Welcome, fellow spies! If you’re planning a trip to London and are a fan of the legendary James Bond, this is your guide to exploring the iconic locations that brought the 007 saga to life. From the author’s haunts to the filming sites of some of the most exciting scenes, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Bond.
Ian Fleming’s London: A Literary Legacy
Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, left an indelible mark on London. While Jamaica’s GoldenEye may be his most famous abode, his early years were spent in Belgravia, at 22B Ebury Street, a building previously housing the Pimlico Literary Institution. Today, a blue plaque commemorates Fleming’s time in this historic residence, a reminder of the literary genius who shaped the world of espionage.
Fleming’s London legacy doesn’t stop there. 16 Victoria Square, nestled between Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station, was his London home starting in 1953. This charming property, designed by renowned architect Sir Matthew Wyatt, was a haven for Fleming to craft his captivating tales.
Bond’s Nightlife: From Literary Salons to Secret Meetings
Fleming’s love for London’s vibrant nightlife heavily influenced the Bond universe. DUKES bar in Mayfair, a favorite haunt of the author, is often associated with Bond’s famous martini – shaken, not stirred. Boodle’s Club in St James’s Street, another of Fleming’s haunts, served as inspiration for Blades Club, a prominent feature in the 1955 novel Moonraker.
The Real-Life Blades Club: A Fencing Duel and a Madonna Cameo
The name “Blades” resurfaces in the 2002 film Die Another Day. The fencing club where Bond duels with Gustav Graves is none other than The Reform Club, a prestigious private members club in Pall Mall. This location also played host to a memorable Madonna cameo appearance. The Reform Club, a place of power and intrigue, also appears in Quantum of Solace (2008), doubling as the Foreign Office for a pivotal scene.
Iconic Locations: From Buckingham Palace to St. Pancras Station
Buckingham Palace, a symbol of British royalty, makes a dramatic entrance in Die Another Day, serving as the backdrop for Gustav Graves’s parachuting arrival to receive his knighthood from the Queen.
London’s grandeur extends beyond Buckingham Palace. The Langham Hotel, a luxurious establishment in Portland Place, takes on the role of Bond’s lavish Russian hotel in GoldenEye (1995). The elegant Drapers Hall on Throgmorton Avenue, meanwhile, serves as the Russian Council Chamber.
GoldenEye also takes viewers on a journey through London’s iconic train station, St. Pancras Station, transforming it into the St. Petersburg Station. The film further utilizes the stunning interior of St. Sophia Cathedral in Moscow Road as a stand-in for the St. Petersburg church.
Somerset House on the Strand also features as St. Petersburg in GoldenEye, with the production bringing in 40 Russian cars for a memorable scene. This location also makes an appearance in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), as Bond arrives in his iconic Aston Martin DB5.
Bond’s Artful Encounters: From The National Gallery to The Old Royal Naval College
The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square takes center stage in Skyfall (2012), where Bond and his new Q meet for the first time. Their encounter takes place in Room 34, overlooking J.M.W. Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire”, a painting that mirrors Bond’s potential fate following the closure of the double-O program.
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, known for its historic grandeur, serves as the venue for M’s emotional farewell to the fallen agents in Skyfall.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change in Whitehall features prominently in Skyfall as well, showcasing the rooftop scene where Moneypenny presents Bond with a ceramic bulldog, a poignant reminder of M’s legacy.
The River Thames: A Dramatic Stage for Bond’s Adventures
The River Thames, a vital artery of London, becomes a stage for breathtaking action sequences in The World Is Not Enough (1999). Bond chases Cigar Girl along the river, zipping past landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the O2 Arena. His daring mid-air barrel roll in the Q Jet Boat is filmed at Millwall Docks.
The Modern Face of MI6: City Hall, Freemasons’ Hall, and Vauxhall Cross
City Hall in Southwark, once home to the Greater London Assembly and the Mayor of London, takes on the role of the Centre for National Security in Spectre (2015). Freemasons’ Hall on Great Queen Street features as the Foreign Office, where C is anointed as the Head of Nine Eyes.
Vauxhall Cross, home to the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), has become a familiar location in the Bond franchise. This building, first introduced in GoldenEye (1995), has endured attacks in The World Is Not Enough, Skyfall, and Spectre. Vauxhall Cross also appears as an establishing shot in Die Another Day, with scenes set in the fictional Vauxhall Cross tube station.
Underground Adventures and Whitehall’s Secret Encounters
The real-life London Underground takes on a thrilling role in Skyfall, as Silva escapes MI6. While much of the action takes place at Pinewood Studios, filmmakers captured crucial scenes on a disused Jubilee Line platform at Charing Cross Station, although the chase sequence unfolds between Temple and Embankment stations on screen.
The Ministry of Defence Main Building in Whitehall, a place of power and intrigue, plays the role of the MI6 offices in No Time to Die (2021). The building itself had a prior appearance in For Your Eyes Only (1981).
The Old War Office Building also features in Octopussy (1983) as MI6. Carlton House Terrace, meanwhile, serves as the exterior for Madeleine Swann’s office in No Time to Die (2021).
London’s Hidden Gems: From Malaysia House to Rules Restaurant
Malaysia House, located off Trafalgar Square on Cockspur Street, becomes the front for MI6, known as Universal Exports in The Living Daylights (1987).
35 Spring Gardens, almost opposite Malaysia House, serves as the exterior of the safe house where M, Q, and Moneypenny meet in Spectre (2015).
Rules, said to be one of London’s oldest restaurants in Covent Garden, features in Spectre, hosting M, Q, and Moneypenny for a memorable dinner. Diners can even request “M’s table” for a truly Bond-esque experience.
As you explore London’s iconic landmarks, remember that behind the scenes, James Bond continues to leave his mark on the city. From Fleming’s literary haunts to the filming locations of some of the most thrilling action sequences, London is a must-visit for any fan of the world’s most famous spy. So, put on your best suit, grab a martini, and prepare to embrace the exciting world of James Bond in London!
