You can visit amazing Mary Poppins filming locations across London! Start at St. Paul’s Cathedral steps where the Bird Woman feeds pigeons, then explore the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street that became Fidelity Fiduciary Bank. Don’t miss the historic Two Chairmen Pub on Dartmouth Street and Bedfordbury Alleyway near Covent Garden where Topsy’s magical shop appears. Walk through the financial district around Bank Station and follow the cycling routes from the sequel. There’s so much more magical London awaiting your discovery!
- Bank of England on Threadneedle Street
- Shepperton Studios Sound Stages
- St Paul’s Cathedral Steps
- Two Chairmen Pub on Dartmouth Street
- Bedfordbury Alleyway and Topotrepolovsky’s Shop
- Middle Temple Lane Dance Sequence Location
- Banking Hall at 14 Cornhill
- Cherry Tree Lane House Set
- Streets Around Bank Station
- Ludgate Hill Bird Lady Reference
- Westminster Cycling Route
- Charing Cross to Covent Garden Path
- The Sum Up
Bank of England on Threadneedle Street
The Bank of England on Threadneedle Street serves as the real-world heart of Michael Banks’s workplace in Mary Poppins Returns. You’ll recognize this grand building where Michael pleads with Mr. Wilkins!
The filmmakers transformed surrounding streets to look like 1930s Depression-era London, creating the perfect backdrop for the fictional Fidelity Fiduciary Bank.
While the original 1964 Mary Poppins used Disney studio sets, those sets were actually modeled after this real Bank of England. You can visit the free Bank of England Museum inside and snap photos of the impressive exterior.
Take the Underground to Bank station—it’s super convenient! You’ll also spot the Royal Exchange across the street, which doubled as the bank’s classical front entrance in the film. The area near Big Ben also features prominently in the film’s London scenes.
Shepperton Studios Sound Stages
The studios created amazing sets like the Royal Doulton Music Hall and even built a Big Ben replica. The Cherry Tree Lane scenes were filmed at Shepperton Studios’ H Stage, which was later renamed the Julie Andrews Stage.
If you’re visiting, the nearest train stations are Shepperton and Staines, both connecting to London Waterloo.
St Paul’s Cathedral Steps
When you climb the majestic West Steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll discover where the beloved Bird Woman sits in “Feed the Birds!” These iconic steps witness Michael‘s heartwarming decision to give his tuppence to feed birds instead of investing it at the bank. You can recreate this magical moment by bringing birdseed for the pigeons that still gather here daily.
The cathedral’s enormous dome and stunning baroque architecture create the perfect backdrop for Mary Poppins magic. In Mary Poppins Returns, filmmakers shot real scenes on these very steps, honoring the original Bird Lady’s memory.
You’ll instantly recognize this London landmark from countless films. The magnificent facade showcases detailed sculptures of saints and apostles like St. Peter and St. Paul. Don’t forget to explore the crypt’s restaurant for delicious food, and imagine the saints smiling down as you feed the birds just like Michael did!
Two Chairmen Pub on Dartmouth Street
Hidden away on historic Dartmouth Street, you’ll find the Two Chairmen pub, where lamplighter Jack cycles past during the opening song “Underneath the Lovely London Sky” in Mary Poppins Returns!
This Grade II listed pub is Westminster’s oldest, dating back to 1729. You’ll spot its charming sign showing two men carrying a sedan chair – that’s where the name comes from!
Back in the 18th century, chairmen waited here between jobs carrying wealthy visitors to nearby cockfights and theatre shows.
The pub’s tucked-away location near Queen Anne’s Gate makes it feel like a hidden treasure. The film showcases this area as part of historic Westminster, emphasizing the authentic London locations used throughout the movie.
You can easily walk here from St James’s Park station and combine your visit with other nearby Mary Poppins filming spots on Cowley Street!
Bedfordbury Alleyway and Topotrepolovsky’s Shop
Dark and mysterious Bedfordbury Alleyway serves as the entrance to Topsy’s magical fix-it shop in Mary Poppins Returns! You’ll find this enchanting filming location right next to Thai Pot restaurant at 1 Bedfordbury in Covent Garden.
Watch for Meryl Streep’s amazing performance as Topsy, Mary Poppins’ eccentric cousin, around 66-77 minutes into the film.
This atmospheric alleyway perfectly captures the movie’s magical essence when the children, Mary, and Jack visit Topotrepolovsky’s shop to repair their Royal Doulton bowl. The location’s Victorian architecture enhances the film’s period-specific storytelling and creates an authentic 1930s London atmosphere.
You can easily reach Bedfordbury by taking the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden Station – it’s just a short walk away!
The 18th-century buildings and vibrant neighborhood make this spot perfect for Mary Poppins fans exploring London’s cinematic treasures.
Middle Temple Lane Dance Sequence Location
Although it’s tucked away in London’s historic legal district, Middle Temple Lane becomes the dazzling centerpiece of the “Trip a Little Light Fantastic” dance sequence in Mary Poppins Returns!
