As a child (and even now as an adult), I absolutely adored visiting the filming locations of my favorite movies or taking part in activities inspired by them. It made me feel like I had stepped right into the story. Luckily, London offers many movie-related attractions you can enjoy as a family.
Ready to bring some of that cinematic magic into real life?
Covent Garden’s Apple Market in central London
#1: Hop On the Paddington Bus Tour
Paddington is huge in London. The city truly loves this cute bear, and you’ll spot Paddington-themed souvenirs in almost every gift shop.
You can even hop on a Paddington bus tour that takes you to different filming locations. Paddington and Mrs. Bird narrate the audio and video guide, which makes it even more fun for kids. The decorated bus drives past iconic London sights, and you even enjoy cakes and scones along the way.
But that’s not all. There’s also a dedicated attraction called the The Paddington Bear Experience, where families can step into Paddington’s world. Kids can help Paddington prepare for a special occasion, and explore themed sets inspired by the films. You can expect live actors, detailed scenery, hands-on activities, and plenty of photo opportunities. Younger children will love this.
And of course, you have to visit Paddington Station itself, the location that gave the famous bear his name. You’ll find a Paddington statue on Platform 1, which is where the iconic arrival scene was filmed, and an official Paddington Bear Shop inside the station.
Central London’s Skyline
#2: Visit the Iconic London Locations of Tabby McTat
The 2023 animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s Tabby McTat ranks among my favorite movies set in London.
The film features real locations like Covent Garden, South Bank, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge.
Watch the movie together, then visit the real-life locations. When kids recognize a landmark from the screen, the experience becomes personal — and the history tends to stick in a way it otherwise wouldn’t.
Tower Bridge, London
#3: Discover the Filming Locations of the Harry Potter Franchise
London is packed with filming locations from the Harry Potter films, many of them right in the heart of the city. As you can imagine, Harry Potter is enormous in London — it’s woven into the city’s tourism, and you’ll feel it almost immediately.
- At King’s Cross Station, you can take a photo at Platform 9¾ and browse the nearby shop.
- Just next door, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel appears as the exterior of King’s Cross in the first film, and its Gothic facade looks instantly familiar.
- Leadenhall Market inspired Diagon Alley and served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. Millennium Bridgeappears in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince during the dramatic Death Eater attack.
- Australia House stood in for Gringotts Bank (you can view it from outside).
- Claremont Square became Grimmauld Place.
- Even Borough Market and Piccadilly Circus appear in various scenes.
If you prefer something more structured, a Harry Potter film locations sightseeing bus tour connects several of these spots while adding behind-the-scenes context along the way.
#4: Go on a Shrek Adventure
Shrek’s Adventure is an interactive, walk-through experience near the South Bank that brings the beloved DreamWorks world to life. With live actors, 4D elements, and immersive story moments, kids feel as though they’ve stepped straight into the fairy-tale universe alongside Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots.
This one is less about sightseeing and more about participation — and for younger visitors especially, that kind of immersion is unforgettable.
#5: Watch a Family-Friendly Theater Show
Few cities do theater like London. Throughout the year, the West End—London’s main theater district—stages a wide range of unforgettable family-friendly productions, many inspired by well-known films and stories.
Current favorites include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Wicked.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End.
Past seasons have featured beloved adaptations of well-known productions like The Lion King, Matilda, Frozen, Kiki’s Delivery Service, The Cat in the Hat, and many more.
Don’t overlook London’s fringe theaters either. Smaller budgets often come with huge creativity, and these smaller, independent productions regularly deliver high-quality performances in a more intimate setting.
Before You Go
London has a way of turning familiar stories into something tangible. When kids recognize a bridge, station, or theater from their favorite films, the city feels magical.
Build your itinerary around what excites them, and you may find they engage more deeply with the history, architecture, and culture along the way. After all, the best family trips aren’t just about seeing new places — they’re about seeing them through your child’s eyes.
