PHOTO: Somerset House. (photos by Worldwide Scott unless otherwise indicated)
If you're like many, the film "Love Actually" has sneakily slid up to the top of your Christmas films list over the last few years. Released in 2003 and set in London, the movie weaves eight unconventional love stories together all dusted with a bit of holiday magic and has struck a chord with its sentimental sense of humor and fun holiday music.
London is a great place to visit at Christmas anyway, and following in the movie's footsteps is a fun way to crank up the festive cheer a few notches while there.
Here are five of the best "Love Actually" locations in London to visit at Christmas.
1. Somerset House
Only featured in the "Love Actually" opening scenes, the skaters we see from afar on the ice at Somerset House skating rink set such a Christmas-y tone, that you'd swear it was shown more in the film. The stately abode decks its halls for the holidays and is home to an annual skating rink in its gorgeous courtyard. Taking a turn twirling on the ice here will make you feel like you are in the film and fully in the holiday spirit.
2. Gabriel's Wharf
Photo via Flickr/Henry Hemming
Home to the bench where one of the most sentimental scenes in "Love Actually" was shot - the one where young Sam tells his stepfather (Liam Neeson) that he is hopelessly and utterly in love - Gabriel's Wharf is a great stop this time of year. The same bench used in the film with a fantastic view of the Thames and St. Paul's Cathedral is still there, and as an added bonus Gabriel's Wharf is just a few minutes walk to the South Bank Winter Festival, London's biggest Christmas market.
3. St. Luke's Mews
You know that scene where Mark (Andrew Lincoln) displays all the romantic/creepy posters to Juliet (Keira Knightley) in an effort to put his obsession with her to rest? Well, that was shot on the cobblestoned St. Luke's Mews in Notting Hill, and tying a trip down the romantic street in with some seasonal shopping in Notting Hill is a fun way to spend a London afternoon.
4. Grosvenor Chapel
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
In the heart of Mayfair, this cozy chapel is the setting for the heartwarming scene that starts off the movie and perhaps launched a thousand flash mobs in the process. In "Love Actually," Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Juliet have their wedding lovingly interrupted by an impromptu rendition of "All You Need is Love," belted out by hidden members of the audience. During December, the chapel is home to many carol concerts visitors can attend - just try your best not to hide in the balcony and interrupt the proceedings.
5. Selfridges on Oxford St.
"But sir, you said you wanted it gift wrapped?" the man behind the counter asks Harry (Alan Rickman) as he sneakily tries to buy a necklace for his workplace infatuation. Selfridge's is a prestigious department store in the U.K., and a stroll down the equally glittering Oxford St. at Christmas with its dangling overhead lights is an absolute must when in London.
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