You’ll find this magical location in the Temple complex south of the Strand, where Knights Templar once lived centuries ago.
When you visit, look for the west side wall where Jack and the gang first start dancing, then follow the route through quiet squares and narrow passageways toward Fleet Street.
The elaborate carved-stone archway you’ll spot is where the Leeries later bicycle through!
Don’t miss nearby Devereux Court, where Jack sits atop that beautiful wrought-iron gate.
This authentic medieval setting required two weeks of filming with 50 dancers creating movie magic! The atmospheric fog scenes where Mary Poppins and the children become lost were also filmed in this historic location.
Banking Hall at 14 Cornhill
Where can you step inside the grand bank from Mary Poppins Returns? You’ll find it at Banking Hall, located at 14 Cornhill in London’s financial district!
This spectacular Art Deco building from the 1930s served as the interior of Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, where Michael Banks meets the sneaky Mr. Wilkins.
The real magic happens inside, where you’ll see gorgeous marble columns, super high ceilings, and massive chandeliers that made the perfect backdrop for the film.
It’s right across from the Royal Exchange, which was used as the bank’s exterior in the movie!
You can easily reach it by taking the Underground to Bank station. The location sits in central London, making it part of the film’s focus on authentic London settings for varied scenes.
While the building isn’t always open to visitors, you can admire its impressive exterior anytime and imagine yourself walking through those famous banking scenes!
Cherry Tree Lane House Set
After exploring the grand banking scenes, you might wonder where you can visit the famous Banks family home on Cherry Tree Lane! Here’s the surprising truth: you can’t actually visit 17 Cherry Tree Lane because it doesn’t exist!
The entire street was built inside Disney’s Burbank studios for the 1964 film, and the sequel used Shepperton Studios’ H Stage.
But don’t worry – you can still experience the magic! Visit Kensington Square or Stanhope Gardens in South Kensington, which look just like the fictional street, especially during spring’s cherry blossom season.
P.L. Travers, who wrote Mary Poppins, lived in Chelsea and drew inspiration from these beautiful tree-lined streets. The real inspiration came from Primrose Hill, where Travers believed the Banks family would have lived. You’ll spot red mailboxes and Victorian houses that perfectly match the film’s charming aesthetic!
Streets Around Bank Station
Look for the massive Bank of England with its intimidating stone walls, which echoed Mr. Banks’s stern workplace world. The imposing exterior perfectly evokes Mr. Banks’ workplace from the beloved film. Across the street, you’ll spot the Royal Exchange with its grand columns—this doubled as the fictional Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s exterior!
The real magic happened inside the Art Deco Banking Hall at 14 Cornhill, where Michael Banks met the villainous Mr. Wilkins.
Walk around Threadneedle Street, Lombard Street, and surrounding lanes to see exactly where Mary Poppins’s London came alive!
Ludgate Hill Bird Lady Reference
Though feeding pigeons isn’t allowed anymore, you’ll feel the magic as you imagine Mary Poppins singing Walt Disney’s favorite song from the film.
The cathedral’s impressive architecture creates that same somber, beautiful atmosphere from the movie. The iconic scene was filmed using painted London backgrounds at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
P.L. Travers likely observed real pigeon feeders here in the 1920s-1930s, inspiring her original story!
Westminster Cycling Route
Where does Jack’s magical cycling adventure take you through London’s most historic neighborhoods? You’ll start at Tower Bridge, cycling west along the Thames path past the iconic Tower of London. The route winds through Westminster’s heart, where you’ll spot the Two Chairmen pub at 39 Dartmouth Street – Westminster’s oldest pub near the government seat!
Keep pedaling through Westminster’s charming backstreets like Cowley Street, where Jane Banks walks among 18th-century terraced houses steeped in political history. You’ll cruise past Lord North Street facing St John’s Smith Square church before reaching St Paul’s Cathedral steps for that special Bird Lady moment. The cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in the 17th century after the Great Fire of London.
Though the film doesn’t follow a realistic geographical route, you can easily explore these magical locations on your own London cycling adventure!
Charing Cross to Covent Garden Path
Don’t miss Goodwin’s Court, the narrow cobbled alley off St Martin’s Lane where Cousin Topsy’s house appears! You can follow Mary Poppins’ exact footsteps down this historic lane.
The entire area’s packed with vintage charm and period details that match the film’s 1930s setting. From here, you can easily take a walk over Vauxhall Bridge to reach other iconic filming locations in the area. Tourism guides highlight this route as essential for Mary Poppins Returns fans wanting an authentic London adventure!
The Sum Up
You’ve got your magical London adventure mapped out! Grab your umbrella and start exploring these enchanting Mary Poppins locations. Don’t forget to look up at the chimney tops as you wander through the historic streets. Pack some bird seed for the cathedral steps, bring your camera for those perfect shots, and maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of that famous nanny floating by. London’s waiting for your practically perfect visit!
