Transport for London
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Follow in film stars’ footsteps
Forget Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant and Laurence Olivier - Britain's biggest, best and most enduring film star is the multi-talented city of London.
Despite failing to win a single award nomination, the capital has played a pivotal role in so many big screen blockbusters that strolling around can feel like being on one giant film set. Every filmgoer knows that JK Rowling's Hogwarts Express train departs from Platform 9¾ of King's Cross station (actually St. Pancras International).
Another iconic location is Diagon Alley and the location of the 'Leaky Cauldron', visited by Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) and his wizard apprentice (Daniel Radcliffe) in 2001's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Off Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LR. Nearest Tube stations: Bank/ Monument.
Incidentally, if you're a Potter fan and happen to be passing through Westminster Tube station ticket hall, you'll remember it's where in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) first encounters the Tube. In the scene, Mr Weasley turns to Potter and declares: "Trains underground! Ingenious, these muggles."
Hampstead's 17th-century Kenwood House is no stranger to the silver screen. It doubled as 'Southerton' in Mansfield Park (1999) and has welcomed Hollywood stars including Julia Roberts (Notting Hill, 1999) and Peter O'Toole (Venus, 2006). Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR. Nearest Tube stations: Gospel Oak/ Hampstead Heath.
The Tower of London has been seen in classics including Alfie (1966) and Trainspotting (1996), but ask the Tower's famous ravens 'what's the strangest sight you've ever seen?' and they may well mention Miss Piggy's wedding, shot there for 2014's Muppets Most Wanted. Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB. Nearest Tube/Pier: Tower Hill.
Borough Market is another movie veteran, appearing in films ranging from The French Lieutenant's Woman (1982) to The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). Stop for a drink at The Globe pub in Bedale Street, which featured in Bridget Jones's Diary (2001). Hapless Bridget (Renée Zellweger) lived in a flat directly above. Nearby Park Street was filmed for Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998). Today, you can clothes shop or sip coffee in buildings used as the 'Dog's place', the
cab office, and the hideout of Nick Moran, Jason Statham and gang. 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Nearest Tube/rail: London Bridge.
As you enjoy views of the River Thames, St. Paul's and Tate Modern from the futuristic-looking London Millennium Footbridge, take a good look at your nearest neighbours. Some of the alien city inhabitants that crossed the bridge in the sci-fi epic Guardians of the Galaxy might still be hanging around. Nearest Tube/rail: St. Paul's/ Blackfriars.
The bridge's appearance in the 2014 movie could be considered strange by some film fans, given that Fenrir Greyback (Dave Legeno) and a group of Death Eaters destroyed it in 2009's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In that scene, you can clearly see the adjacent Bankside Pier, used by Thames Clippers' river bus services, which offer a speedy and gloriously scenic means of getting there by water.
To plan your travel routes, go to the TfL website.
