Lights, Camera, London
A Cinematic Journey Through the City's Iconic Filming Locations
It’s no secret that London is a filmmaker’s paradise. With its historic buildings, vibrant streets, and stunning views along the Thames, we can see why so many blockbusters and beloved TV shows were filmed there.
In this article, explore some of the most iconic filming locations in the capital that you can easily reach with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Walk in the stars’ footsteps and see where the magic happened.
Relive The King’s Speech at Battersea Power Station
Step into the regal world of The King’s Speech, where King George VI overcomes his stammer. Control Room A at Battersea Power Station provides a visually stunning backdrop with its vintage control panels and Art Deco design.
On the other side end of the river, the Old Royal Naval College (just a 4-minute walk from Greenwich Pier) doubled as Buckingham Palace.
Recreate James Bond’s journey along the Thames
Experience the thrill of Spectre with Daniel Craig’s boat chase down the Thames. While you won’t be speeding through the water quite like James Bond does, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers connects Greenwich, North Greenwich, and Woolwich to central London, allowing you to enjoy the sights at a leisurely pace.
You can also follow the route of Pierce Brosnan’s speedboat chase in The World Is Not Enough, which starts at the MI6 building at Vauxhall Cross (a 5-minute walk from Vauxhall (St George Wharf) Pier), passing iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, the Docklands, and The O2 arena.
Battle with Thor at the Old Royal Naval College
Marvel fans, this one's for you! Thor: The Dark World features a climactic battle at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, with a giant spaceship crashing into the ground. The stunning Baroque architecture provides a dramatic backdrop for Thor’s epic showdown.
Also, everyone knows that Greenwich is not 3 stops from Charing Cross! The best way for Thor to get to Greenwich from Charing Cross would have been to travel by boat with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers!
Travel through time with Doctor Who along the Thames
Whovians, rejoice! Doctor Who has filmed all over London, with some of the most iconic scenes shot along the Thames. Visit:
- Big Ben: The site of the scene of the spaceship crash in "Aliens of London" (3 minutes from Westminster Pier).
- The London Eye: Used as a transmitter in "Rose" (near London Eye (Waterloo) Pier).
- Canary Wharf: Site of the Daleks vs. Cybermen battle in "Army of Ghosts" and "Doomsday" (Canary Wharf Pier).
- The Globe Theatre: Featured in "The Shakespeare Code" (near Bankside Pier).
- Battersea Power Station: Battersea Power Station has made several appearances in Doctor Who, primarily as a visual shorthand for London. Its first appearance was in the episode "The Dalek Invasion of Earth." It was later seen in "The War Machines." In the two-part story "Rise of the Cybermen" and "The Age of Steel," the character John Lumic uses Battersea Power Station as his base of operations.
Feel the revolution at Greenwich with Les Misérables
The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, was a prime filming location for Les Misérables’ powerful scenes of rebellion and redemption. Walk through the grounds and imagine the powerful voices of the cast echoing through the air.
Another movie filmed here was Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides!
Experience the thrill of 28 weeks later, walk the Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Fan of zombie movies this one is for you! Take a trip under the River Thames through the Victorian foot tunnel located by the Cutty Sark ( 2-minute walk from Greenwich Pier). In 28 weeks later the Greenwich Foot Tunnel is used as a route for the protagonists to escape from the zombies and the bomb!
Experience the action-packed backdrop of the Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard in Woolwich
Check out Woolwich Town Hall, approximately a 14-minute walk from Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) Pier, which is the grand setting for the intense scenes in the Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. The stunning architecture adds a touch of elegance to the thrilling escapades of Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson.
Step into the wizarding world with these Harry Potter filming locations
London is home to many iconic scenes in the Harry Potter films:
- Millennium Bridge: “Destroyed” by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (4 minutes from Blackfriars Pier).
- Leadenhall Market: The real-life Diagon Alley, located about 13 minutes from Tower Pier.
- Borough Market: The film’s entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in The Prisoner of Azkaban (6 minutes from London Bridge City Pier).
- Great Scotland Yard: The film’s entrance to the Ministry of Magic in The Order of the Phoenix (6 minutes from Embankment Pier).
- Piccadilly Circus: This iconic location (an 18 minutes from Embankment Pier) is featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Harry, Ron and Hermione apparate there to escape the Death Eaters and narrowly avoid being hit by a London Bus.
- Leicester Square: Although it’s not a Harry Potter filming location, it’s home to the Harry Potter film premieres and a Harry Potter statue (13 minutes from Embankment Pier).
Visit Bridgerton’s regency sites in Greenwich and Westminster
Step into the surroundings of Regency romance, Bridgerton. Visit Ranger’s House in Greenwich (a 22-minute walk from Greenwich Pier) to see the exterior of the Bridgerton family home.
Then, head over to Lancaster House (a 23-minute walk from Westminster Pier), which serves as the interior for Queen Charlotte’s Palace. These locations truly bring the opulent settings of the hit Netflix series to life.
Swing into action with Spider-Man at Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge (a 9-minute walk from Tower Pier) is home to the legendary battle from Spider-Man: Far From Home, allowing you to channel your inner Peter Parker and feel the thrill of being a superhero!
Step back in time in Westminster with Darkest Hour
The Churchill War Rooms is a key location from Darkest Hour. A 10-minute walk from Westminster Pier, the museum offers a glimpse into Winston Churchill’s leadership during one of Britain’s most challenging times.
Walk the streets of Xandar on the Millennium Bridge
Guardians of the Galaxy features the Millennium Bridge (a 3-minute walk from Bankside Pier) in a scene where panicked crowds flee as a spaceship threatens to crash into Xandar. This sleek, futuristic structure is a perfect fit for the film’s otherworldly aesthetic.
Experience the magic of Mary Poppins at Covent Garden
Mary Poppins Returns featured many film locations in London, like Covent Garden’s Chandos Place (an 8-minute walk from Embankment Pier) and Goodwin’s Court (a 12-minute walk from Embankment Pier). These charming spots capture the whimsical magic of Mary Poppins, transporting you to a world where anything is possible.
Encounter Gotham’s Dark Knight at Barking Riverside
Fans of The Batman (2022) can head to Barking Riverside for a slice of Gotham grit! In a scene that captures the city’s shadowy allure, Robert Pattinson’s Batman appears as the caped crusader in the imposing Switch Building (a 10-minute walk from Barking Riverside Pier). The derelict 3-storey building once housed offices for Barking’s old power station.
Plan your cinematic adventure with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Ready to explore these famous film locations in London?
Plan your journey with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and discover the magic of the movies along the Thames. Travel with ease, enjoy the sights, and immerse yourself in the world of TV and cinema like a true film buff!