Sherlock Holmes Museum
Step into Victorian London at the world's first literary character museum, where Sherlock Holmes' iconic address comes alive.
Step into the world of literature's greatest detective at 221B Baker Street, where the Sherlock Holmes Museum recreates the Victorian home of Holmes and Dr. Watson. This Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, built in 1815, has been meticulously furnished to reflect the period from 1881 to 1904 when the fictional characters resided there. Explore gas-lit rooms filled with Holmes' personal effects, wax figure displays of famous cases, and authentic Victorian details that bring Arthur Conan Doyle's stories to life.
A brief summary to Baker St
- London, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Purchase tickets at the gift shop before joining the queue for entry; allow one to two hours to explore all four floors at a leisurely pace.
- The narrow staircases and steep steps are authentic to the period but may challenge visitors with mobility issues; plan accordingly.
- Visit during weekday mornings to avoid peak crowds; the museum can become congested during afternoons and weekends.
- Fans of both the original novels and modern adaptations will find references to multiple interpretations, from the 1984 Granada Television series to contemporary versions.
- The gift shop offers unique Sherlock Holmes merchandise and souvenirs, including deerstalker hats and Victorian-themed items.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Baker Street station on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines is directly adjacent to the museum, requiring only a one-minute walk. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with typical journey times of 15–25 minutes from central London locations such as Leicester Square or South Kensington. Standard adult fares range from £1.75 to £3.00 depending on zones travelled.
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National Rail
Marylebone railway station is approximately five minutes' walk from the museum and serves destinations across England via services operated by multiple train companies. Journey times vary widely depending on origin; typical fares range from £5 to £25 for regional connections. Services run throughout the day with reduced frequency in early morning and late evening.
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Black Cab or Ride-Hailing
Licensed black cabs and ride-hailing services such as Uber operate throughout London and can deliver you directly to 221B Baker Street. Typical fares from central London locations range from £8 to £20 depending on traffic and distance. Journey times during off-peak hours are 10–20 minutes; peak-hour congestion can extend this to 30–45 minutes.
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Walking
From Regent's Park (approximately 10 minutes' walk), Oxford Street (approximately 15 minutes), or Madame Tussauds (approximately 5 minutes), Baker Street is easily accessible on foot through well-lit, pedestrian-friendly streets in the Marylebone neighbourhood. The area is relatively flat with good pavement conditions.
Baker St location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Baker St
The World's First Literary Character Museum
The Sherlock Holmes Museum holds the distinction of being the world's first museum dedicated to a fictional character. Opened in 1990, it occupies a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse built in 1815, located on Baker Street in London's Marylebone neighbourhood. Although the building physically sits between numbers 237 and 241, the City of Westminster granted it the iconic address 221B in recognition of its cultural significance. This address, immortalized in Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, never actually existed when the tales were written—Baker Street's numbering only reached 100 at that time.A Victorian Time Capsule
The museum faithfully recreates the residence as described in Conan Doyle's narratives, spanning the period from 1881 to 1904 when Holmes and Dr. Watson supposedly lived there as tenants of Mrs. Hudson. Visitors ascend narrow staircases and navigate creaky wooden floors through four floors of meticulously decorated rooms. Gas lamps illuminate the spaces, casting authentic Victorian shadows across period furnishings and carefully curated artifacts. The first-floor study, which overlooks Baker Street, serves as the centrepiece, displaying Holmes' most iconic possessions: his deerstalker hat, magnifying glass, calabash pipe, notebooks, and various disguises used in his investigations.Immersive Displays and Character Recreations
Beyond static displays, the museum brings the detective's world to life through life-size wax figures depicting scenes from Holmes' most celebrated cases. The third floor features elaborate re-enactments where costumed interpreters occasionally portray characters such as Mrs. Hudson, a policeman, and a maid, engaging with visitors and enhancing the immersive experience. Throughout the house, visitors encounter Watson's personal belongings, including his armchair and handwritten notes, alongside furnishings and objects that evoke the atmosphere of Victorian London. Each room tells a story, from Holmes' laboratory to Watson's quarters, creating a narrative journey through the detective's domestic life.The Famous Address Dispute
The museum's address became the subject of an unusual historical dispute. Since the 1930s, the Royal Mail had been delivering letters addressed to Sherlock Holmes to the nearby Abbey National Bank building, which employed a dedicated secretary to handle such correspondence. The museum pursued multiple appeals to receive this mail, arguing it was the most appropriate custodian. This quirky controversy persisted for decades until 2002, when Abbey National vacated its headquarters after seventy years, and mail delivery was finally redirected to the museum—a symbolic victory for the institution.A Destination for Literary Enthusiasts
The museum attracts devotees of the Holmes canon from around the world, offering a tangible connection to one of literature's most enduring characters. The narrow Victorian rooms, authentic period details, and carefully assembled memorabilia create an atmosphere that transports visitors into the pages of Conan Doyle's stories. Whether exploring Holmes' scientific instruments, examining Watson's personal effects, or studying the wax figure tableaux, visitors gain insight into the detective's fictional world and the Victorian era that inspired it. The adjacent gift shop offers themed souvenirs, including the famous deerstalker hat, allowing visitors to take a piece of 221B Baker Street home with them.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Former EMI House (Beatles album cover photo)
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Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
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The Paddington Partnership
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Roosevelt Memorial
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Speakers' Corner
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London Central Mosque
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38 Grosvenor Sq
