Inspecting Sherlock Holmes’s London

Visiting a foreign city can often feel like navigating a baffling labyrinth–the locals rushing by to enjoy their familiar town as you, the conspicuous tourist, attempt to decipher a map that seems to be written in code.  London is no different–it’s enough to make you wish you had Sherlock Holmes’s skills of deduction just to solve the mystery of a diverting day in the UK’s capital.

No need to worry, VisitBritain makes untangling the mysteries of London quite elementary, dear Watson. In honor of the soon-to-come (December 25) Warner Brothers’ feature film Sherlock Holmes, Britain’s official tourism website has created a site dedicated to the movie that includes a tour of the locations featured in the film. 

Those who want a Holmes’ aficionado to show them the way should look into a guided tour, such as “In the Footsteps of Sherlock Holmes”, offered by London Walks every Friday afternoon. Highlights of this tour include Charing Cross (“The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plan”), The Royal Opera at Covent Garden, and the gaslight alleys of the Strand. Another option is “Horror Tours of London“.

A first stop for all Sherlock Holmes fans is the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B, Baker Street, London. In the novels, Holmes and his sidekick friend Dr. Watson lived here from 1881-1904; the Victorian home has been maintained as it is described in the books as a museum since 1936. As fans know, Holmes received clients in the parlor and puzzled over cases in the study. Visitors can see some of Holmes’ many disguises as well as a calabash pipe like the one he always smoked while thinking. Also available for purchase is a self guided walking tour of Holmes’ London.

VisitBritain adds a Warner Brothers’ twist, throwing filming locations into the mix as well. Saint Bartholomew the Great Church (one of London’s oldest), Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and Brompton Cemetery each strut their stuff in the upcoming film and on the Holmesian promenade. 

For the city-weary, VisitBritain suggests a foray to Dartmoor, made famous in The Hound of the Baskervilles. The chilling story spans the moors of Devon, whose rugged beauty inspires and refreshes travelers. Manchester and Liverpool are also big players in the new movie, with filming locations provided for your touring pleasure by VisitBritain.

The Sherlock Holmes Public House and Restaurant is a shrine to the gumshoe, studded with Holmesian memorabilia and continuously running Sherlock Holmes’ movies. Fare includes themed dishes such as “The Silver Blaze,” homemade Bubble and Squeak topped with a fried egg. Above the restaurant is a recreation of Holmes’ study (left).

After particularly tough cases, Holmes and Watson relaxed at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, a fitting place to end your tour. Part of London’s social scene for the past 200 years, the restaurant with its classic English fare, white-vested waiters, and elegant paneling  transport patrons back to Holmes’ London. After all, isn’t that what you set out to find?

For more information on London, check out our Places of a Lifetime guide to the city.

By Meg Beasley & Maddy Lincoln

Photos: Warner Brothers Sherlock Holmes Public House