Is there a nicer holiday movie in London? Richard Curtis’ 2003 Christmas classic explores love and relationships in the city and highlights some of its most beautiful places. Many of Curtis’s films, including Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral, are set in West London, but this lighthearted film uses film locations throughout the city. Wear your heart on your sleeve and put your best foot forward on this Love Actually London film tour.
Opening and closing scenes: Heathrow Airport
The film’s opening and closing scenes take place at Britain’s busiest airport, Heathrow. It’s hard not to feel warm and fuzzy when waiting for someone at the arrivals gate, especially when reciting the Prime Minister’s opening quote, played by Hugh Grant: “Every time I get gloomy about the state of the world, I think about Heathrow airport gate arrivals The general opinion is beginning to see that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that … When planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hatred or revenge, all were messages of love. If you look for it, I have a feeling that you will discover that love is everywhere.
Intro Sequence: Somerset House
Somerset House appears in the film’s intro sequence. Every year between November and January, the 18th century courtyard on the north bank of the Thames is transformed into a beautiful ice rink. The festive backdrop provides a popular spot for first dates and for Londoners wanting to get in the Christmas spirit. The courtyard features a giant tree, a ski shelter, and a Fortnum & Mason shopping arcade.
Peter and Juliet’s Wedding Location: Grosvenor Chapel
The wedding ceremony for Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Juliet (Keira Knightley) takes place at Grosvenor Chapel, a pretty Anglican church on South Audley Street in Mayfair dating from the 1730s. The couple walk down the aisle towards All You Need is Love by The Beatles and the ceremony is filmed by godfather Mark. Grosvenor Church is located between Oxford Street and Hyde Park. Schedule a trip to see a choir recital.
Harry and Karen’s Christmas Shopping Trip: St Christopher’s Place / Selfridges
Harry (Alan Rickman) meets his wife Karen (Emma Thompson) at St Christopher’s Place before Christmas shopping at Selfridge department store. Packed with boutique shops and home to a central square of restaurants and pubs, St Christopher’s Place is tucked behind Oxford Street and makes a pleasant pit stop away from the high street shops. Harry then buys a necklace for his colleague, Mia (Heike Makatsch) at Selfridge’s, which is extravagantly wrapped by salesman Rufus (Rowan Atkinson). Founded by Harry Gordon Selfridge, the department store dates back to 1909 and features a glittering food hall, rooftop restaurant, champagne and oyster bar, and impressive Christmas window displays.
Mark declares his love for Juliet: St Lukes Mews, Notting Hill
One of the most iconic scenes in the film takes place in Notting Hill, where Mark declares his love for Juliet outside the couple’s home (number 27) in St Lukes Mews. He holds up a series of cue cards while Christmas carols are played on a stereo. The Pink House is just one of the cute properties that line beautiful Mews Street near the Portobello Road Market.
Daniel and his heart-to-heart stepson: Gabriel’s Wharf, South Bank
Daniel (Liam Neeson) and his stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster) fall in love on a bench at Gabriel’s Wharf on the South Bank. During the tearful scene, Daniel discovers that his son is (actually) in love. Gabriel’s Wharf is a remodeled dock on the banks of the Thames, near the Oxo Tower. It is full of boutiques, cafes and independent restaurants. The bank is located outside the Riviera restaurant.
