Have you wanted to sleuth across the United Kingdom in the footsteps of the ever-intelligent Sherlock Holmes? Look no further than this guide!
The hard part is deciding which rendition of Holmes to follow. Do you go with book Holmes? Netflix’s Enola Holmes? BBC’s Sherlock Holmes? Or one of the many other iterations of Sherlock Holmes out there?
Though the many choices may be daunting, this guide includes ideas for iconic locations to visit for any kind of Sherlock fan.
Book Holmes
221B Baker Street | London, England
Visiting the original 221B Baker Street is an experience that no Holmes-lover would want to miss! Step back in time to the late 1800s as you explore this charming museum. Here you can find both authentic period pieces and the largest collection of Sherlock gifts and memorabilia in the world. And don’t forget to snap a pic with Holmes’s statue nearby!
The Conan Doyle Collection | Portsmouth, England
This expansive collection features over 40,000 items related to the legendary detective and his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, including books, letters, photos, plays, memorabilia, and more! The collection was entrusted by Richard Lancelyn Green (an avid collector of all things Sherlock Holmes) to the city of Portsmouth, England, in 2004 for the enjoyment of the public.
Enola Holmes
Benthall Hall | Shropshire, England
Take a trip to visit the iconic exterior of the Holmes’ house. But don’t be too surprised when it isn’t overgrown by plants—the wilderness of plants featured in the movie was created with clever set design and CGI. Aside from exploring the manor, take time to stroll through the gardens and explore other places on the property.
Hatfield House | Hertfordshire, England
Have you wanted to visit the home of the Tewksbury family? Visit Hatfield Park, the beautiful manor where the Tewksbury estate scenes were filmed! There are many sites to see at Hatfield Park, from the iconic manor to the Old Palace (which is where Elizabeth I was kept under house arrest when Mary I was on the throne) to the gardens and more! Hatfield House has also been used as a filming location for movies and shows such as The Crown (2016–2023), Bridgerton (2020), Batman (1989), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Paddington (2014), and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016).
BBC’s Sherlock Holmes
North Gower Street | Bloomsbury, London
On North Gower Street, you can get a picture with the exterior face of the 221B Baker Street apartment featured in the BBC series in person! And, as a treat, you can sit and grab a bite at the iconic Speedy’s Café, where a couple scenes in the show are filmed.
BBC Sherlock London Tour by Black Taxi | Central London
Spend three glorious hours on a guided tour of the sites featured in the BBC series, which can be found on the Brit Movie Tours website. The tour is £390 per taxi, but it’s well worth the trip! You’ll visit filming locations such as St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, Borough Market, Speedy’s Café, and Magnussen’s Office. To top it off, there is time built in to get out, explore, and take pictures.
Other Sites of Interest
Sherlock Holmes Pub | London, England
Looking for a fun, themed place to dine? Visit the Sherlock Holmes Pub! With delicious food and an exhibition upstairs, a reservation here guarantees a unique dining experience.
Walking Tours | London, England; and Edinburgh, Scotland
London and Edinburgh are beautiful, walkable cities, so why not walk it with other Holmes fans? Different walks and tour guides go to different places, so do your research and find what sites are most interesting to you. Here are a few tours to get you started:
- London: London Walks, Brit Movie Tours, and Get Your Guide
- Edinburgh: Sherlock Holmes City Game, Sherlock Holmes Mystery at peek.com, and The Real Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of Edinburgh at tripadvisor.com
Sherlock: The Official Live Game | London, England
Half the fun of Sherlock Holmes mysteries is trying to solve them yourself. This escape room is devised by creators of the BBC series so you can step into the world of Sherlock. With a team of 2–6 players, you’ll have an hour to solve a mystery with original recorded content from members of the Sherlock cast. So, grab your deerstalker hat and magnifying glass and get to sleuthing!
Putting the Clues Together
Whether you have a Sherlock-themed vacation or simply add some of these stops to your adventure to the United Kingdom, the game is afoot. Happy sleuthing!