Sherlock Holmes is experiencing something of a revival at the moment, with a plethora of new movies and television shows bringing the world’s favourite sleuth to a whole new generation of fans. At the heart of Sherlock’s adventures streets and sights of the city of London, so Sherlock fans can now follow in the footsteps of the moody detective as they discover Britain’s beautiful capital city…
221b Baker Street
Baker Street should be the first stop on any Sherlock-trekkers pilgrimage. After getting off the train at Baker Street Station, look around for Sherlock look-a-likes. If you happen to take the Marylebone exit from the station, you'll find yourself being face to face with a bronze statue of the master detective himself.
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When looking for Sherlock’s famous house and workplace, don't follow the street number exactly. 221b Baker Street is actually located between 237 and 241 Baker Street. At 221b, you’ll find the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which houses life-size waxwork figures and a recreation of the great detective's study.
Sherlock Holmes Pub
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If you work up a thirst while you’re looking for clues all around London, hop onto a train to Charing Cross and head to the Sherlock Holmes Pub. This is a great place to enjoy a pint and a basket of fish and chips while you’re surrounded by unique Sherlock Holmes themed décor. Try to get a seat upstairs so that you can view the recreation of Sherlock Holmes’ parlor while you were dining.
Speedy's Café
Speedy's Café in Camden was featured in the BBC's Sherlock television show under the name of Mrs Hudson's Snax until season two, when it appeared as itself.
The production team had Speedy's interior completely repainted and designed. Now when you walk in, it looks exactly like it does in the show. However, the ambiance is just one reason why people go to Speedy's, as the café also slings up fresh traditional food at fair prices, along with some Sherlock themed beers.
St Paul's Cathedral
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St Paul's Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London. One of the most famous sights in London, it has served as the backdrop in many movies, including 2009's Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey Jr.
It was down in the crypts under the church where Henry Blackwood, known as the’ Catacomb Killer’, attempted to carry out his sixth ritual murder. However, he was thwarted by the combined efforts of Sherlock Holmes, John Watson and Inspector Lestrade.
Saint Bartholomew's Hospital
Down in West Smithfield stands the beautiful Saint Bart's Hospital, which was the site of the first meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson in both Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories and in the BBC television series.
Aside from being a Sherlock Holmes location, Saint Bart’s is also the oldest standing hospital in London. It survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz during World War II. While it is brimming over with history, it is also a research facility and a place of learning for young doctors in the field of cardiac and cancer care.
Fans will recognize one of the hospital's many chemical research labs as the backdrop for Holmes and Watson's first meeting, and the roof, though inaccessible, was the scene of a particular dramatic event from season two.
Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock fans need a place hang their deerstalkers and pipes, and for a lot of them that place is the Park Plaza, which is also on Baker Street. The Park Plaza is decorated in style with a Sherlock Holmes theme, complete with an old fashioned library, bar and restaurant.
London Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour
Finding Sherlock Holmes sights around London isn't exactly difficult, but for a foreigner it can be a little overwhelming. The Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour showcases all the locations from the movies and TV shows, as well as the real sites that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle.
The tour begins at the very site where Watson first heard about Holmes from his friend from Stamford, and then snakes through the city streets taking in the grand hotels and gentleman's clubs that play such a big part in Conan Doyle’s stories.