The Geek Tour of London

Casey Gale is a student at Rider University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Casey is currently studying abroad with ISA in London, England.

I freely and proudly admit that I geek out over a great many things. England, home to Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes and, suspiciously, the majority of Doctor Who companions, has more than I could have ever asked for in the geek department. So, for those with offbeat interests, I offer you the official “I’m a geek who has lived in London for a week” tour.

1. Plays and musicals

If you’re a geek of the theatre variety, you’re in luck. London is home to tons of plays and musicals, many of which are the same as Broadway shows in New York City. Wicked, which I have now seen and loved in both cities, and Matilda, which I’m seeing soon for the first time, are just a couple of the well-known productions here. You can even see plays in the famed Globe Theatre, as ISA is taking my program mates and me to see Julius Caesar there! I should mention that if tickets are purchased from the box office just before show time, they can often be quite cheap.

2. Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock seems to have a strong presence in London, and rightfully so; his address is 221b Baker Street, after all. The address of the fictional detective is now a quaint museum that is a treat for fans of the novels, movies, and television shows alike to enjoy. Other Sherlock details I’ve spotted in my travels: a statue of Sherlock Holmes on Marylebone Road, and the Baker Street London Underground station, which has Sherlock silhouettes all over the walls.

3. Tours galore

Want to see the sets of Harry Potter? Or would you prefer to see the sites of Doctor Who scenes? London offers tours for both. In fact, London offers tours to fulfill every geeky need, like spooky tours about Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper, and a BBC Broadcasting House tour. Of course, you don’t always need a tour guide to go visit famous locations; places like Platform 9 ¾ can be found by just jaunting to King’s Cross Station.

London is brimming with fun popular culture elements. Seek them out, and you shall find them!