Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street
Step into the gas-lit world of Sherlock Holmes at the world's most famous fictional address.
Step into Victorian London at the world's first museum dedicated to Sherlock Holmes, located at the iconic 221B Baker Street. This meticulously preserved Georgian townhouse transports visitors into the gas-lit world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective and his companion Dr. Watson. Explore authentically furnished rooms, examine Holmes's personal effects, and discover life-size waxworks depicting his most famous cases. A must-visit for literary enthusiasts and mystery lovers exploring central London's Marylebone neighbourhood.
A brief summary to Baker St
- London, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Purchase tickets at the gift shop before joining the queue for museum entry. Tickets must be bought in advance; they are not sold at the entrance itself.
- Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. The narrow Victorian rooms become congested during midday hours, particularly on weekends and school holidays.
- Allow 60 to 90 minutes for a thorough exploration. The museum is compact but densely packed with period details and exhibits that reward careful observation.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip; the staircases are steep and narrow, and the floorboards are deliberately creaky as part of the authentic Victorian atmosphere.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Sherlock Holmes pub on Northumberland Street, where replicas of the Baker Street rooms are displayed, or explore the surrounding Marylebone neighbourhood's literary and cultural attractions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Underground (Tube)
Baker Street station on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines is approximately one minute's walk from the museum entrance. Journey times vary by origin: from central London stations (Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus) allow 5–10 minutes; from King's Cross or Liverpool Street allow 10–15 minutes. Fares range from £1.75 to £3.00 depending on zones travelled. Service runs every 2–5 minutes during peak hours, every 5–10 minutes off-peak.
-
National Rail (Marylebone Station)
Marylebone railway station is approximately five minutes' walk south of the museum. Trains from Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, and other regional destinations serve this station. Journey times from Birmingham Moor Street are approximately 90 minutes. Standard off-peak return fares from regional stations typically range from £20 to £60 depending on origin and advance booking. Shuttle buses and taxis are available from the station forecourt.
-
Black Cab (Licensed Taxi)
Licensed black cabs can be hailed on Baker Street or booked in advance. Journey times from major London landmarks: from Buckingham Palace approximately 10–15 minutes; from Tower of London approximately 20–25 minutes; from King's Cross approximately 10 minutes. Fares typically range from £15 to £35 depending on origin and traffic conditions. Minimum charge applies; surcharges apply for evening and weekend travel.
-
Walking from Regent's Park
From Regent's Park's main entrance, the museum is approximately 15–20 minutes' walk south along Baker Street. The route is entirely on flat, well-maintained pavements through the Marylebone neighbourhood. No terrain obstacles or accessibility barriers exist on this route. This approach allows exploration of the surrounding Georgian architecture and local shops along the way.
Baker St location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Baker St
The World's Most Famous Fictional Address
221B Baker Street stands as one of the world's most iconic addresses, immortalised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. The Georgian townhouse, built in 1815, occupies a unique position in literary history as the setting where Holmes and Dr. Watson supposedly resided from 1881 to 1904. The museum, which opened in 1990, became the world's first institution dedicated to a fictional literary character. The building itself is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England and sits within a terrace of period properties near the north end of Baker Street, close to Regent's Park in central London's prestigious Marylebone district.A Victorian Time Capsule Across Four Floors
The museum faithfully recreates the Victorian atmosphere that permeates Conan Doyle's narratives. Visitors ascend narrow staircases and navigate creaky floorboards through four floors of meticulously curated rooms, each designed to evoke the authentic experience of stepping into Holmes's world. The sitting room features period furniture arranged as Holmes and Watson would have occupied it, while the study overlooks Baker Street itself—the very vantage point from which the detective observed London's criminal underworld. Gas lamps illuminate the spaces, and every detail, from typewriters to writing implements, reflects the late 19th-century aesthetic. The laboratory showcases the scientific instruments Holmes employed in his investigations, whilst Dr. Watson's room contains personal effects and books that belonged to the good doctor.Artifacts and Adaptations Spanning Decades
