Time-Traveling Through the City of London
For fans of Doctor Who, London is a treasure trove of real-life filming locations that bring the show’s universe to life. From iconic landmarks to hidden alleyways, London has served as a backdrop for many of the Doctor’s epic adventures, spanning time and space. If you’re ready to walk in the footsteps of the Doctor, grab your sonic screwdriver, don your best scarf (or bow tie), and get ready to explore these must-visit Doctor Who locations in London!
1. The British Museum
• Episode: “The Day of the Doctor” (2013)
What better place to start your journey than the British Museum, a site of historical significance in both our universe and the Whoniverse? In the 50th-anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” the British Museum serves as a crucial meeting place for the Eleventh Doctor and the shapeshifting Zygons. While you won’t find any Zygon relics on display, the museum’s vast collections make it a place of wonder for time-traveling fans and history buffs alike.
Whovian Tip: While you’re there, visit the Rosetta Stone and the mummies—if you’ve seen “Pyramids of Mars” with the Fourth Doctor, you’ll know why mummies and Doctor Who go hand-in-hand!
2. Westminster Bridge
• Episode: “The Dalek Invasion of Earth” (1964)
Westminster Bridge is iconic in Doctor Who history for its role in the classic episode “The Dalek Invasion of Earth.” Here, Daleks are seen rolling across the bridge in a chilling scene as they occupy London. Fast forward to 2005, and we see the Ninth Doctor running across the same bridge with Rose Tyler, escaping from the Autons in the episode “Rose.” The bridge has since become a pilgrimage site for fans, offering a perfect view of the Thames and the Houses of Parliament.
Whovian Tip: Stand on the bridge, snap a selfie, and recreate the iconic shot—minus the Daleks, of course.
3. The Tower of London
• Episode: “The Day of the Doctor” (2013)
In the same 50th-anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” the Tower of London is revealed as the secret headquarters of UNIT (the Unified Intelligence Taskforce). Throughout the show’s history, UNIT has worked with the Doctor to protect Earth from extraterrestrial threats. The ancient walls of the Tower add an extra layer of mystery to the organization’s covert activities. It’s also one of London’s most famous landmarks, and with its tales of treachery, imprisonment, and beheadings, it seems like the perfect setting for the show’s intrigue.
Whovian Tip: Keep an eye out for secret entrances when you’re visiting—though the real Tower is Dalek-free, it’s easy to imagine UNIT agents just out of sight.
4. St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Episodes: “The Invasion” (1968) and “Dark Water” (2014)
St. Paul’s Cathedral has had more than one Cyberman invasion! In the classic serial “The Invasion” (1968), Cybermen march down the steps of the cathedral in an unforgettable scene. This iconic moment was recreated in the 2014 episode “Dark Water,” as the Twelfth Doctor and Clara discover Cybermen lurking behind St. Paul’s. The juxtaposition of the cathedral’s beauty with the mechanical menace of the Cybermen makes this a must-visit location for any fan.
Whovian Tip: Re-enact the Cybermen’s march down the cathedral steps (minus the metal suit) and get ready to shout, “Delete!”
5. Trafalgar Square
• Episode: “The Day of the Doctor” (2013)
Trafalgar Square becomes a thrilling location in “The Day of the Doctor,” when the Eleventh Doctor arrives in dramatic fashion, dangling from the bottom of a UNIT helicopter over the crowd. This iconic square, with Nelson’s Column towering above and fountains spraying, was an impressive choice for one of the show’s most ambitious entrances. Trafalgar Square, often busy with tourists and street performers, makes it easy to imagine you’re right in the middle of a Doctor Who adventure.
Whovian Tip: Imagine the Doctor flying over your head as you stand by the fountains, and be on the lookout for any alien threats hiding among the statues!
6. Canary Wharf
• Episode: “Army of Ghosts” / “Doomsday” (2006)
Canary Wharf, London’s financial district, was the setting for one of Doctor Who’s most heart-wrenching scenes. In the two-part finale of the Tenth Doctor’s second series, the Cybermen and the Daleks face off in a battle that shakes London—and separates the Doctor and Rose. The towering modern architecture of Canary Wharf served as the headquarters of Torchwood, the secret organization studying extraterrestrial phenomena. Fans will recognize this location from Rose’s tearful farewell to the Doctor, as they were separated into parallel worlds.
Whovian Tip: Visit Canary Wharf in the early evening when the lights from the skyscrapers create an otherworldly vibe, and let your inner Rose Tyler out with a bit of dramatic posing.
7. The Shard
• Episode: “The Bells of Saint John” (2013)
This towering glass skyscraper, one of London’s most recognizable modern landmarks, features in “The Bells of Saint John.” The Eleventh Doctor climbs the Shard to confront Miss Kizlet, who is using Wi-Fi to control people’s minds. At 310 meters, the Shard offers incredible views of London, and its sleek, futuristic design makes it a fitting location for a Doctor Who showdown.
Whovian Tip: Take the elevator to the top of the Shard and imagine you’re tracking down aliens! The view is as breathtaking as a trip in the TARDIS.
8. The Millennium Bridge
• Episode: “The Rise of the Cybermen” (2006)
Spanning the Thames between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge has been a part of Doctor Who since the Tenth Doctor faced off against the Cybermen in “The Rise of the Cybermen.” The bridge’s sleek, modern architecture provides the perfect contrast to the ancient cityscape around it, making it the ideal location for a sci-fi showdown.
Whovian Tip: Walk across the bridge as you imagine Cybermen marching alongside you, and take in the stunning views of the London skyline.
9. The TARDIS Police Box at Earl’s Court
• Location: Earl’s Court Station, Earl’s Court Road
No Doctor Who tour of London would be complete without a stop at one of the city’s last remaining police boxes. Earl’s Court Station has a blue police box that looks just like the TARDIS—perfect for snapping a photo as if you’re about to head off on an adventure with the Doctor. This iconic spot has become a pilgrimage site for fans from all over the world. Introduced in 1996, it was mainly paid by local businesses.
Whovian Tip: Strike a classic TARDIS pose, and don’t be surprised if other fans join you for an impromptu photo op!
These are just a few of the fantastic Doctor Who filming spots in London, and there are many more out there waiting for you to discover. Exploring these iconic locations will make you feel like a true companion, and who knows? You might even hear the familiar whirring sound of the TARDIS, ready to whisk you away for a new adventure through time and space.
