Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of London, following in the footsteps of the world’s most celebrated fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. From his iconic residence to hidden speakeasies, this city holds countless secrets waiting to be unraveled.
221B Baker Street: The Legendary Address
The name 221B Baker Street conjures up images of a brilliant mind, a cozy study, and a world of intrigue. This legendary address, made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, was the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes between 1881 and 1904. While the real Baker Street didn’t extend that high during the time the books were written, the address now proudly houses the Sherlock Holmes Museum, a haven for fans of the detective.
The museum is a testament to Sherlock Holmes’ enduring legacy. It features exhibits showcasing artifacts from numerous film and TV adaptations, as well as meticulously recreated scenes from the books, including the iconic study. If you’re a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, this museum is a must-visit.
Did you know? The museum building is actually located between 237 and 241 Baker Street, but it was granted special permission by the City of Westminster to use the address 221B Baker Street.
A Sherlockian Adventure Awaits
Ready to delve deeper into the world of Sherlock Holmes? London offers a variety of unique experiences that bring the fictional detective to life:
Sherlock Holmes Pub: A Victorian Gem
Step into a world of mystery and intrigue at the Sherlock Holmes Pub. This traditional Victorian pub in Westminster serves up delicious pub grub and themed beers, including the Sherlock House Ale and Watson’s Golden Ale. But the real draw is upstairs, where you’ll discover a meticulously recreated version of Holmes and Watson’s study and sitting room. This charming space is filled with memorabilia, artwork, and photos from the books and various film and TV adaptations, creating an immersive experience for fans.
The objects in this recreation were acquired from an exhibit created for the 1951 Festival of Britain, giving the pub a unique historical touch.
The Official Sherlock Live Game: An Escape Room Adventure
Test your detective skills in the Official Sherlock Live Game, an exciting escape room experience created by Sherlock Holmes series creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. This immersive experience starts before you even step inside. The entrance is cleverly concealed within a fake opticians shop inside a shopping mall in Shepherd’s Bush. The only way to gain access is by knowing the secret code.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be transported to cool immersive sets and scenes from the show, where you’ll need to find clues, solve riddles and challenges, and put your detective skills to the test against the clock. The game even features special virtual appearances by the stars themselves, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott, and Martin Freeman.
Once you’ve conquered the game, head next door to Sherlock’s Mind Palace, a hidden speakeasy for secret agents and spies.
Sherlock’s Mind Palace: A Speakeasy with a Twist
Sherlock’s Mind Palace is a hidden speakeasy seamlessly connected to the Sherlock escape room experience. This atmospheric spot offers a creative menu of themed cocktails. For a truly immersive experience, try the “Case of the Poisoned Chalice” cocktail-making session. You’ll need to work as a team to solve mysteries and find the ingredients to complete your drink.
Every weekend, Mrs. Hudson’s afternoon tea takes place at the Mind Palace. This unique afternoon tea features a delicious selection of freshly made sandwiches, scones, sweet treats, and tea/coffee. The real highlight is the Sherlock-themed mini-mystery you’ll be tasked with solving, adding a touch of detective work to your afternoon tea.
The Holmes Hotel: A Boutique Stay
For a Sherlock-themed escape with a touch of elegance, book a stay at the Holmes Hotel. This boutique-style hotel is housed in an elegant 18th-century Georgian townhouse in Marylebone Village London. The hotel subtly incorporates Sherlock Holmes themes throughout, creating a stylish and understated atmosphere.
London’s Sherlock Holmes Filming Locations
Explore some of the real-life locations featured in the books and film and TV adaptations of Sherlock Holmes:
St Bart’s Hospital: Where Sherlock Met Watson
St Bart’s Hospital in the City of London is where Sherlock Holmes famously uttered the words, “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive,” when he first met Dr. John Watson in Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1887 novel, A Study in Scarlet.
Dr. Watson had trained and worked at the hospital before deploying to Afghanistan, while Sherlock Holmes was conducting research in the hospital’s chemical lab. Their paths crossed when Watson needed a place to live, and Holmes had a spare room in his flat.
Although the real hospital hasn’t been used as a filming location for this scene in any of the adaptations, the exterior of the hospital was cleverly used in the BBC Sherlock series when Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) jumps off the roof during his (spoiler alert) fake suicide attempt.
North Gower Street: 221b Baker Street in Disguise
In the BBC Sherlock series, the exterior shots of Sherlock’s flat at 221b Baker Street were actually filmed on North Gower Street in Bloomsbury, just down the road from the real Baker Street, due to heavy traffic. It is also in this same location where you’ll find the very real Speedy’s Cafe, a small sandwich bar and cafe that features prominently in the series.
Speedy’s remains a functioning cafe, but due to its newfound Sherlock fame, they also sell themed sandwiches and souvenir T-shirts for die-hard fans.
Simpson’s-in-the-Strand: A Restaurant with Literary History
This historic high-end restaurant on the Strand was once referred to by Watson as “our Strand restaurant.” At the end of The Adventure of the Dying Detective, after fasting for three days, Holmes says to Watson, “Something nutritious at Simpson’s would not be out of place.”
The characters’ fondness for Simpson’s is believed to have stemmed from author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s own preference for this traditional English restaurant.
London is a city brimming with Sherlock Holmes charm. From his iconic home to hidden speakeasies and real-life filming locations, every corner holds a piece of the detective’s legacy. So, put on your deerstalker hat, sharpen your sleuthing skills, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the world of Sherlock Holmes in London!