The museum's collection extends beyond the original novels to encompass memorabilia from numerous film and television adaptations, including the acclaimed 1984 Granada Television series. Life-size waxwork figures depict Holmes and Watson alongside scenes from celebrated cases such as "The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist," bringing the detective's most intriguing investigations to vivid life. Personal items attributed to Holmes—his violin, magnifying glass, and deerstalker hat—are displayed throughout the rooms, creating an immersive narrative that blurs the line between fiction and historical recreation. The gift shop, located at the museum's entrance, offers an extensive collection of Sherlock Holmes merchandise, from replica deerstalker hats to literary editions and themed souvenirs.The Curious Case of 221B's Postal History
The address itself carries a remarkable administrative history. Since the 1930s, the Royal Mail delivered correspondence addressed to Sherlock Holmes to the nearby Abbey National Bank building, which employed a dedicated secretary to respond to fan mail. This unusual arrangement persisted for over seventy years until the museum successfully campaigned for the mail to be redirected to its premises. In 2002, when Abbey National vacated its headquarters, the museum finally received official recognition as the legitimate recipient of Holmes-related correspondence—a resolution that validated the institution's cultural significance and cemented 221B Baker Street as the detective's true address in the public imagination.Navigating the Narrow Rooms and Steep Stairs
The museum's layout reflects the authentic constraints of a Victorian townhouse, with narrow corridors and steep staircases that add to the atmospheric authenticity. Visitors typically spend one to two hours exploring the property, though the experience varies depending on individual interest and pace. The guided narrative provided upon entry sets the historical context before visitors are released to explore independently. The confined spaces and period furnishings create an intimate encounter with Holmes's domestic world, though accessibility may present challenges for those with mobility limitations due to the building's original Victorian architecture and narrow passages.A Living Monument to Literary Imagination
The Sherlock Holmes Museum represents a unique cultural phenomenon—a physical manifestation of a fictional world that has captivated readers for over a century. Despite initial objections from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's daughter Jean, who feared the museum would reinforce the misconception that Holmes was a real person, the institution has become an essential pilgrimage site for devotees of detective fiction and Victorian London. The commemorative blue plaque on the exterior marks Holmes's supposed residency, and the museum's existence has transformed an ordinary Georgian townhouse into a portal through which visitors can experience the London of Conan Doyle's imagination.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Former EMI House (Beatles album cover photo)
0.5 km
Where The Beatles' iconic Please Please Me album cover was photographed in 1963.
Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
0.9 km
A historic London landmark blending Alfred Waterhouse’s architecture with vibrant Ukrainian Catholic tradition in the heart of Mayfair.
The Paddington Partnership
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant community and rich culture of Paddington through the initiatives of The Paddington Partnership, a hub for local engagement and development.
Roosevelt Memorial
1.0 km
A dignified tribute to Franklin D. Roosevelt in the historic heart of London’s Grosvenor Square, symbolizing enduring Anglo-American friendship.
Speakers' Corner
1.1 km
Historic Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park: London's iconic open-air forum for free speech and public debate since the 19th century.
London Central Mosque
1.1 km
London's iconic Islamic cultural landmark blending spiritual tradition with modern community engagement.
38 Grosvenor Sq
1.2 km
Historic mid-19th-century Italianate residence in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square, a symbol of aristocratic and diplomatic heritage.
The Photographers' Gallery
1.4 km
Explore the captivating world of photography at The Photographers' Gallery, London's premier destination for stunning exhibitions and engaging workshops.
Lord's Cricket Ground
1.5 km
The world's most prestigious cricket venue and the undisputed 'Home of Cricket' since 1814.
Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
1.5 km
A life-size bronze sculpture on New Bond Street celebrating Churchill and Roosevelt’s historic wartime alliance and enduring friendship.
