In the footsteps of Bridget Jones in London
As Bridget Jones : Folle de lui, the fourth installment in the adventures of the clumsy yet endearing heroine, hits cinemas on February 12, 2025, a London escapade is in order to follow in her footsteps. London is packed with iconic locations immortalized in this cult saga, and here’s a detailed guide for fans of the British rom-com.
Borough Market: the heart of the first film
In Bridget Jones’s Diary, the heroine’s apartment is located right next to Borough Market, one of London’s most famous food markets. This lively district in Southwark, in the south-east of the city, is a veritable place of pilgrimage for film buffs.
Bridget’s apartment is nestled above the Globe Tavern, now a Thai restaurant called Khao Bird. Here, fans can enjoy spicy dishes while imagining the heroine preparing her legendary blue soup. A short stroll takes us to Daniel Cleaver ‘s (Hugh Grant) window on Clink Street.
Borough Market itself is a gastronomic gem, where chefs like Jamie Oliver come to stock up. Specialties range from fresh oysters and chocolate-dipped strawberries to organic produce and spices from around the world.
📍 Borough Market, London SE1 9AL
📍 The Globe Tavern & Khao Bird, 8 Bedale St, London SE1 9AL
London through museums and galleries
While Bridget’s adventures focus primarily on her tumultuous love life, the films have also showcased numerous cultural sites. Among them, several museums and art galleries that are well worth a visit:
- Tate Modern: A panoramic restaurant overlooking the Thames serves as the backdrop for an iconic scene. A perfect stop-off to admire the London skyline.
- Serpentine Galleries: Located in Hyde Park, these contemporary art galleries have hosted exhibitions by Damien Hirst and Lauren Halsey.
- Institute of Contemporary Arts: This trendy arts venue features a cutting-edge bookshop, exhibition rooms and a café, perfect for a break between visits.
📍 Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
📍 Serpentine North Gallery, W Carriage Dr, London W2 2AR
Hampstead: Bridget’s new neighborhood
In the latest Bridget Jones: Mad About Him movie, Bridget, now a widow and mother of two, lives in Hampstead, an upscale neighborhood in North London. Her school is also in this popular celebrity area, where Harry Styles, Boy George and even the late Lee Miller reside or have resided.
Hampstead is known for its peaceful atmosphere, Victorian houses and huge park, Hampstead Heath, where Bridget meets a key character in the film played by Leo Woodall. The area also offers vintage boutiques, cosy cafés and fine restaurants such as Ottolenghi.
The area has often been used as a backdrop for films such as :
- Labyrinthe (1986) with David Bowie
- The Werewolf of London (1981)
- Love at first sight in Notting Hill (1999)
- Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
📍 Hampstead, London NW3
Bridget Jones’ London must-sees
Revisiting the first three films, we find several cult locations that appear repeatedly in the saga:
- The Royal Courts of Justice: An iconic building where Bridget finds herself in an uncomfortable situation.
- Piccadilly Circus & Tower Bridge: iconic landmarks often used for fast-paced racing scenes.
- Italian Gardens & Primrose Hill: Romantic green spaces that provide the backdrop for Bridget’s moments of introspection.
- Greenwich Park & Shad Thames: Picturesque spots perfect for a stroll and Instagram-worthy shots.
📍 The Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London WC2A 2LL
📍 Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY
How to organize your Bridget Jones trip
Getting to London:Eurostar remains the most convenient way to reach the British capital. However, from April 2, 2025, French travelers will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via the UK ETA application.
Where to stay? For a complete immersion in the world of Bridget Jones,The Hoxton hotel in Southwark is an excellent choice, located just a few minutes from Borough Market.
📍 The Hoxton, Southwark, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8NY
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