Black Doves is not your usual holiday season watch. It’s got spies, assassins, and enough Christmas vibes. It’s a six-episode Netflix thriller and is created by Joe Barton. He is known for Giri/Haji and The Lazarus Project.
Black Doves is a fast-paced tale of secrets, betrayal, and murder. All of this wrapped up in London’s twinkling Christmas lights.
London plays a starring role in the show. It is not just in the backdrop but almost as a character itself. There’s the snow-dusted streets and the bustling markets.
The show takes you on a tour of the city like never before. If you’re a local, you might recognize some places. Or if you’re a curious globetrotter, you might find places to add to your travel bucket list.
Now, let’s break down the Black Doves filming locations that make this spy thriller shine.
Black Doves filming locations: A quick guide
1) Leadenhall Market
One of the most iconic filming locations in Black Doves is Leadenhall Market. This beautiful, historic spot might feel familiar. That’s because you might recognize it as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter.
Built in the 14th century, it is brimming with Victorian charm. Leadenhall Market is a hub of activity in the show. The intricate architecture and festive decorations make it a perfect setting for the drama.
The market’s narrow alleyways give a bustling vibe. It also adds an atmospheric edge to the scenes, thus making it the ideal place for clandestine meetings and secret missions.
2) Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge is also known as the “wobbly bridge.” It connects London’s Bankside with the City of London. This sleek, modern footbridge serves as a key filming spot in Black Doves.
It’s classic London at its best. The sweeping views of the Thames make the bridge not just a practical crossing but a cinematic gem. If you visit, you might even feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Keira’s Helen from Black Doves—minus the espionage, hopefully.
3) Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is one of the few remaining Victorian-era market halls. It is another standout location in Black Doves.
This east London hotspot is a blend of old-world charm and modern buzz. It’s got quirky stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet snacks.
In the show, Spitalfields adds a lively, gritty backdrop to key scenes. The juxtaposition of festive cheer and tense spy action makes it all the more thrilling.
Here’s a fun fact—this spot has been featured in numerous other productions. But in Black Doves, it’s given a fresh, Christmassy twist.
4) Queen’s Walk
Queen’s Walk is a picturesque stretch along London’s South Bank with unbeatable views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It’s a favorite filming location for a reason.
The twinkling lights of the city reflected on the Thames make it a dreamy yet dramatic spot. It is perfect for intense conversations or quiet reflection (or both).
In Black Doves, the characters share a few poignant moments here. The backdrop of iconic landmarks like the London Eye adds a cinematic flair to the storyline. The Queen’s Walk delivers all the feels.
5) Helen’s home in Crystal Palace
Helen’s house in Black Doves is actually a real house. The scenes were shot in a house in Crystal Palace, South London. This might surprise fans since her character resides in Highgate and Highbury in the show.
The production team nailed the balance between aspirational and relatable. The house is stunning but still feels lived-in. It is complete with kids’ toys scattered around. There’s a kitchen that seems very much like “real life.”
If you’re exploring Crystal Palace, you might just stumble upon the street where Helen’s fictional life comes to, well, life.
6) Studio near Slough
London dominates the screen. But not all of Black Doves was filmed on location. Some scenes were shot in a studio near Slough, about 20 miles west of the city. These were particularly the more action-packed or logistically challenging ones.
Studios allowed the team to recreate snowy London streets and some high-stakes scenarios that would’ve been tricky to pull off in real life.
7) Borough Market and surrounding streets
The production couldn’t film inside Borough Market itself. That’s because of its busy schedule. But nearby streets make an appearance.
This famous foodie destination in London Bridge is a vibrant part of the city, even if it’s just a supporting player in the show. The surrounding area’s cobbled streets and historic charm make it an excellent choice for spy shenanigans.
8) South Bank
Last but definitely not least is the South Bank. It is one of the most iconic parts of London. It stretches along the Thames.
This area features everything from street performers to world-class art galleries. In the show, it’s a recurring location. There are the benches, walkways, and landmarks like the National Theatre making appearances.
The South Bank’s bustling energy contrasts beautifully with the show’s quieter, more intimate moments.
The historic markets, the scenic walkways, and all of these other locations add their own flavor to the show.
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