Paddington Bear Statue
1.5 km
Visit the charming Paddington Bear Statue in London, a delightful tribute to the beloved character that captures the hearts of tourists and locals alike.
Goodge St
1.5 km
Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
The Old Police House
1.5 km
Historic police station and visitor hub nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, blending heritage with the tranquility of London’s iconic green space.
Savile Row
1.5 km
Explore the elegance of Savile Row, London's renowned street for bespoke tailoring and luxury fashion, where craftsmanship meets tradition.
Sussex Gardens
1.5 km
A serene Victorian garden oasis nestled in the historic Tyburnia district, blending lush greenery with elegant architecture in central London.
Unmissable attractions to see
University of Westminster Marylebone Hall
0.2 km
Modern student living in central London, opposite Madame Tussaud’s and close to Regent’s Park and the vibrant West End.
Sherlock Holmes Statue
0.2 km
Iconic bronze statue near Baker Street celebrating Sherlock Holmes, London’s legendary fictional detective and literary icon.
The Wonderpass
0.2 km
Discover The Wonderpass, a vibrant and artistic pedestrian underpass at Baker Street that turns a simple crossing into a captivating cultural journey.
Madame Tussauds London
0.3 km
Step into the world of fame and history with over 150 lifelike celebrity figures and immersive experiences at Madame Tussauds London.
St Mary's Church, Bryanston Square
0.4 km
Discover the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of St Mary's Church in Bryanston Square, a must-visit historical landmark in London.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
0.4 km
Step inside the legendary detective’s Victorian home and immerse yourself in the world of Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street.
221B Baker St
0.4 km
Step into the legendary Victorian home of Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street, London’s iconic address of mystery and literary heritage.
Montagu Square
0.4 km
A grand Georgian garden square in Marylebone, famous for its elegant architecture and as the former home of John Lennon, Ringo Starr and Jimi Hendrix.
The Wallace Collection
0.4 km
Discover timeless masterpieces and aristocratic elegance in the heart of London at the Wallace Collection, a free museum of art and history.
Upper Wimpole St
0.5 km
Discover Upper Wimpole Street, a historic Marylebone street blending medical heritage, iconic residents, and elegant Edwardian architecture in central London.
Grosvenor Casino, The Victoria
0.7 km
Experience premier gaming, fine dining, and vibrant social scenes at London’s iconic Grosvenor Casino The Victoria on Edgware Road.
Selfridges
0.7 km
Discover Selfridges London, a historic Oxford Street icon blending luxury shopping, innovative experiences, and cultural heritage across six vibrant floors.
The Dover Castle
0.7 km
Discover The Dover Castle, a historic London mews pub famed for its cozy wood-paneled interiors and legendary rock heritage.
St Christopher's Place
0.8 km
A charming pedestrianised enclave of boutique shops and global dining, tucked just off Oxford Street in central London.
London Gifts
0.8 km
A lively London-themed gift shop on Oxford Street offering quick souvenirs with a vibrant but sometimes challenging shopping experience.
Essential places to dine
Apricity Restaurant
0.9 km
Sustainable fine dining in Mayfair blending seasonal British produce with innovative, low-waste culinary artistry.
Portland
1.0 km
Michelin-starred modern European dining in Fitzrovia, blending seasonal British ingredients with refined, creative flavors in an intimate setting.
Little Social
1.3 km
Stylish Mayfair bistro offering refined modern British small plates with an intimate atmosphere and excellent wine selection.
sketch
1.4 km
An iconic Mayfair venue blending avant-garde art, Michelin-starred dining, and whimsical design for an unforgettable London experience.
Starbucks Coffee
1.4 km
A vibrant Starbucks café in Carnaby offering expertly crafted coffee, fresh food, and a lively urban atmosphere in central London.
Kingly Court
1.5 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
The Ninth
1.5 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
London Shell Co. - The Prince Regent
1.6 km
Savor exceptional British seafood aboard a charming canal barge cruising the historic Regent's Canal in Central London.
