Bank Junction: 28 Days Later (2002)
One of the most striking scenes in modern British cinema was filmed just a short walk from Walbrook’s campus.
In 28 Days Later, Cillian Murphy’s character wanders through an eerily empty London after a viral outbreak. The location? Bank Junction – normally one of the busiest intersections in the capital.
This scene was filmed at dawn to capture total emptiness, and it showcases the City of London’s scale and architecture. It’s also instantly recognisable to anyone who knows the area. The scene became iconic, and it’s a reminder of how powerful location can be in storytelling.
Borough Market: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
A short journey south brings us to one of the most beloved romantic comedies ever made.
In Bridget Jones’s Diary, Renée Zellweger’s character famously lives in a flat above Borough Market, with scenes filmed around the market’s now-iconic door and surrounding streets.
Although Borough Market feels worlds away from the glass towers of the city, it’s very much part of the same London story. It’s lived-in, and provides an authentic London atmosphere, blending historic architecture with everyday life.
Leadenhall Market: a film favourite (and right near our campus)
Few places near Walbrook’s campus have appeared in as many films as Leadenhall Market.
Just minutes away, this covered Victorian market has starred in everything from fantasy blockbusters to action films.
Films shot at Leadenhall Market include:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) – as Diagon Alley
- Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) – showcasing its dramatic architecture
- Wonka (2023) – bringing colour, whimsy, and nostalgia to the space
Leadenhall Market works on screen because it feels timeless. It could belong to almost any era, much like London itself.
London Guildhall: Paddington (2014)
Another landmark close to Walbrook Institute London is Guildhall, and it also happens to be the location of our Graduation ceremony. Guildhall appears in Paddington – a film that celebrates kindness, belonging, and London’s quiet sense of community.
Guildhall has been at the centre of London life for over 800 years, hosting debates, ceremonies, and learning long before modern universities existed.
It serves as the ceremonial administrative centre in the City of London, hosting ceremonial banquets and state dinners and of course our graduation. It’s a place where ideas are created, shared and challenged.
More films shot near Walbrook Institute London
London’s film footprint is dense, and the streets around Walbrook have appeared in countless productions. Other notable nearby locations include:
- St Paul’s Cathedral – featured in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Mary Poppins, and more
- The Royal Exchange – often used in period dramas and thrillers
- Moorgate and Liverpool Street – frequently seen in spy films and TV series
Even when the City isn’t named directly, it often plays itself or somewhere else entirely.
Final take: a campus surrounded by stories
From zombie-silent streets to romantic comedies and childhood favourites, the area around Walbrook Institute London has played host to some of cinema’s most memorable moments.
These locations remind us that learning, like storytelling, is shaped by context, imagination, and opportunity.
Even when you study online, it helps to know there’s a real place behind your qualification. One with history, credibility, and character.
Related articles
-
How to make sure exam nerves don't get the better of you
-
Balancing full-time work and study
-
5 Tips for Beating Procrastination