Angels TV & Film Costume Tour

If you’re a film and TV buff visiting London, chances are you’ve considered a behind-the-scenes peek at some of the city’s legendary costume archives. The Angels TV & Film Costume Tour offers a chance to visit the warehouse of Angels Costumes— a storied family-owned business that’s been around since 1840. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, plenty of reviews suggest that it’s a genuinely engaging experience for those interested in costume design, costume history, or just the magic of film and stage wardrobe.

What we really like about this tour is its small-group size—capped at 15 people—which promises a more personalized experience. Plus, the chance to learn about Angels’ long-standing role in dressing stars and productions, from West End shows to blockbuster hits like Game of Thrones, makes it feel like a special peek into Hollywood’s wardrobe closet. However, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a flashy exhibit with costumes on display in a museum—you’re stepping into the warehouse, which might lack some of the polish you’d find in a dedicated costume museum.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate insider stories, enjoy seeing costumes up close, and don’t mind a brief walk through North London’s neighborhood. Keep in mind that it’s about an hour and a half, so if you’re looking for a quick, focused dose of costume history with engaging narration, this could be perfect. If you’re expecting high-energy, interactive attractions or a deep dive into film sets, you might find it somewhat niche. But for costume enthusiasts and pop culture fans, it’s a thoughtfully curated experience worth considering.

Key Points

• Intimate experience: Small groups of 15 or fewer ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Historical insights: Learn about Angels’ century-long legacy and its influence on pop culture.
• Behind-the-scenes stories: Guides share anecdotes about costumes used in well-known productions.
• Location and accessibility: Situated in North London, accessible via public transport.
• Tour content: From tailoring to storage, see the entire process of costume creation and handling.
• Value for money: At around $64, the tour offers a behind-the-scenes look that many find worthwhile if you’re into film history.

What You Can Expect from the Itinerary

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour kicks off at Angels Costumes’ warehouse in North London at 2:00 pm. It’s a walkable location with good public transport options, making it easy to reach. The entire experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is a nice duration—enough to get a solid overview without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Warehouse Tour

Once inside, you’ll be introduced to the history of Angels, a family-run business that’s operated since 1840. The guide will give an overview of its evolution and significance in London’s entertainment scene. It’s clear that the company has a deep pride in its heritage, and guides like Jeremy Angel are enthusiastic about sharing that history.

The warehouse itself is the real highlight. You’ll explore different departments that handle costume design, tailoring, alterations, uniforms, and armor. The description suggests thousands of costumes are stored on-site, and you’ll get a chance to see the scale and variety of their collection. This isn’t just a storage room; it’s a working costume shop, so you might see pieces in various stages of completion or repair.

Behind-the-Scenes Process

The tour aims to show the entire journey of a costume—from design and fitting to storage. This comprehensive approach appeals to those curious about the craftsmanship involved in costume making. The personal stories and anecdotes shared by the guides enrich the experience, providing context for how costumes are used in productions and what happens behind the curtain.

The Highlights and What They Mean for Visitors

Rich Costuming Heritage

The fact that Angels has dressed stars for over 180 years means you’re engaging with a piece of London’s theatrical history. The opportunity to see costumes that might have appeared on stage or screen is a real draw. According to one reviewer, the guide’s “enthusiasm and pride” made the tour especially engaging, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Focused, Small-Group Format

Limited to 15 participants, the tour encourages interaction. You can ask questions comfortably, and guides often share entertaining behind-the-scenes stories. This intimate setup is a major plus for those who prefer a less commercialized, more knowledgeable experience.

Cost-Effective for Cultural Enthusiasts

At about $64, the tour isn’t budget-busting, especially given the insider access and the personalized nature. It’s a good value if you love films, stage productions, or costume design, and want to see a working warehouse rather than a display case.

Practical Considerations

Price and Value

While $63.87 per person might seem a bit steep for a 90-minute tour, it’s important to factor in the insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes access. For costume fans, it’s a rare chance to see a working costume warehouse in action, which adds tangible value.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’ll get a more relaxed atmosphere and opportunities for interaction. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness—it involves walking around the warehouse and standing for periods but isn’t overly strenuous.

Timing and Booking

The tour starts at 2:00 pm, and booking on average 87 days in advance indicates it’s popular but not overloaded. Confirmation is received immediately, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, making it relatively flexible if your plans change.

Family-Friendliness

Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with kids interested in costumes or movies, they’ll likely enjoy the behind-the-scenes look, but keep in mind the overall pace and content might be more engaging for older children or teenagers.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer from Tripadvisor was very positive, praising Jeremy Angel’s enthusiasm and the guide’s knowledge. They highlighted the pride in the family business and the personal stories shared. Another mentioned that it was a great gift—a thoughtful experience for those interested in costume history.

However, not all reviews are glowing. One reviewer raised concerns about refund policies and felt dissatisfied after a negative experience with costume hiring and refunds. It’s a reminder that, like with any small business, there’s some variability in service.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re passionate about film and TV costumes, enjoy learning about the craft behind wardrobe design, or love discovering hidden London gems, the Angels TV & Film Costume Tour offers a unique peek into a working costume warehouse. It’s especially suitable if you value small-group intimacy, knowledgeable guides, and an insider perspective on London’s costume scene.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a flashy museum experience or a highly interactive attraction, this might feel too niche or low-key. It’s a solid choice for those who want a relaxed, informative visit that provides a genuine connection to the world of costume design and film production.

While it’s not a comprehensive costume exhibition, the combination of history, craftsmanship, and insider stories can make it a memorable highlight—particularly for fans eager to see costumes up close and learn how they’re created and stored.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a short, engaging experience, so older kids and teenagers interested in movies or costumes will likely enjoy it.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable outing without feeling rushed.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs approximately $63.87 per person, which is reasonable for the behind-the-scenes access and small-group environment.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins in North London, at the Angels warehouse. The meeting point is accessible via public transport.

What is included in the experience?
You’ll have an expert tour guide who shares insights, stories, and details about the costumes and process.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
As the tour involves walking around a warehouse, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Are costumes on display inside the warehouse?
The tour shows the process of costume creation and storage; costumes are stored on-site, but there’s no traditional museum-style display.

How many people are in a typical group?
Groups are limited to 15 people max, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Who provides this tour?
The tour is operated by Brit Movie Tours, a company specializing in film-related experiences in London.

The Angels TV & Film Costume Tour offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at a historic costume house. It’s a solid pick for those who love movies, theatre, or costumes and want to see the craftsmanship that goes into making stars look fabulous on screen.