How to Travel: London (Without Boring Museums)
By Haydn Hickson
Do YOU remember the time that the cast of your favourite TV show went to the Big Ben? Do you remember the time your favourite band filmed a music video in London’s city centre? We remember. And we’re here to help engage your nostalgia by telling you exactly where you should go to bring these memories to life! Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to tackle nostalgic pop culture, when in London.
Music
The Beatles
Locations: Abbey Road, Abbey Road Studios
If you’ve got a squad, then you need to go to Abbey Road. What better way to announce your Euro-Summer trip than with a picture recreating the most iconic album cover of all time. I would practice your squad-walk in advance though, it’s surprisingly hard to get right. Beatles fans can also visit Abbey Road Studios where the band recorded quite a bit of their music.
Spice Girls
Locations: St. Pancreas Hotel, Ministry of Sound, Royal Albert Hall
If you’re a fan of the most successful girl-group of all time, then you’re in luck! There are so many activities to do and places to visit in London if you’re a fan of the Spice Girls. Make sure you hit up St. Pancreas Hotel to visit the forever-iconic Wannabe-steps. Also, if you’re a fan of Spice World: The Movie, then why not visit the nightclub they went to AND the location of the concert in the final scene. The Spice Bus is also floating around somewhere too!
One Direction
Locations: City Centre, Lambeth Bridge
If you’re still not over the One Direction split, have no fear, there’s 1D nostalgia at every corner! I recommend traveling around the city-centre, jumping up and down on a double decker bus to recreate the unforgettable music video for One Thing. You can also hit up Lambeth Bridge if you want to recreate the single cover art too!
Movies
Harry Potter
Locations: Kings Cross Station, Warner Bros. Studios
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may want to book extra time in London for your Euro-Summer trip: there’s just too much to do. First up, make sure you go to Kings Cross Station and get your photo at Platform 9 and ¾. Also, why not hit up Warner Bros. Studios to take a look at exclusive props, costumes and sets! Book early though, you don’t want to miss out and this tour usually sells out way in advance! Not to mention, the musical is also on. Accio GBP, please!
Bridget Jones’ Diary
Location: Borough Market, Streets near Tower Bridge
You’ll definitely want to head to London if you’re a fan of this iconic rom-com! Whether you wanna take a pic at the front of Bridget Jones’ door or visit the church used for the memorial service of Daniel Cleaver, London is the go! Also, if you’re feeling hungry, head to Borough Market for some yummy lunch! It also happens to be where Bridget bought the ingredients for her infamous blue soup!
James Bond
Location: London Film Museum
With over 100 original vehicles and artefacts spanning across 24 James Bond films, this museum isn’t one to miss if you’re a 007 fan. Every single item on display in this museum was an OG prop with zero replicas in sight!
TV
Friends
Locations: City Centre
As Joseph Tribiani once said, “It’s London Baby”! Make sure you go around all the main sights using a pop-up map, if you can. Hopefully you’ll run into Fergie!
Literature
Shakespeare
Locations: The Globe Theatre
Whether you want to reminisce on those Year 10 English days or you’re looking for entertainment on one evening, we’ve got you covered! Heading to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is an absolute must! Catch the OG plays with a modern twist at a whole range of prices that’ll fit anyone’s budget. But, if you’re not vibing the shows that are on at the moment, you can always tour the iconic theatre and visit the gift shop! You never know when you’ll need a Hamlet skull or a Macbeth apron!
Sherlock Holmes
Location: 221B Baker Street
That’s right! Located at the address of the OG Sherlock is a museum dedicated to the iconic detective. Don’t forget to pre-book this one! It usually sells out in advance.
Agatha Christie
Location: St Martin’s Theatre
Nothing like seeing the greatest whodunit of all time being performed live! Just promise us you won’t look up the killer on wikipedia beforehand! Fun fact: The Mousetrap is the longest running play ever. Like ever. Be part of history!
Games
Monopoly
Locations: Mayfair, Park Lane
Find out if those places were really worth $400 and $350, respectively.
Safe Travels Kids!