Exploring with Sherlock

Discover London with the world's most famous detective

Grab your magnifying glass and begin sleuthing around Sherlock Holmes’ London. Since Arthur Conan Doyle created the world’s most famous detective in 1887, Sherlock Holmes has transformed into never ending source of cultural curiosity. Played by seventy five actors in over two hundred films, Sherlock Holmes has had more films made about him than any other character in literary history.

In Doyle’s countless novels and short stories, Holmes prowled the streets of Victorian London searching for criminals, degenerates and deplorables. Visiting the streets that Holmes walked provides tourists with a sense of what it was like to walk in the footsteps of the notorious detective.

Any pilgrimage dedicated to the notorious detective must start at Baker Street. As you exit Baker Street station, you will be greeted by a nine-foot bronze statue of Holmes. The home of Sherlock Holmes may take a little bit of detective work to find- although he dwells at 221b Baker Street in the novels, his residence is actually located between 237 and 241 Baker Street.

Once you reach the address, you will find an entire museum dedicated to the life of Sherlock Holmes. The Sherlock Holmes Museum offers visitors access to Holmes’ study and an opportunity to peer into Dr Watson’s bedroom-during peak times, it is advisable to purchase a ticket before joining the queue. The Sherlock Holmes Museum boasts a diverse collection of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia, as well as original manuscripts penned by Doyle.

Following a short five minute walk you will discover Madame Tussauds, the home of two wax work models of the most recognisable and most recent versions of Holmes-Robert Downey Jr and Benedict Cumberbatch’s interpretations.

Many of the locations Sherlock Holmes visited during Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories have been preserved for posterity. The Langham Hotel in Oxford Circus, Speedy’s Café at Euston Square, The Sherlock Holmes pub in Charing Cross, The Lyceum Theatre up The Strand and the Royal Opera House are within proximity of Baker Street and are well worth a visit for any Holmes’ fans.

Elliott Troop

TripTide User