London’s Victorian super sleuth has seen several revivals and remakes over the 21st century, including ones with Robert Downey Juniro and Benedict Cumberbatch in the role and Martin Freeman and Jude Law as his famous sidekick and narrator Dr Watson. Of course, London most often plays a large part in setting the scene for Sherlock Holmes antics, and was indeed the home of the original author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who lived on Baker Street, not far from the Signature Townhouse London Hyde Park.
Whilst the Robert Downey Junior were relatively well-received, they certainly projected a rather more American view of London than the BBC television series, albeit because the film was set in the original Victorian era in which the books were written. The Benedict Cumberbatch series was an international hit, and many of the famous set pieces from the show can be found across London. This blog will outline just a few of them, outlining for guests of hotels near Hyde Park who love a little mystery, the best spots for Sherlock sightseeing.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is easy to reach from Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. It may not specifically be focused on the television series, but is a great introduction to the detective and his literary history. Here you’ll find exhibits exploring the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as well as a recreation of Sherlock’s apartment at 221B Baker Street. It’s worth noting though, that this apartment doesn’t actually exist, and in fact the museum is housed in a renamed 238 – 240 Baker Street. Expect museum attendants dressed as policemen and scullery maids, as well as interior designs reflecting Victorian London life.
Madame Tussauds
Of course, the best place to head to next for any Sherlock lover is Madame Tussauds, where you’ll find a wax figure of a movie premiere-ready Benedict Cumberbatch. The suit the figure wore was donated by London taylors Spencer Hart, resembles the one that Cumberbatch wore to the Oscars in 2014.
Speedy’s Cafe
Located in Euston Square, Speedy’s Cafe was used as a regular Baker Street location in Sherlock. Close to Euston Station it’s a stone’s throw from the Victoria Line for guests travelling on the Underground.
St Barts Hospital
Even older than Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, St Bartholomew’s Hospital is a well-renowned teaching hospital that has existed in London since the 12th century. It’s also – ironically when you factor in the nature of hospitals – the site of the exciting Sherlock series two climax in which Sherlock is forced to throw himself off the roof. In a bid for cyclical poeticism, it is also the location in which Sherlock first meets Dr Watson in series one.
New Scotland Yard
New Scotland Yard is saturated on the banks of the Thames near Westminster, and due to the nature of Sherlock’s job as a detective, it’s used quite regularly throughout the television series as the base of operations for recurring character Inspector Lestrade, who is played by Rpert Graves.
