A Film Buff’s Vacation In London
It’s hard being a film buff when summer comes around. If your family or friends are pestering you to go somewhere on vacation, you reluctantly go, despite your protestations of…
“But it’s summer blockbuster season at the cinema”
“I was going to use my vacation time to catch up with my Netflix watchlist” and…
“Stop making me offers I can’t refuse”
And besides, despite your reluctance to leave your armchair, the sun probably makes it difficult for you to see your tv anyway. Blasted sun glare!
Still, if you are going on a vacation, and if you are staying within the UK, you should encourage friends and family to make London the number one choice. Why? It’s the perfect place to be if you’re a film buff. Whether it’s a short city break or a longer excursion, put the following on your itinerary.
Check out a Film Festival
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to a London film festival. Be a part of the opening night gala at the BFI Film Festival. There’s the Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House, where a bunch of old and new films are playing throughout August. These include the coming of age love story, Call Me By Your Name, the premiere of the true-crime tale, American Animals, and Disney classic, Sleeping Beauty. Then there’s the Luna Cinema with a large number of open-air screenings at Hampton Court, including some of the latest releases, and the East End Film Festival with a range of films from homegrown talent.
Visit the London Film Museum
The London Film Museum has much to offer any movie buff, especially if you’re a James Bond fan. With a large collection of cars and props, they have something from every Bond movie currently in existence. Not a Bond fan? Don’t worry; there are exhibits from films as diverse as Star Wars and The Italian Job, all with one thing in common. The best of the British Film Industry!
Visit famous movie locations scattered across London
The backdrop to many a movie, there is much to add to your itinerary. There’s Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross, where you can try and cross over into the fantastical world of Harry Potter. You can stand in front of a guy asking him to love you at Notting Hill. And you can speed boat across the Thames like an erstwhile James Bond in The World Is Not Enough. For these, and other movie locations, check out this extensive moviemap which will steer you in the right direction.
Go to the cinema
Still upset you aren’t able to see the latest movies at the fleapit in your local town? Don’t worry; there are loads of cinemas in London where you can see the biggest movies. The BFI Imax will take your breath away, showcasing the biggest films on the biggest screen possible, giving you a full-on immersive experience. Then there’s The Odeon at Leicester Square, which is home to some of the world’s biggest premieres - perfect for autograph hunters standing at the red carpet. If you are a foodie as well as a film junkie, you can’t go wrong with The Edible Cinema, which (according to their blurb) is a feast for your eyes, ears and taste buds! And if you’re looking for something from yesteryear, then you can’t go wrong with the BFI Southbank, which regularly shows film seasons of mainstream classics.
London really is a film buff’s dream, so pull yourself away from your screen at home, and indulge yourself in what the capital city has to offer.