As the set-jetting trend continues through 2023, with TikTok reporting London to be in the top 5 set-jetting destinations in the world, Leadenhall Market is hosting a series of walking tours to celebrate its role in the movie industry.
Most famous for being the inspiration behind the magical, wizard-world shopping street Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (eagle eyed visitors can spot where Harry and Hagrid enter the Leaky Cauldron pub) the cobbled streets and beautiful wrought iron structure have been the location for many scenes over the years. Memorable moments include Lara Croft driving her bike through the market’s alleyways in Tomb Raider, the obligatory pub fight – in The Lamb – in John Wayne’s Brannigan and Heath Ledger opening the revamped show at the Market to great success in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus. Other films have included Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Green Street, Hearafter and Love Aaj Kal. The soon to be released Wonka also has scenes that look to have been inspired by the Market’s grand atrium.
It is also thought that Charles Dickens based some of his scenes in A Christmas Carol on the market, with the famous moment of Scrooge sending a boy to get the Turkey on Christmas Day believed to be from Leadenhall – then London’s poultry market.
More recently, Aardman’s famous Morph character has appeared in the Market as part of Morph’s Epic Adventures, the UK’s first step-free art trail, organised by the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, Whizz Kidz.
To celebrate these famous events, the City of London Guides will be leading tours with a focus on filmmakers’ use of the delights of the market as a backdrop to famous movies and blockbusters over the years.
Taking place every Wednesday from 9th August up to and including 6th September, tours will run from 6:30 – 8pm. Tickets must be booked in advance for £7 plus a booking fee at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/set-jetting-leadenhall-market-as-a-film-location-tickets-689449972427
Leadenhall Market’s boutique shops, restaurants and bars will also be open for visitors to enjoy a spot of shopping and something to eat and drink before their tour.
