans of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Cinderella who will have fun looking behind the curtain of our favourite animated flicks, Disney 100: The Exhibition also takes us into the wondrous worlds of Pixar, MARVEL and Star Wars. With a treasure trove of over 250 artefacts, props, memorabilia and costumes you’ll be in a 20,000 square-foot Disney wonderland. By the time you emerge, you’ll be itching to get home and revisit all your childhood favourites for a magical trip down memory lane.
7. See where stories are brought to life on this Film & TV Location 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 films such as 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.
8. Explore the endlessly intriguing world of Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition
Got a travel wishlist? Well, it’s going to be twice as long after a visit to Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition. Located in South Kensington, this exhibition invites you on a photographic adventure to every corner of the world, as seen through the distinct, symmetrical lens of Wes Anderson. From nature-wrapped cabins in the tangled wilderness of America to the pastel-pink tunnels of the North Korean metro, you will be taken on a visual journey captured by immense talented photographers who have captured the charm and character of everyday locations and objects.
It’s not just photos, there’s also a red velvet theatre to watch AWA videos and a retro photo booth to make some memories. Plus, be sure to bring a camera and put on your best Wes Anderson-inspired outfit, because you won’t be able to resist the variety of profile pic-worthy photo opportunities.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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!).
12. 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’.