Step into the world of London’s most renowned fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and embark on an adventure through his iconic city! From his famous residence to hidden pubs and escape rooms, uncover the mysteries and secrets that lie within the heart of London.
221B Baker Street: Home of the Great Detective
The address that needs no introduction, 221B Baker Street, is the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes. This legendary address was the setting for many of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous stories, where Holmes and his trusty companion, Dr. Watson, solved countless mysteries. While the real Baker Street didn’t extend to 221 during Doyle’s time, the address is now a privately run Sherlock Holmes Museum, dedicated to the iconic detective.
The museum offers a glimpse into the world of Sherlock Holmes, showcasing exhibits from various films and TV adaptations. You’ll find recreations of iconic scenes, including the famous study, filled with clues, trinkets, and the essence of Holmes’s brilliant mind. For any Sherlockian, a visit to the museum is a must! It’s an immersive experience that brings the world of the stories to life.
Did you know that the museum building is actually located between 237 and 241 Baker Street? It was granted special permission by the City of Westminster to bear the address of 221B Baker Street.
Sherlock Holmes Tours and Experiences
For those who want to delve deeper into the world of Sherlock Holmes, London offers a variety of tours and experiences that cater to every fan.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
The Sherlock Holmes Pub is a traditional Victorian pub in Westminster, with a unique twist. It features themed beers like the Sherlock House Ale and Watson’s Golden Ale. But the real highlight is the recreation of Holmes and Watson’s study and sitting room upstairs. Filled with memorabilia, artwork, and photos from the books and various adaptations, this pub offers a true glimpse into the lives of the famous duo.
The Official Sherlock Live Game
Prepare for an immersive escape room experience with the Official Sherlock Live Game, created by Sherlock Holmes series creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. This unique experience begins even before you enter, with a hidden entrance concealed by a fake opticians inside a shopping mall in Shepherd’s Bush. You need to know the secret code to get inside!
Once you’re in, you’ll be immersed in cool sets and scenes from the show, tasked with finding clues, solving riddles and challenges. Test your detective skills as you race against the clock to crack the case. And the best part? You’ll even encounter virtual appearances from the stars themselves, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott, and Martin Freeman.
The Mind Palace: A Secret Speakeasy
After completing the Sherlock Live Game, head next door to the Mind Palace, a hidden speakeasy for secret agents and spies. This clandestine bar offers a creative menu of themed cocktails and even an immersive cocktail-making experience, “The Case of the Poisoned Chalice.” You’ll work as a team to solve mysteries, find the ingredients, and complete your drink.
Every weekend, the Mind Palace also hosts Mrs. Hudson’s afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, and tea/coffee, alongside a Sherlock-themed mini-mystery to solve.
More Sherlock Holmes Sites in London
Beyond the iconic locations, London is filled with places that played a role in the life and adventures of Sherlock Holmes. These locations offer a glimpse into the real world that inspired the stories and bring the detective’s adventures to life.
St Bart’s Hospital: The Meeting Place of Holmes and Watson
St Bart’s Hospital in the City of London is where Sherlock Holmes first met Dr. John Watson. In Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1887 novel, A Study in Scarlet, Holmes famously observes, “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive,” upon meeting Watson.
While the real hospital was not used as a filming location for this scene in any of the adaptations, the exterior of the hospital was cleverly featured in the BBC Sherlock series. Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) famously jumps off the building’s roof during his (spoiler alert) fake suicide attempt.
Speedy’s Cafe: A Real-Life Sherlock Hotspot
In the BBC Sherlock series, the exterior shots of Sherlock’s flat, 221b Baker Street, were actually filmed just down the road on North Gower Street in Bloomsbury. It’s in the same location where you’ll find Speedy’s Cafe, a small sandwich bar and cafe that is a prominent fixture in the series.
Speedy’s remains a functioning cafe, and due to its newfound Sherlock fame, they also sell themed sandwiches and souvenir T-shirts for die-hard fans.
Simpson’s Restaurant: A Culinary Favorite of Holmes and Watson
This historic high-end restaurant on the Strand was a favorite haunt of Holmes and Watson. In The Adventure of the Dying Detective, Holmes tells Watson, “Something nutritious at Simpson’s would not be out of place.”
It’s believed that Arthur Conan Doyle’s own preference for the traditional English restaurant inspired his characters’ love for Simpson’s.
London is a city brimming with Sherlock Holmes history and experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious to explore the world of the iconic detective, London offers an unforgettable journey through the mysteries and adventures that have captivated readers and viewers for generations.
