From sofa to set: how localised social media brings movie magic to your doorstep

Since COVID, nearly half of Britons have taken more staycations than trips abroad, with 56% of UK holidaymakers likely to choose a staycation here in the UK over travelling abroad due to climate change, giving them the opportunity to discover their homes in a whole new light.

For Londoners, the city isn’t just a ‘staycation’; it’s a living film set brimming with iconic locations from beloved films and TV shows.

Playsee, the location-based social media app that transforms the way Londoners can enjoy their staycations, enables users to discover and share hidden gems and iconic landmarks, turning every corner of London into a new adventure.

Launched in the UK in 2023, Playsee has gained over 1 billion user engagements and has 50 million downloads worldwide, bringing local businesses and people closer to their in-real-life community.

Places Playsee can help Londoners uncover the film magic in their own backyards:

• Sherlock Holmes’ Bloomsbury: Wander through the historic streets of Bloomsbury where the latest adaptations of Sherlock Holmes have been filmed. Discover quaint cafes and bookshops that add to the neighbourhood’s timeless charm.
• Top Boy’s East London: Although filmed throughout the Borough of Hackney, unwind in London Fields, a park that’s been around since the 13th century, now a beautiful place to stop by on a weekend and pick up a snack at the neighbouring Broadway Market.
• Joe Goldberg’s home in You: Visit the serene and picturesque Kynance Mews, located in the heart of London’s affluent, and otherwise calm and family-friendly South Kensington neighbourhood.
• Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley: Explore Leadenhall Market, the stunning Victorian covered market that served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. Snap a photo and share it on Playsee to join the magical community of fans.
• Bridget Jones’ Borough Market: Relive scenes from Bridget Jones’s Diary by visiting Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most renowned food markets. Use Playsee to find the best stalls and hidden culinary delights.
• Paddington’s Paddington: The famous and friendly bear’s first introduction to London via Paddington station is as bustling as ever, and with the upcoming instalment, now’s the time to familiarise yourself with his origin story.
• The Crown’s Lancaster House: Visit the elegant Lancaster House, often used as a stand-in for Buckingham Palace in The Crown. Share your royal experience with fellow Playsee users and uncover more filming spots nearby.

Veronica Lin, Head of Brand & Strategy at Playsee: “Social media is the ultimate gateway to discovering London’s rich tapestry of film and television landmarks – especially when you can discover them right on your doorstep! From the gritty streets of East London featured in Luther to the charming Notting Hill bookshop from the movie of the same name, and the iconic Bloomsbury streets from Sherlock, Playsee’s location-based features and real-time updates allow you to uncover these unique sites. Plus, with content contributed by local users, Playsee shows you the best local spots to eat, shop, and explore nearby, making your day-out even more immersive.”

Featured Photo by Coen Staal on Unsplash.