London has been the home to many famous films, everything from the King’s Speech to Batman! So we decided to point out some of the most famous London film locations used by a screenwriter who loves to use London for his rom-coms; Richard Curtis.  Films such Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s Diary have London at their heart.

So if you’ve enjoyed many a Curtis rom-com down the years, then why not check out some of the London filming locations from Curtis’s best-loved movies.

 

Notting Hill

 

1.      Westbourne Park Road

Remember the flat owned by Will Thacker in the 1999 smash hit movie Notting Hill, with its iconic blue door? Well, that “flat” was actually a rather grand house (280 Westbourne Park Road), which at the time of filming in 1998, belonged to Notting Hill’s screenwriter, Richard Curtis. Curtis sold the property on after filming concluded and the new owners raised £5,750 for charity by auctioning the door at Christie’s. [View it on Google maps]

2.      Portobello Road

The charismatic Portobello Road was the setting for much of the filming of Notting Hill, and Will’s bookshop is located at 12-15 Blenheim Crescent, though the onscreen version (which was actually a shoe shop!) can be found at 142 Portobello Road. [View it on Google maps]

 

Bridget Jones’s Diary

 

3.      The Globe Tavern – Borough Market

Richard Curtis is actually a close friend of Bridget Jones’ author Helen Fielding, so who better to transfer her bestselling novel to screenwriting format? Bridget Jones (played by Renee Zellweger) lives above the Globe Tavern at 8 Bedale Street and the Greek Restaurant where Daniel Cleaver and Mark Darcey  (Hugh Grant and Colin Firth) fight for Bridget’s affections is at 5 Bedale Street, now in the shadow of the Shard – London’s tallest landmark.  [View it on Google maps]

4.      Institute of Contemporary Arts – The Mall

London’s ICA provides the setting for Bridget’s squirmishly embarrassing book launch scene, however the ICA is an excellent place to visit on your London vacation. The ICA houses design galleries, cinemas and theatre and you could always combine your trip with a visit to Buckingham Palace.  [View it on Google maps]

5.      Kensington Gardens

Bridget Jones’ sequel: The Edge of Reason (co-written by Curtis) showcases London at its photogenic best. One of the most memorable scenes was (yet another) “fisticuffs” encounter between Cleaver and Darcey – this time filmed at exquisite Kensington Gardens – the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales. Bridget’s two potential suitors begin their fight in the Serpentine Gallery and end up in the fountains of the picturesque Italian Gardens!   [View it on Google maps]

 

Four Weddings and a Funeral

 

6.      St Bartholomew the Great church, West Smithfield, City of London

Four Weddings and a Funeral was the project that launched the film careers of both Richard Curtis and Hugh Grant and is still recognised as one of the UK’s best ever home-produced rom-coms today.

(Spoiler alert!)

The ill-fated fourth wedding was set to have taken place at St Bartholomew the Great church in West Smithfield. The grand 12^th Century church fondly known as St Bart’s is proving something of an old hand at this movie lark, having appeared in the likes of Shakespeare in Love, Amazing Grace, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Boleyn Girl. In fact, the administration at St Bart’s were quick to cash in on their “bricks n mortar” movie star’s fame, by charging visitors to see the spot where Charles jilts his bride at the altar!   [View it on Google maps]

7.      22 Highbury Terrace, Highbury Fields

Hugh Grant’s Four Weddings home has never achieved the iconic status of Will’s Notting Hill pad, but many fans of the film still make the pilgrimage to 22 Highbury Terrace with their significant others – if only to propose in the rain!   [View it on Google maps]

 

Love Actually

 

Love Actually (2003) was the first film to be both written and directed by Richard Curtis, so perhaps not surprisingly it was crammed chock-full with iconic London landmarks.

8.      The London Eye

If (like David in the film) you’re planning on using the London Eye to make a romantic gesture, then perhaps you might want to book a “Cupid’s Capsule” package – your own private pod for just the two of you to share. Your 30-minute ride includes Champagne and truffles, served by your very own personal London Eye host. Kindly note that if it’s a Valentine’s Day spot you’re after, then you will need to splash out on the Valentine’s Cupid’s Capsule!   [View it on Google maps]

9.        Selfridges

Selfridges is something of a London institution – a store which has delighted millions of Londoners and tourists to Oxford Street since March 1909. Regularly voted The Best Store in the World, frankly if Selfridges doesn’t have what you’re looking for, then with respect, it probably doesn’t exist.

If you’re early enough for breakfast, then check out the menu at the summer conservatory – if not – an alfresco lunch beckons. Either way, you can’t leave this iconic store without taking in the amazing views from the spectacular rooftop restaurant.

Quick tip: if an assistant resembling Rowan Atkinson asks if you’d like your purchase gift-wrapped, you probably need to mention that imaginary taxi you’ve got waiting outside – then make for the exit, double-quick!   [View it on Google maps]

10.    Canary Wharf

Remember Colin Firth struggling on the Jubilee Line escalator, laden with Christmas shopping? Canary Wharf might not be the first place you think of when it comes to shopping in London, but with three excellent shopping malls to explore: Jubilee Place, Canada Place and Cabot Place, you’re in for a treat. Arrive here after 9.30am when all the financial whizz-kids are at their desks and you can enjoy the pick of the finest brands and café culture London has to offer – minus the hassles.

 

And finally, do you remember the private garden that Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts climbed into in the film Notting Hill (the ‘whoops a daisies’ scene)?  Well, that garden is indeed a private London garden called Rosmead Gardens on Rosmead Road, W11.  But please don’t try to climb your way in, the drop on the other side of the fence is further than the film suggests! [View it on Google maps]

 

Image sources are from here, here, here and here  🙂

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