No, this blog isn’t about finding the best streaming service, and more to do with the many cinematic experiences that you can enjoy on a trip to London. From movies set in the city to interactive experiences imported straight from the wider world of the silver screen, guests of hotels near Hyde Park are well placed to enjoy the inspiring world of cinema in the English Capital.
Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, there’ll be a cinematic experience that’ll cater to your interests and tastes. Expand your Hyde Park area guide with a wide reaching splash of movie magic.
Movie Inspired West End Musicals
From Pretty Woman to Back To The Future The Musical, there are many movie inspired theatrical productions in London’s West End. Whether you’ve seen the movies or not, these musicals are great introductions to the show stopping razzle dazzle that is Soho. Other famous musicals you can still catch on the West End that have cinematic beginnings include The Lion King and Dirty Dancing, both of which are running into April 2023 at least.
The Warner Brothers Harry Potter Tour
Though it might be a little bit of a trek for guests of central London hotels, those with kids at family accommodation in London will be spellbound by the intoxicating tour of Harry Potter designs and sets. The tour, based out of Warner Brothers studios in Leavesden near Watford, explores the designs and inspiration behind some of the Harry Potter movie franchise’s most famous set pieces. Travel through Diagon Alley, see the Great Hall and explore the secrets of Dumbledore’s office. With seasonal variations taking over parts of the tour, you can visit twice and feel as if the whole venue has been transfigured by Professor McGonagall herself.
Shrek’s Adventure
Another family friendly filmic slice of fun, the Shrek’s Adventure experience is one part VFX and one part live experience with actors that take guests on journeys through the land of Far Far Away. Accompanied by Donkey and some familiar faces from the Shrek universe, you’ll be sent on a mission to find out where the missing Shrek is, and who has kidnapped him.
The BFI Is More Than Just A Cinema
Not far from Shrek’s Adventure on the South Bank is the national home of cinema – the British Film Institute. Alongside classic, foreign and independent movie screenings, visitors can enjoy filmmaking workshops, interactive media archives and talks with filmmakers. Alongside its swanky bar and restaurant, the extensive BFI shop is filled with posters, DVDs, memorabilia and books about filmmaking. A cinephile’s haven, the BFI is a must-visit for movie lovers staying at the Signature Townhouse.
The National Gallery
Though you might be kicked out for running around the gallery like your James Bond, the National Gallery is the location of Bond’s famous scene where he meets Ben Whishaw’s Q in front of JMW Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire painting of an old warship. You can see the painting to this day, and even reenact the scene, if you’re quiet enough that is!
