_Live in a Love Actually filming location in London

Nearly 20 years after it was first released, Love Actually remains a firm fixture on the festive calendar. It’s become a classic Christmas film. Written and directed by Richard Curtis, the British film centres around the complex relationships of 8 couples at Christmas time.

Those characters and their stories are so well known, and they’re loved or loathed. Alan Rickman’s character Harry still enrages people with his adulterous acts and Emma Thompson’s performance as his wife can render the audience sobbing even on the tenth viewing. There have been calls for Hugh Grant’s character to step up as PM. And Mark (Andrew Lincoln) declaring his unrequited love of Juliet (Keira Knightley) via cue cards is simply iconic.

But a background and very important character of the film is its main setting - London. From the opening and closing sequences at Heathrow Airport to the characters’ homes and plot journeys, the film is grounded (largely) in London.

Here, we share some of the key Love Actually locations and reasons to celebrate them.

Notting Hill

This desirable West London neighbourhood is the place that Richard Curtis calls home, so it’s no great surprise that the area features in the film. Curtis also went on to create a film centred around and named after Notting Hill too.

In Love Actually, Notting Hill is where Juliet lives with her new husband Peter. Consequently, it’s the location for the memorable scene between Mark and Juliet – the one where he stands on the doorstep and reveals his feelings for her silently, via pen and paper. That street with the cobbles and the attractive, colourful mews houses is St Luke’s Mews.

Westway Studios in Notting Hill provided another location. It’s where Billy Mack recorded his Christmas is all around single!

Notting Hill has an enduring popularity for many reasons, not just for its appearances in favourite films. From its café culture and antiques market to its excellent schools and village-style vibe, there are many reasons to move to Notting Hill.

The Auria, Notting Hill
Prices from £675,000
Located in Portobello Square, this exciting new development comprises contemporary apartments in the heart of Notting Hill. With 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, this prestigious development offers convenient, premium amenities and outlooks over Portobello Road or the open, green space of Athlone Gardens.

South Bank

Remember that poignant scene between Daniel (Liam Neeson) and his stepson, when they have their heart-to-heart chat? It’s the moment when Daniel finally understands the pain and confusion that the boy is experiencing – first love. The scene where young Sam opens up to his stepdad about his feelings for Joanna was filmed on London’s South Bank, overlooking the River Thames. The bench where the man and boy share their thoughts and feelings can be found on Gabriel’s Wharf.

The South Bank is a vibrant area, rich in history and culture. There’s always something going on from street markets and pop-up dining to concerts and performances at The National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall. With the River Thames flowing by and views across the water to Westminster and The Houses of Parliament, it’s an iconic spot in London.

Southbank Place
Prices from £7,850,000
Imagine living in an exceptional, riverside apartment on the south bank of the Thames, right beside The London Eye. Southbank Place is a landmark development of elegant apartments and penthouses. The architect-designed residences of 1-5 bedrooms are simply exquisite. Their views out over the river and Jubilee Gardens add a showstopping talking point.

Penthouse at Belvedere Gardens, Southbank Place. Available immediately.

Marylebone

The world-famous store that is Selfridge’s on Oxford Street was the Christmas shopping destination for Harry, Alan Rickman’s character. It’s where he bought the necklace for his new secretary, Mia. His deceitful act was heightened by the eccentric salesperson, played by Rowan Atkinson, who insisted on adding more and more decoration to the gift wrapping.

There’s more to Marylebone than the hectic shopping district of Oxford Street though. The streets behind it are a gentler, more refined pace with boutique retailers and specialist stores. There’s fine dining, welcoming cafes and a community feel to the desirable London area.

Cosway Street
Prices between £799,950 and £2,665,000
Set within the Lisson Grove conservation area is the new Cosway Street development. It comprises 49 apartments of between 1 and 3 bedrooms. The exquisite interiors have been designed by Amos & Amos, whilst the building itself has been designed by Bell Phillips Architects. The apartments are open plan to maximise natural light and allow an easy flow around the generous living space.