FLYING THROUGH LONDON:
REAL PLACES THAT INSPIRED DISNEY'S PETER PAN
Last updated: December 6, 2025
Ever watched Disney’s Peter Pan and thought, “Wait — is that actually London?” Good news: it is. And even better — you can still visit many of the real places that inspired both J.M. Barrie and Disney’s 1953 classic.
If you’d like to see what these spots look like today (without leaving your sofa), I'm working on a YouTube video that will do just that so come back soon for that update. Until then, if you’re planning your own London adventure, you’ll find more details on each location below.
Second star to the right… and straight on till the Tube station.
Alright, let’s get our bearings before we set off. I’ve put together a map above with all the Peter Pan–inspired locations we’ll be visiting — and as you can see, they’re starred all around Central London.
Now, a quick word of advice: London is massive. Seriously — you could fit about 14 Walt Disney Worlds inside it. (And that’s not even counting the queues.) So unless you’ve mastered teleportation or have some pixie dust handy, don’t try to hit them all in one day.
The good news? London’s public transport is brilliant. Between the Tube, buses, and the occasional scenic stroll, it’s easy to get around — even if your sense of direction is somewhere between “average tourist” and “lost in Neverland.”
BLOOMSBURY
Let’s start our adventure in Bloomsbury — the literary heart of London and, fittingly, the neighborhood where the Darling family’s story begins in Disney’s Peter Pan.
I would suggest starting your visit in Russell Square, one of the prettiest green spots in Central London. Grab a hot chocolate or some lunch at Caffè Tropea, right in the park — it’s perfect for sitting back, people-watching, and soaking in the atmosphere that once inspired J.M. Barrie’s world.
From there, wander over to Grenville Street near Brunswick Square, where you’ll find a blue plaque marking Barrie’s connection to the area — a quiet little tribute tucked between classic Bloomsbury architecture.
And if you want to see where Peter Pan’s story made a real-world difference, head to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Barrie famously gifted the rights to Peter Pan to the hospital in 1929, meaning every performance of the play still helps support their work today — a little bit of magic that’s very much real.
ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
Next, we’re off to St. Paul’s Cathedral — one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, and a brief but beautiful feature in Disney’s Peter Pan. When Peter and the Darling children soar over London, that majestic dome glimmering in the background? That’s St. Paul’s.
It’s even more impressive up close. Inside, you can explore the crypt, where you'll find many memorials — including Sir George Frampton, the sculptor who created the beloved Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens.
And then there’s the climb — 528 steps to the very top. I’ve done it twice… though I’ll admit, I only made it all the way to the Golden Gallery once. The Stone Gallery, a level below, actually offers a very similar view — and it’s a great place to stop if your legs are staging a quiet protest. But if you do push on to the Golden Gallery, the panoramic view of London is absolutely worth it — it’s the kind of sight that makes you understand why Peter Pan never wanted land.
tower of london
From the heights of St. Paul’s, let’s head down toward the river — to one of London’s most famous (and most visited) landmarks: the Tower of London.
Now, here’s my biggest tip for this one — go early. The Tower fills up fast, especially if you want to see the Crown Jewels. Make that your first stop of the day. The queue can get long, and once the crowds roll in, it’s more “theme park on a Saturday” than “historic royal fortress.” Take your time exploring afterward there’s so much to see, from the White Tower and medieval ramparts to the ravens who technically
still have royal job security. You could rush it, but honestly, you’d be shortchanging
yourself.
And if you’re planning well ahead, there’s a truly special experience called the Ceremony
of the Keys — a nightly tradition that’s been happening for over 700 years when the Yeoman
Warders lock up the Tower for the night. It takes place every evening at 9:30 p.m., and tickets
are very limited — released on a rolling monthly basis, and they disappear faster than Peter Pan’s
shadow. I haven’t managed to time it right yet, but it’s definitely high on my London bucket list.
tower bridge
And just a short walk from the Tower of London is one of the most iconic shots from Disney’s Peter Pan — Tower Bridge. Before we go any further, I just have to clear this up — this is not London Bridge. That one’s a bit further upriver and, frankly, much less photogenic. (Sorry, London Bridge. I know you’re doing your best.)
Back to Tower Bridge. You can actually go inside the bridge — climb up into the towers and walk across the glass walkway, suspended high above the Thames. It’s equal parts breathtaking and mildly terrifying, depending on how you feel about heights. Inside, there’s also a small museum where you can learn about the bridge’s history and its Victorian mechanics — all the gears, steam power, and sheer brilliance that make it such a marvel.
Once you've finished your tour of Tower Bridge, I would highly suggest heading across the river (away from the Tower of London) to Borough Market as it’s well worth the short walk. It’s one of London’s best food markets, packed with stalls offering everything from global street food to artisan treats. My personal pick? The macaroni and cheese from The Bath Dairy — rich, gooey, and absolutely perfect after a long day of flying over the city.
elizabeth tower (big ben)
From one London icon to another — next up is Elizabeth Tower, better known to pretty much everyone as Big Ben. But fun fact: Big Ben isn’t actually the name of the tower — it’s the nickname for the giant bell inside. But honestly, at this point, correcting people feels about as useful as telling Peter Pan to grow up.
Big Ben is one of the most recognizable sights in London, and believe it or not, you can actually go inside and climb the steps to the top. What once was limited only to UK residents has now been expanded to included international visitors following Big Ben's lengthy renovation. The catch? Tickets are very limited and are released three months in advance, on the second Wednesday of every month at 10am. I haven’t managed to snag a ticket yet myself, but it’s definitely high on my London wish list.
Even if you can’t get inside, the area around Big Ben is absolutely packed with things to see. Just steps away,
you’ve got Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and more — all within easy walking distance. Basically, it’s like London’s greatest hits album, all in one neighborhood.
serpentine lake (hyde park)
Now for our penultimate stop — the Serpentine Lake located in Hyde Park. In Disney’s Peter Pan, this is where Peter shows off some very questionable health and safety practices by water skiing on the backs of swans. And while there are still plenty of swans gliding across the lake today, I would strongly recommend keeping your feet out of the water.
Hyde Park is enormous — one of the largest green spaces in central London — and the Serpentine stretches right through its heart. It’s always buzzing with life: joggers, families, picnickers, and the occasional overexcited pigeon. You can rent a boat, grab some ice cream, go horseback riding, or just stroll along the lake and take in the atmosphere. It’s one of those rare spots in the city where you can slow down, relax, and still feel like you’re part of the story.
peter pan statue (kensington gardens)
And finally, we land at Kensington Gardens, home to the beloved Peter Pan statue. Technically, Kensington Gardens is just one section of the larger Hyde Park area we visited earlier — but it’s here, in this leafy corner, that Barrie’s magic comes to life.
J.M. Barrie himself commissioned the statue, and he chose Sir George Frampton — yes, the same sculptor mentioned back at St. Paul’s Cathedral — to bring the boy who wouldn’t grow up to life. While the statue wasn’t part of Disney’s film directly, Walt Disney visited it when he was in London, and you can see echoes of the pose and energy reflected in the 1953 movie. Standing there today, it’s easy to feel that spark of imagination Barrie intended — and maybe even a little bit of magic.
And that’s our Peter Pan adventure through London!
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