Notting Hill Bookshop and Ted Lasso Tour Top London's Unusual Attractions List

A Portobello Road bookshop immortalised in the film Notting Hill and the Ted Lasso walking tour in Richmond have been named among London's most sought-after 'unofficial' attractions, according to new research by Travelodge.

Celebrity-Inspired Travel Trends

The study reveals that 40% of Britons are more likely to visit locations frequented by their favourite celebrities. Bingeable television shows, iconic film spots and celebrity music videos are encouraging people to explore lesser-known corners of the capital rather than sticking to traditional tourist sites.

Top Cultural Bucket List Spots

Topping the list is the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, which has served as a filming location for movies such as Skyfall and Paddington. The Notting Hill Bookshop on Portobello Road, a pilgrimage site for fans of the 1999 romantic comedy, secured second place. Completing the top three is the Ted Lasso walking tour in Richmond, which guides fans through various filming locations in the area.

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Quirky Celebrity Haunts

Other notable spots include Chicken Shop on Baker Street, where Beyoncé reportedly spent £2,000 on chicken, and Kentish Delight, a North London kebab shop made famous by Taylor Swift. South of the river, Clapham's Infernos nightclub—renowned for its sticky floors—has gained attention after Margot Robbie praised it during her Wuthering Heights press tour, even recounting being kicked out of the club.

Tourist Preferences and Budget Concerns

More than half (58%) of those surveyed expressed a desire to explore more of central London and its surrounding boroughs this year. Among non-Londoners who have visited recently, 52% are keen to see 'unofficial' cultural attractions discovered via social media. Quirky activities like Thames mudlarking tours—where visitors 'beachcomb' for treasures at low tide—also made the list. Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place of singer George Michael and poet George Flint, is another popular draw.

Food is a major motivator, with 39% of Brits most excited about London's culinary scene, while 24% look forward to visiting film locations. However, cost remains a concern: 80% of Brits would prioritise free attractions, and 61% are willing to book accommodation further from the centre to save money for activities and dining. Fortunately, half of the quirky attractions on the list have no admission fee.

Travelodge Spokesperson Comments

A Travelodge spokesperson said: 'A trip to London is about far more than ticking off the usual tourist hotspots. The capital is full of hidden gems to explore. The city's appeal may speak for itself, but when celebrities shine a light on their favourite haunts, it serves as a reminder of just how many remarkable places are still waiting to be discovered. From the infamous dancefloor at Infernos to kebab shops in Kentish Town, there are countless unexpected experiences to uncover. With 80 hotels across the capital, there's never been a better time to step off the beaten track and get a Travelodge. After all, why just simply admire the Crown Jewels when you could eat at the very same chicken shop as Queen Bey?'