In this article, I present the 221b baker streethome to the museum of the world's most famous detective: Sherlock Holmes !
Here you'll find
- A presentation of 221b baker street and its museum
- What you can see on your visit
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about 221b baker street, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
221b baker street : article summary
221b baker street: Sherlock Holmes' fictional London address
Many fictional characters originated in London, with some of the most famous still around today: the little wizard Harry PotterOliver Twist, Mary Poppins, James Bond, the Paddington Bear (named after a London station) and of course the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.
It's up to 221b baker street that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's pipe-smoking character created in 1887 is supposed to live in, and it appears in the first novel dedicated to this key figure of English culture: A Study in Scarlet (A study in Red).
Let me introduce you to him!
Introducing 221b baker street
When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle decided to provide an address for what would become his most famous character. 221b baker streetin the Marylebone district, less than 2 km from Camden Town.
At the time, house numbering didn't reach 221, so it's a place where the purely fictitious the author imagines. He simply wants the detective to live in this affluent residential neighborhood, from which he can conduct his investigations in peace.
But as the street grew, the 221b baker street address was given to a real company (Abbey National), who starts receiving so many letters addressed to the detective that she has to hire a secretary specifically to answer them.
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After several years of disputes between Abbey National, City Hall and the museum created in honor of Sherlock Holmes to recover the address, 221b baker street is officially attributed to the museum, although it is not technically located at the exact site.
Today, it is a landmark of the capital, with a Sherlock Holmes museum not to be missed!
Facts and figures about the site
- The museum opened in 1990 as a house museum.
- Sherlock Holmes is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the most portrayed human character in novels, films and TV series. In fact, 221b baker street can be seen in countless fictional works!
- Dr House of the eponymous series also lives at 221b baker street...but in New Jersey!
What can you see on your visit? Â
Visit Sherlock Holmes Museum on the 221b baker street The three-storey building is an exact replica of the living quarters of the detective, his sidekick Dr Watson and their housekeeper Ms Hudon.
A guide (often English-speaking, but with some knowledge of French) will show you around, including :
- a second floor featuring Sherlock Holmes' bedroom and the office where he worked on his investigations with Watson
- a second floor with bedrooms and offices Ms Hudon and Dr Watsonwhich appear to have been left as they were
- The 3e floor with wax statues (as with Madame Tussaudsjust around the corner!) featuring the trio in action
By aiming for this house museumwith its wealth of period accessories, small details and meticulous decoration, it's almost easy to forget that Sherlock Holmes and his acolytes didn't really exist!
At 221b baker street, a charming boutique you'll be able to take home souvenirs, like one of Doyle's detective novels, a cap or a pipe to make you feel like a London detective!
This is a original, fun tourfor the whole family!
How do I get to 221b baker street?
You already know the address! To reach the museum, simply choose one of the following means of transport:
- Le MétroBakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines, Baker Street stop
- Buses 13, 74, 189 and 274, which will drop you off just a stone's throw away.
- By trainby getting off at Paddington or Marylebone stations
- With a cabfor an address every driver knows!
221b baker street: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before heading to 221b baker street to visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: £16
- Child ticket: 6 to 15 years: £11
- Reduced rate for seniors (over 65) and students: £14
- Free for children under 6
You can book your tickets online directly on the official Museum website or buy them at the ticket office, via the boutique.
Opening hours
Open daily from 9.30am to 6pm.
Practical information
You can take souvenir photos inside, but videos are prohibited.
Before entering, be sure to observe the building's facade on which you'll see the famous blue plaque mentioning the presence of Sherlock Holmes at this address.
What to see and do in the area?
There's lots to see and do around 221b baker street. Here are a few suggestions for continuing your discovery of the capital!
- Visit Regent's Park huge, with a lovely Japanese garden at its center
- Walk (approx. 30 minutes) to British Museumone of the world's most impressive museums
- Head south towards Piccadilly Circus and Carnaby Street, two emblematic locations of London life!
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