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Films set in Kensington & Chelsea A guide to local film locations

At The Hari, we believe in the magic of film to transport you to a different time and place. Childhood classics give us that warm, fuzzy feeling, while romantic films from our teenage years make us yearn for a simple type of love. What often stays with us the longest, however, is the scenery.

One of the many incredible things to do in London is to visit iconic filming locations, and it just so happens that some of our favourite films were shot in the picturesque streets near The Hari. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or looking for inspiration for your next watch, the neighbourhoods around us have played host to some truly iconic works.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Age Rating: 18

The dystopian satirical novel by English writer Anthony Burgess, A Clockwork Orange (1962), was adapted for the screen by Stanley Kubrick. As one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, his adaptation brought to life a controversial cult film. The story follows an English sociopath who is imprisoned for murder and undergoes as sinister type of therapy. Kubrick transformed the basement of a Chelsea Drugstore located in King’s Road into a record shop that reflects the futuristic aesthetic of the film.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Director: Nancy Meyers

Age Rating: PG

This beloved 90s classic has multiple filming locations, with the most memorable being the charming streets of Chelsea. The story follows twins; one living in London with their mum and the other in Napa Valley with their dad. Unaware of each other’s existence until they meet at a summer camp, they create an elaborate plan to reunite their parents. The beautiful London house featured in the film is located at 23 Egerton Terrace, Knightsbridge – moments from The Hari! Take a stroll around Belgravia and take in the setting that makes this piece unforgettable.

Notting Hill (1999)

Director: Roger Michell

Age Rating: 15

Crowned one of the most notable romances set in London, Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, was filmed in the neighbourhood that bears the name. It helped establish the area as one of the city’s most desirable destinations. The film follows the earnest and complicated love story between the owner of a travel bookstore and a world-famous actress. Whilst most of the filming locations are technically some distance from The Hari, it is set in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and simply too good not to include!

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Director: Beeban Kidron

Age Rating: PG-15

Another English classic is the Bridget Jones Diary series, based on Helen Fielding’s novels. To avoid spoilers, the second film chronicles Bridget as she navigates romance, work, friendships and the challenge of finding herself. While part of the film is set abroad in Thailand, where she finds herself in a not-so-favourable situation, it features some incredible London settings. The idyllic Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens provide the backdrop for the entertaining fight sequence between Bridget’s love interests. Located near The Hari, the gardens are a wonderful haven in the city and worth a visit.

Finding Neverland (2004)

Director: Marc Forster

Age Rating: PG

This tender film tells the story of how one of the most timeless and beloved pieces of fiction came to life. It follows how J.M Barrie brought Peter Pan (1904) to the stage after befriending a widow and her children. Although the children are dealing with grief, their energy, imagination and carefreeness inspire the playwright. Part of the film was shot moments from our hotel in Kensington Gardens, where the park bench brings magical moments to life. Pop over to Hyde Park, walk north along Lancaster Walk and sit on the last bench while taking in the moment.

Saving Mr Banks (2013)

Director: John Lee Hancock

Age Rating: PG

Discover the backstory to the film you grew up watching! This nostalgic and charming tale tells the legendary story of novelist P.L Travers and studio producer Walt Disney’s struggle over the adaptation of the Mary Poppins novel. Most of the film is set in California, but you still get a glimpse of the real home of P.L Travers on screen. Set just off King’s Road at 50 Smith Street Chelsea, you will find the Blue Heritage Plaque that adorns the outside of the house.

Skyfall (2012)

Director: Sam Mendes

Age Rating: 12

It’s impossible to talk about London films without mentioning the James Bond series. Following twenty-three Bond films, Skyfall finally uses Belgravia as a backdrop to this classic spy-tale. The action-pack film is the third in the series and sees the MI6 compromised, and it’s up to Bond to protect the agency. Around the corner from The Hari, Cadogan Square was used as the exterior of M’s home. Even though it is a brief appearance, Belgravia has a historic connection to the spy book series, as Ian Fleming was once a resident.

Paddington (2014)

Director: Paul King

Age Rating: PG

This marmalade loving bear is a beloved British character, and the live-action adaption simply increased the public’s adoration for it. Following an earthquake that destroys his home in the Peruvian rainforest, the young bear is sent to England where he finds the whimsical Browns family. In an adventurous tale, Paddington learns about city-life, people, and relationships. The Natural History Museum, with its grand architecture in South Kensington, is a significant location featured in the climax of the film. Visit the museum during the day or stay true to the films setting by visiting in the evening, when their doors are open for late night out-of-hours tours.

Films set in Kensington & Chelsea A guide to local film locations

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

The Parent Trap (1998)

Notting Hill (1999)

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Finding Neverland (2004)

Saving Mr Banks (2013)

Skyfall (2012)

Paddington (2014)

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As Seen on The Silver Screen

Films set in Kensington & Chelsea A guide to local film locations

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

The Parent Trap (1998)

Notting Hill (1999)

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Finding Neverland (2004)

Saving Mr Banks (2013)

Skyfall (2012)

Paddington (2014)

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