Sherlock Holmes’ London
Sherlock Holmes Pub, Museum, and Other Locations
from Books and Movies
For fans of Sherlock Holmes, London offers a wealth of locations that bring the stories to life. Here are some must-visit spots, along with a walking tour that ties them all together.
Sherlock Holmes’ London Map
Itinerary for a Sherlock Holmes’s London, a Day to Remember: Points of Interest
- Address: 221B Baker Street, London NW1 6XE
- Significance: The Sherlock Holmes Museum is a must-visit for any fan of the legendary detective. Located at the iconic address of 221B Baker Street, the museum offers a meticulously recreated Victorian-era home filled with period-appropriate furnishings and artefacts from the stories. Visitors can explore Holmes’s study, Dr. Watson’s bedroom, and numerous exhibits that bring the world of Sherlock Holmes to life.
Start your day with a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Take the Marylebone exit out of the station to see the nine-foot bronze statue of the fictional detective before heading to the museum at 221B Baker Street. Step inside an exact replica of Holmes’ study or get curious in Dr. Watson’s bedroom where you’ll find handwritten notes sent from the detective to his trusty assistant.
Image © Wikimedia Commons
Criterion Restaurant
- Address: 224 Piccadilly, W1J 9HP London
- Significance: This historic restaurant is where Dr. Watson first learns about Sherlock Holmes from an old friend in the story “A Study in Scarlet.” The Criterion Restaurant, located at Piccadilly Circus, is a perfect starting point for any Sherlockian adventure.
From the museum, head to Criterion Restaurant. Begin your journey at Piccadilly Circus, a bustling hub in central London. From here, you can visit the Criterion Restaurant, where Watson first heard about Holmes.
A short walk away is Pall Mall, often mentioned in Conan Doyle’s stories. Explore the elegant streets and imagine Holmes and Watson walking alongside you.
Update: Unfortunately the restaurant is now permanently closed.
Image © Wikimedia Commons
Speedy's Café
- Location: Near Euston Square
- Significance: Featured in the BBC series “Sherlock,” Speedy’s Café serves as a stand-in for a location near 221B Baker Street. It’s a great place to grab a cup of tea and immerse yourself in the modern adaptation of Holmes’s adventures.
Next, catch the Tube or walk to Euston Square to visit Speedy’s Café. Doubling as a ‘Baker Street’ location in the BBC’s Sherlock, the real-life Speedy’s is a thriving café where you can recharge with a cup of tea to fuel the rest of your detective adventures.
Image © The Langhham
The Langham Hotel
- Address: 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, London
- Significance: This luxurious hotel was the site of a dinner between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde, which inspired significant literary works. The Langham also appears in several Holmes stories.
From Speedy’s Café, take a stroll towards The Langham Hotel. One of London’s grandest hotels, The Langham once hosted a dinner between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde, which resulted in the creation of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Wilde and Holmes’ second literary appearance in The Sign of Four by Conan Doyle. The hotel also appears in later Sherlock mysteries.
The Sherlock Holmes Pub
- Address: 10-11 Northumberland Street, WC2N 5DB London
- Significance: This pub features a replica of Holmes’s study and a collection of memorabilia, including Dr. Watson’s old service revolver. It’s an excellent spot for lunch and offers classic English pub food.
Hop back on the Tube and head to Charing Cross, which is a short walk from The Sherlock Holmes Pub. This is where Holmes went to track down Francis Hay Moulton in The Noble Bachelors.
Inside you’ll find another replica of Holmes’ study, as well as a large amount of memorabilia such as Dr Watson’s old service revolver, and a collection of television and film stills.
Tuck into a delicious lunch at the pub which serves classic English pub food, including fish and chips, and sirloin steak.
Image © Freemasons’ Hall
Freemasons' Hall
- Location: 60 Great Queen Street, London
- Significance: This Grade II listed building is used in the modern Sherlock Holmes films and offers a glimpse into the secretive world often alluded to in the stories.
When you’re done, wander up The Strand to The Lyceum Theatre, which was used as a meeting place in The Sign of Four, and take a look at the beautiful Royal Opera House, a favourite haunt of Sherlock Holmes.
Just around the corner, you’ll also find the Freemasons’ Hall, a Grade II listed building which is used in the modern Sherlock Holmes film.
Image © Simpson’s-in-the-Strand
Simpson’s-in-the-Strand
- Address: 100 Strand, London
- Significance: One of Sherlock Holmes’s favourite restaurants, this establishment serves traditional English food and offers an authentic taste of Victorian England.
No Sherlock Holmes tour is complete without a visit to Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, one of Holmes’s favourite restaurants. Indulge in traditional English fare and experience the ambiance of Victorian London, just as the great detective would have.
Update: The restaurant is temporarily closed.
Image © Somerset House
Somerset House
- Address: Strand, London WC2R 1LA
- Significance: Somerset House is a grand building on the south side of The Strand. Its impressive architecture has been featured in multiple Sherlock Holmes films, including the 2009 movie starring Robert Downey Jr. This historic site adds to the atmospheric backdrop of Holmes’s London adventures.
End your tour at Somerset House, a grand building on the south side of The Strand. Its impressive architecture has been featured in multiple Sherlock Holmes films, including the 2009 movie starring Robert Downey Jr.
- Location: Great Russell Street, London
- Significance: Frequently visited by Holmes for research purposes, the British Museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and offers a connection to the detective’s investigative techniques.
