Around the building
On arrival at 221B Baker Street, you can expect to be heartily greeted by one of Victorian London’s most recognisable figures, the famous British ‘Bobby’. You’ll enter through the iconic 221B front door, following in the footsteps of many troubled, yet hopeful people seeking the assistance of consulting detective Sherlock Holmes, and make your way up the narrow staircase to the first floor.
A Study in Scarlet
Reaching the first floor, you will be welcomed by one of the housemaids or butlers and ushered into Sherlock’s study for an introductory tour of the heart of 221B. The study is preserved perfectly, as described in the stories: you’ll almost be able to picture Holmes and Watson themselves, enveloped in pipe smoke, deliberating over a case or meeting an illustrious client.
Amongst the treasure trove of authentic décor and items from the Victorian era, see how many of the duo’s own belongings you can spot, from Sherlock’s chemistry set and violin to Doctor Watson’s medical paraphernalia. Peruse Watson’s writing desk, spy on the fine meal they have laid out on the table, spot the letters ‘VR’ shot into the wall by Sherlock, and even take a sneak peek into the detective’s bedroom next door to see his deerstalker hat and Persian slippers just as he left them.
My dear Watson
Making your way up to the second floor, you will find Doctor Watson’s bedroom, orderly and tidy as befitting of a military man. Ponder the curiosities from his time serving with the British Army in India and Afghanistan, and marvel at his collection of now very rare medical texts. You might spy Watson’s notes on the Baskerville case, or even the chair depicted by the artist Sidney Paget in his famous illustration of Holmes in ‘The Greek Interpreter’.
Next door, in the room belonging to Holmes’ long-suffering landlady Mrs. Hudson, discover rare Victorian books on etiquette and cookery, mementos of Sherlock’s famous cases (some of which are not for the faint-hearted!) and possessions belonging to our beloved detective from key points in his life and career.
The History behind the mastermind
Climb to the third floor and find Conan Doyle’s writing room, filled with the sounds of his voice as he recalls his life in writing. Hear Doyle talk about the man who inspired Sherlock Holmes, and how the great stories told to him by his mother in his childhood Edinburgh home started a love of writing that lasted a lifetime.
On this floor, find also a room dedicated to Sherlock Holmes’ many depictions on screen and in print.
Take a slice of Sherlock home
Back on the ground floor, don’t forget to visit our gift shop, offering a range of Sherlock Holmes-related gifts and memorabilia to impress even the great sleuth himself. From deerstalker hats handcrafted in England, to puzzles, beautifully bound books and much more.
The whole range is also available at our online store.