London city guides

Things to do in London for film lovers.

07-06-2023

Dylan Mitchell

London is a fascinating city with so much to do and explore. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Capital. If you’re a film buff, then you’re already off to a great start in one of the world’s most cinematic cities, but where should you even start? Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place! This is your guide to some of the best things to do in London for film lovers, so check it out!

Top things to do in London for film lovers.

It doesn’t matter which film genre you’re into, there’s so much to explore in London for film buffs. The city is steeped in history and is a popular destination for many film productions. Aside from that, there’s much more to do and see for film lovers. Here’s our list of the best things to do:

  • Visit the British Film Institute (BFI)

  • Take a film-themed walking tour

  • Movie marathon

  • Madame Tussauds

  • Attend the BFI London Film Festival

  • Watch a movie at the Electric Cinema

  • Visit the National Film and Television School

BFI London

Visit the British Film Institute.

The British Film Institute (BFI) is a world-renowned film institution with a cinema, film archive, library, and museum. The BFI Southbank is a cinema that screens a diverse range of films, from classic films to new releases. It's the perfect place for a film buff to catch a movie and learn about film history.

The film archive at the BFI is one of the largest in the world and contains over 50,000 fiction films and 100,000 non-fiction films. The library at the BFI includes an enormous collection of books, journals, and documents related to film and television, while the BFI museum has displays of film and TV memorabilia, as well as interactive exhibits.

 

Take a film-themed walking tour.

There is a wide range of companies in London that provide walking tours of locations used in famous films. For example, you can take a Harry Potter tour that takes you to the filming locations at King’s Cross Station and Leadenhall Market. Or, take the Bridget Jones’s Diary walking tour which takes you to Borough Market and the Royal Courts of Justice. These walking tours are perfect for exploring London and seeing the city through the lens of your favourite movies.

Odeon luxe heymarket

Movie marathon.

If you’re stuck for ideas for something to do with a film buff, there aren’t many better options than to have a movie marathon! Head to your local cinema and use your tastecard subscription to get cinema ticket deals. Plan your day out to the minute so you can watch back-to-back films all day!

Dua Lipa Madame Tussauds waxwork

Madame Tussauds.

When visiting London and touring the city’s attractions, Madame Tussauds is often a go-to for a first-time visit. For film lovers, it’s the ideal place because there are so many wax figures of famous actors and actresses, including film-themed displays. Luckily, with a tastecard subscription, you can easily get Madame Tussauds London offers and save money on your tickets.

Watch a movie at the Electric Cinema.

The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill is a stylish and historic cinema that offers a luxurious viewing experience. The cinema originally opened all the way back in 1910 and has since been renovated to provide comfortable leather armchairs, footstools, and a bar that serves cocktails, wine, and snacks. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a film in style with some lounging seat options.

Attend the BFI London Film Festival.

The BFI London Film Festival is an annual event that showcases a wide variety of films from all over the world. The festival usually takes place in October and features screenings, question-and-answer sessions, as well as special events. It's an ideal opportunity for film buffs to see new and exciting films before they're released and to hear directly from filmmakers and actors.

Visit the National Film and Television School.

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield is one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. Visitors can attend screenings of student films and other events at the NFTS, while the school also offers tours of its facilities. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process and a chance to see the NFTS's world-class movie making tools up close.

Visiting here is an ideal opportunity for film lovers to see the inner workings of a top film school and get a real glimpse into the film and television industry.


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Start saving with tastecard.

So, now you know some of the best things to do in London for film lovers, it’s time to start planning! Even better, you can try tastecard and start saving money on your favourite activities in the Capital, too. With our discount card, you can enjoy cinema ticket savings, fantastic restaurant deals like 2 for 1 meals or 25% off the total bill, and discounts on days out. It’s perfect for families that love to dine out and enjoy tourist attractions together.