Sherlock Holmes Museum

Sherlock fans will delight in exploring the Sherlock Holmes Museum, a privately run attraction that faithfully re-creates the world of Conan Doyle’s books. For the full experience, opt for a Sherlock Holmes walking tour and visit filming sites from the BBC TV seriesSherlock, or combine a Sherlock Holmes tour with a tour of the East London locations associated with Jack the Ripper. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Sherlock Holmes gift shop, where you can pick up a Holmes-style magnifying glass or deerstalker cap.

• The Sherlock Holmes Museum is a must-see for mystery and TV fans.

• While some ground-floor rooms and the gift shop are wheelchair-accessible, most of the museum is not.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum is located at 221b Baker Street—which is actually found between 237 and 241 Baker Street—in North London. It’s within walking distance of attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Regent’s Park, and the closest tube station is Baker Street on the Bakerloo, Circle, Jubilee, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

Open daily year-round, the museum can get busy, especially during the peak summer months. The quietest time to visit is weekday mornings.

Visitors are welcomed to the house by esteemed landlady Mrs. Hudson before embarking on a journey into the world of detective Sherlock Holmes. You’ll see Holmes’ characteristic Victorian-style study on the first floor overlooking Baker Street, as well as Watson’s bedroom on the second floor. The “lumber room” is full of lodgers’ suitcases, and Holmes’ attic bedroom appears in typical disarray. Look out for Holmes’ favorite armchair by the fire, his treasured calabash pipe, his array of wacky disguises, and his collection of secret notebooks and papers scattered around the house.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum is open daily from morning until early evening, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. The museum is located at 221B Baker Street, the fictional detective’s address, and is a popular London attraction; arrive early or visit on weekdays to bypass some of the crowds.

No, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is not wheelchair-accessible. Owing to its Georgian architecture, listed status, and the small size of its rooms, the only way to access its upper floors is by the stairs. However, mobility aids and guide dogs are welcome in the accessible parts of the building.

Yes, guided tours are available at the Sherlock Holmes Museum—in fact, the guides are a highlight of the experience. A series of costumed actors play different characters as they introduce you to the museum’s attractions. The museum’s Victorian decor recreates the setting of the fictional detective to complete the immersive experience.

At the Sherlock Holmes Museum, you can expect to see Victorian–era furnishings and themed rooms representing different characters and settings from Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels. Highlights include the sitting room where Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson confer, Doctor Watson’s bedroom, and a collection of waxwork figures.

Because of its small size, it typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to tour the Sherlock Holmes Museum. However, you should set aside more time if you haven’t booked your tickets in advance: Only 15 people are allowed in the museum at once, and lines to get in can be long.

Yes, you can buy Sherlock Holmes souvenirs and memorabilia from the on-site gift shop. According to the museum, it “boasts the largest collection of Sherlock Holmes gifts and memorabilia in the world,” so you can shop for everything from books and plush toys to a genuine deerstalker hat.