Blanchette
1.6 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Social Eating House
1.6 km
Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
NOPI
1.6 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
1.6 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
1.6 km
A romantic Soho townhouse serving refined Franco-Mediterranean dishes with an acclaimed wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Inamo
1.7 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
1.8 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
London Beatles Store
0.4 km
A vibrant Beatles memorabilia haven on Baker Street celebrating the timeless legacy of the Fab Four.
Church Street Market
1.0 km
A bustling multicultural market in Westminster offering fresh produce, antiques, street food, and vibrant local culture from Monday to Saturday.
Beyond Retro Soho
1.2 km
Dive into Soho's ultimate vintage vault: two floors of era-spanning fashion, weekly drops, and pop-up vibes for the preloved obsessed.
LONGCHAMP
1.4 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Liberty
1.4 km
Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival icon blending heritage craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and timeless design in the heart of London’s West End.
Bond St
1.4 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
Goodge Place Market
1.4 km
A vibrant street food market in the heart of Fitzrovia, offering diverse flavors and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from central London.
Regent St.
1.4 km
London's elegant mile of style, where Regency architecture meets world-class flagship stores and timeless shopping heritage.
House of secrets
1.4 km
Step into House of Secrets on Oxford Street and discover a magical world of Harry Potter collectibles and enchanting souvenirs in the heart of London.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
1.4 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
Hamleys
1.4 km
Seven floors of toy wonder in London's most iconic toy shop since 1760.
Canvas Collection
1.4 km
Discover handmade ceramics, jewelry, and accessories in Carnaby's artistic gift haven—unique treasures from London's creative makers.
Carnaby St
1.5 km
London's iconic fashion hub where 1960s counterculture meets contemporary style across 14 vibrant streets.
Kingly Ct
1.5 km
A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Berwick St
1.6 km
London's legendary market where 18th-century tradition meets contemporary street food culture and vinyl heritage.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Purl London
0.3 km
Discover Purl London, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Marylebone offering expertly crafted drinks in a cozy vintage setting.
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
0.6 km
Sophisticated cocktail bar and terrace in central London, blending classic British charm with modern elegance and a vibrant social scene.
The Argyll Arms
1.2 km
Step into The Argyll Arms, a Victorian-era pub gem in Soho blending historic charm, real ales, and hearty British fare near Oxford Circus.
The Victoria, Paddington
1.3 km
Step into The Victoria, Paddington, a historic Victorian pub blending timeless charm, rich heritage, and refined British dining in a warm, inviting setting.
The Dickens Tavern
1.3 km
Classic British pub with hearty fare and ales, nestled in Paddington’s vibrant heart near London Paddington Station.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
1.4 km
A vibrant, punk-inspired basement bar in Fitzrovia serving inventive cocktails and lively nights with flair and fun.
Punch Room
1.5 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
NQ64 Soho
1.5 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Cahoots London
1.5 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Disrepute - Soho
1.6 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Basement Sate
1.7 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
1.7 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
The Swan, Hyde Park
1.7 km
Historic coaching inn turned vibrant pub overlooking Hyde Park, blending rich London heritage with classic British dining and lively social scenes.
The Nellie Dean
1.7 km
A classic Soho pub blending traditional charm with lively local spirit and renowned for hearty pies and well-kept ales.
Duke of Argyll
1.8 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
1.1 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
Bordello London
1.5 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
101 Nightclub London
1.5 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Sunset night club
1.6 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Privilege Entertainment Ltd
1.6 km
Discover the pulsating nightlife at Privilege Entertainment Ltd, London's premier entertainment agency and nightclub, where unforgettable experiences await.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
1.6 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
St Moritz Club
1.7 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
The Cuckoo Club
1.8 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Tabu London
1.8 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Box Soho
1.8 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
1.8 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
Sophisticats Soho
1.8 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
1.9 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
La Capannina Club
1.9 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
1.9 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Quirky
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
