BBC SHERLOCK

Does it get more quintessentially British (or London for that matter) than the infamous detective Sherlock Holmes? The Brits do crime so well in film and television that they deserve their own genre, and before Bond, Luther and the rest came along there was Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. The consulting detective and his companion are characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, and have since become British cultural icons. If you think stan culture is rife now, when *SPOILER ALERT* Conan Doyle killed off Sherlock in 1893, the public responded by wearing black armbands in the street as a sign of mourning, and "Keep Holmes Alive" clubs were formed.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman

The stories of Holmes and Watson have endured over a century, and the Guinness World Records list Sherlock as the most portrayed movie character in history.

Fans of Sherlock have countless screen adaptations to choose from, with some of the most popular being: the Guy Ritchie films starring Robert Downey Jr, the Basil Rathbone films, Mr Holmes with Ian McKellen and the TV series Elementary. 

For me, it is the critically acclaimed 2010 BBC Sherlock series starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman which ignited my interest in the consulting detective. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, since its premiere the show has continued to have four successful seasons and garnered a fervent fanbase around the world. It is this adaptation I will be focusing on, considering its integral use of London locations.  

So, if like me you are a fan of the BBC version - read on for the places to visit and recreate your favourite Sherlock and Watson moments.

1. LONDON SKYLINE

The viewing platform at the Tate Modern

Okay, okay, this isn't really a specific location as much as it is just an appreciation for the way BBC Sherlock incorporates London as a character itself. I love the series opening credits, being so unashamedly LONDON. Featuring the London Eye,  Piccadilly Circus, Westminster, the 'Gherkin' and St Paul's Cathedral.

Tips and Tricks: If you are looking for a great place to view the London skyline, I recommend the viewing platform at the Tate Modern - my friend and I went there at night and it was stunning (and also didn't cost a penny)! 

If you've yet to see the series, check out the opening credits below ⇓

2. 221B BAKER STREET

The home of Sherlock and John has become almost as iconic as the due themselves. Due to the nature of filming, the residence of Sherlock is not located at 221B Baker Street but actually at 187 North Gower Street (about a 25 minute walk from the real Baker Street address). Speedy's sandwich shop - that we see in many episodes throughout the series - is a real shop, that operates next door (and has seen a noticeable difference in foot traffic since Sherlock has aired).

Tips and Tricks: 187 North Gower Street is a residential area thus isn't open to the public. However, many fans still track down the location to take photos outside the building. Also Speedy's Café and Bar next door offers a place for fans to hang out and grab the 'Sherlock Chicken Wrap with Cheddar Cheese' among other meals. The café has embraced its status as a destination of fan pilgrimage, hanging fanart and production pictures upon the wall for visitors to admire. Don’t make my mistake and go on a Sunday however, as that is the one day a week the café is closed!

Speedy's also have their own twitter account if you want to check it out before you make their way there. https://twitter.com/speedyscafe?lang=en 

The closest underground station to make your way to Speedy's and 187 North Gower Street is Euston Square, and for all other trains/buses/etc London Euston station is also close by.

WHERE TO GO: 187 North Gower Street, Camden, London, NW1 2NJ

TIMES: Speedy's is open weekdays from 6:30am-3:30pm, with limited hours

A still from the series - outside Speedys/221B Baker Street

3. THE ORIGINAL 221B BAKER STREET

Entrance to the museum

Now, this may not be featured in the Sherlock series HOWEVER I truly believe it is a must for any Sherlock fan. The Sherlock Museum is located at 221B Baker Street and also features a gift shop next door. The museum holds a recreation of the home of Sherlock and John from the original books, featuring rooms decorated as per the Victorian era of Conan Doyle. A tour guide explains each feature of the room, and there is a guest book each visitor is encouraged to sign. The staff are dressed in Victorian attire and will take photos with you if you ask kindly. 

Tips and Tricks:Allow a decent amount of time for this one as there is almost ALWAYS a line. Also please note that tickets are sold in the gift shop so make sure you go and buy one there first - don’t make the same mistake as me and wait in line for twenty minutes before being told I needed to buy my ticket next door! The (very nice) man allowed me to buy my ticket and come back to the front of the line but I would recommend avoiding that issue altogether!

The closest underground station is Baker Street, and national rail is London Marylebone.

WHERE TO GO: 221B Baker Street, Marylebone, London NW1 6XE

TIMES: Everyday from 9:30am-6pm

PRICE: An Adult ticket is 15 pounds, a Child ticket (under 16 years) is 10 pounds

4. ST BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL

There are few episodes that don’t feature St Bart's hospital - indeed it is where the famous partnership begins, as Sherlock and John are first introduced inside the hospital. In fact, the hospital itself has a plaque dedicated to the duo. The series did shoot here on location, includingthatscene from the climactic season 2 finale. 

The phone box nearby has become somewhat of a Sherlock shrine, plastered with fan messages across the globe. It is not uncommon to spot fans sprawled out along the pavement much to the amusement of locals.

Tips and Tricks: You can go inside however it is a functioning hospital so be wary and respectful. Many buses stop at St Bart's including the 4, 8, 17 and 25 (which are 25 hour service). The closest underground stations are Blackfriars and St Pauls, and the closest national rail stations include Blackfriars and Cannon Street. Also note that there is no public parking at the hospital.

WHERE TO GO: St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE

Here is a picture of St Bart's Hospital

A still from Sherlock's infamous scene on St Bart's rooftop

Good luck to all you Sherlock fans on tracking down all of these locations! Hopefully with these pointers, retracing Sherlock and John's adventures will be simply elementary 🧐 


I've attached a screenshot and link to a location map below ⇓

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Y3nqXYZjUCGHEkleqiib_W5H-vRof3n_&usp=sharing