For the next part of your journey, walk to Bloomsbury to see the spectacular British Museum, which Holmes often visited for research purposes. However, consider visiting the British Museum on another day to fully appreciate its extensive collections.
The Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
By following the itinerary above, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes and explore the many fascinating locations that are tied to his adventures in London.
If you’d prefer to have a professional tour guide take you around the city, consider joining the Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour.
Here is why a tour with a professional guide is better:
Opting for a walking tour with a professional guide can significantly enhance your Sherlock Holmes experience in London. Here’s why:
- Expert Knowledge: Professional guides have in-depth knowledge of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the historical context of the stories. They provide detailed insights and fascinating anecdotes that you might miss on a self-guided tour.
- Engaging Experience: Guides often bring the stories to life with their storytelling skills, making the tour more engaging and enjoyable. They can point out hidden details and lesser-known facts about the locations.
- Efficient Itinerary: A guided tour ensures you cover all significant spots efficiently, without the risk of missing any important locations. This is particularly beneficial if you have limited time in London.
- Personalised Attention: Many walking tours offer small group sizes, allowing for a more personalised experience. You can ask questions and interact with the guide, enhancing your understanding of Sherlock Holmes’s world.
- Convenience: Professional tours handle the logistics, from planning the route to managing the timing, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about directions or schedules.
By joining a guided walking tour, you’ll gain a richer and more comprehensive understanding of Sherlock Holmes’s London, making your visit truly memorable.
Sherlock Holmes Festivals and Events
London hosts various festivals and events celebrating Sherlock Holmes, offering unique experiences for fans:
- Sherlock Holmes Festival: An annual event featuring talks, tours, and screenings dedicated to the famous detective.
- Sherlock Holmes Society of London Events: Regular meetings, lectures, and outings organised by the society for enthusiasts.
Find more about these events here.
Literary Locations
Explore the places connected to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s life and work:
- Undershaw: The former home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, located in Surrey, which is now part of Stepping Stones School.
- South Norwood: Doyle lived here while writing some of the early Holmes stories.
Baker Street Underground Station
The Baker Street tube station itself is decorated with Sherlock Holmes motifs, including murals and tiles depicting scenes from the stories.
It’s a great spot for fans to visit and take photos.
Sherlock Holmes Statues and Memorials
- Sherlock Holmes Statue: Located outside Baker Street Station, this statue is a popular photo spot for fans.
- Plaques and Memorials: Look for blue plaques around London marking places of significance related to Conan Doyle and his famous creation.
The Sherlock Holmes Hotel
Holmes Hotel, Marylebone, London
- Address: 108 Baker Street, London W1U 6LJ
- Significance: A themed hotel offering rooms decorated in a style reminiscent of Holmes’s Victorian London.
Shopping for Sherlock Holmes Memorabilia
- Daunt Books: A famous London bookshop where you can find various editions of Sherlock Holmes stories.
- 221B Baker Street Gift Shop: Located in the Sherlock Holmes Museum, offering a wide range of memorabilia.
Immersive Experiences
- Escape Rooms: Sherlock-themed escape rooms offer an interactive way to engage with the detective’s world. Try “Sherlock: The Game Is Now,” an escape room experience created in collaboration with the BBC series.
- Virtual Reality Experiences: Some companies offer VR experiences where you can solve cases as Sherlock Holmes in a virtual Victorian London.
Additional Walking Tours
- Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes Tour: A combined tour exploring the dark side of Victorian London, connecting the fictional detective with real historical events.
- Literary London Tour: This tour covers not only Sherlock Holmes but also other famous literary figures and locations in London.
Notable Adaptations of Sherlock Holmes for Your Reference
Sherlock Holmes has been a beloved character for over a century, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and other media.
Here is a list of some of the most notable movies, TV series, and specials featuring the iconic detective that you can refer to during your London Sherlock Holmes adventures.
Sherlock Holmes Movies
- Sherlock Holmes (2009)
- Director: Guy Ritchie
- Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
- Director: Guy Ritchie
- Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
- Director: Sidney Lanfield
- Starring: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1939)
- Director: Alfred L. Werker
- Starring: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce
- The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)
- Director: Billy Wilder
- Starring: Robert Stephens, Colin Blakely
- Murder by Decree (1979)
- Director: Bob Clark
- Starring: Christopher Plummer, James Mason
- Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)
- Director: Barry Levinson
- Starring: Nicholas Rowe, Alan Cox
- Mr. Holmes (2015)
- Director: Bill Condon
- Starring: Ian McKellen, Laura Linney
- Enola Holmes (2020)
- Director: Harry Bradbeer
- Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin
- Sherlock Gnomes (2018)
- Director: John Stevenson
- Starring: Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt (animated film)
Sherlock Holmes TV Series
- Sherlock (2010–2017)
- Creators: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat
- Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman
- Elementary (2012–2019)
- Creator: Robert Doherty
- Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994)
- Starring: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes
- Starring: Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes
- Sherlock Holmes (1954–1955)
- Starring: Ronald Howard
- Starring: Ronald Howard
- Sherlock Hound (1984–1985)
- Creator: Hayao Miyazaki
- Starring: Taichirō Hirokawa (animated series)
Notable Adaptations and Specials
- The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
- Director: Ron Clements, Burny Mattinson
- Starring: Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham (animated film)
- Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Granada Television Series
- A collection of TV adaptations starring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes.
- A collection of TV adaptations starring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes.
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows – The Sherlock Holmes Collection
- A collection featuring the Guy Ritchie films starring Robert Downey Jr.