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The Photographers' Gallery
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Explore the captivating world of photography at The Photographers' Gallery, London's premier destination for stunning exhibitions and engaging workshops.
Lord's Cricket Ground
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Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
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Paddington Bear Statue
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Goodge St
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The Old Police House
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Savile Row
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Explore the elegance of Savile Row, London's renowned street for bespoke tailoring and luxury fashion, where craftsmanship meets tradition.
Sussex Gardens
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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
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Modern student living in central London, opposite Madame Tussaud’s and close to Regent’s Park and the vibrant West End.
Sherlock Holmes Statue
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Iconic bronze statue near Baker Street celebrating Sherlock Holmes, London’s legendary fictional detective and literary icon.
The Wonderpass
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Discover Upper Wimpole Street, a historic Marylebone street blending medical heritage, iconic residents, and elegant Edwardian architecture in central London.
Grosvenor Casino, The Victoria
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Experience premier gaming, fine dining, and vibrant social scenes at London’s iconic Grosvenor Casino The Victoria on Edgware Road.
Selfridges
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The Dover Castle
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St Christopher's Place
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London Gifts
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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
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Sustainable fine dining in Mayfair blending seasonal British produce with innovative, low-waste culinary artistry.
Portland
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Little Social
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sketch
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Starbucks Coffee
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A vibrant Starbucks café in Carnaby offering expertly crafted coffee, fresh food, and a lively urban atmosphere in central London.
Kingly Court
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Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
The Ninth
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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
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Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Social Eating House
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Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
NOPI
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
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Inamo
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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
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A vibrant Beatles memorabilia haven on Baker Street celebrating the timeless legacy of the Fab Four.
Church Street Market
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A bustling multicultural market in Westminster offering fresh produce, antiques, street food, and vibrant local culture from Monday to Saturday.
Beyond Retro Soho
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Dive into Soho's ultimate vintage vault: two floors of era-spanning fashion, weekly drops, and pop-up vibes for the preloved obsessed.
LONGCHAMP
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Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Liberty
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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
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London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
Goodge Place Market
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A vibrant street food market in the heart of Fitzrovia, offering diverse flavors and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from central London.
Regent St.
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London's elegant mile of style, where Regency architecture meets world-class flagship stores and timeless shopping heritage.
House of secrets
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Cool Britannia Oxford Street
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Hamleys
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Canvas Collection
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Carnaby St
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Kingly Ct
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Berwick St
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Purl London
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace
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The Argyll Arms
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The Victoria, Paddington
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The Dickens Tavern
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
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Punch Room
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Cahoots London
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Basement Sate
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The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
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The Swan, Hyde Park
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The Nellie Dean
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Duke of Argyll
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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101 Nightclub London
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Sunset night club
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Privilege Entertainment Ltd
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LUXX CLUB LONDON
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St Moritz Club
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The Cuckoo Club
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Tabu London
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Versity Camp Nightclub
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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
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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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La Capannina Club
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Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
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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 view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
