The Mary Poppins tour of London
With a new version of Mary Poppins back on our screens, it's time to start practising singing Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for your city break in London. The famous nanny and her iconic umbrella have delighted generations of children, and now you can retrace her steps around the capital, picking up a proper British 'brolly' on your way to afternoon tea.
After a Spoonful of sugar, or two with your tea, follow our itinerary to take in all the sights that appear in the films along with Mary Poppins-inspired treats. Sit on the steps of St Paul's and Feed the birds like the Bird Woman, or take a walk in Chelsea and see where wealthy families like the Banks live in London. Then, Let's fly a kite as you head to Hampstead Heath and admire the panoramic views of London spread out before you.
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Mary Poppins itinerary
Follow in the iconic nanny's footsteps as you discover the film locations from Buckingham Palace to Chelsea. Download our itinerary onto your phone so you have it to hand.
Admiral Boom's house
Head to Admiral's Walk near Hampstead Heath and look out for Admiral's House, you can't miss it, it's the only one on the street shaped like a boat. It was built in 1791 for a rather eccentric army officer, Lieutenant Fountain North, who was known for firing a cannon from the terrace every year to mark the Queen's birthday.
P.L Travers (who wrote Mary Poppins) used the building and its owner as inspiration for the character of Admiral Boom.
Kite flying on Parliament Hill
While you're in the Hampstead Heath area, continue your Mary Poppins tour in the park where Jane and Michael Banks went to fly their kite in the film. Parliament Hill is the highest point in the heath and a great spot for a picnic on a nice day with superb views over London.
Chelsea: where the story began
Take a walk around Chelsea, the upmarket part of London where P.L Travers lived while she was writing Mary Poppins. Number 50, Smith Street, where the author lived for 17 years, is thought to have been her inspiration for the Banks' family home
Buckingham Palace
In the new film, Mary Poppins Returns, the main character played by Emily Blunt is seen flying over Buckingham Palace on a bike. We can't guarantee you'll see an airborne Mary Poppins, but a trip to the Queen's official residence is still worth it for the Changing of the Guard. This takes place every morning during the summer months, and every other morning the rest of the year. Check times and dates online to make sure you don't miss it.
The bird woman at St Paul's Cathedral
In the original film, the old lady sits on the steps of St Paul's and sings "feed the birds, tuppence a bag". You aren't allowed to feed the pigeons as they make too much mess, but you can go up the steps she sat on and visit the stunning interior of the Cathedral.
There's a bonus for Harry Potter fans who may recognise the Dean's Staircase in the Cathedral as the Divination stairwell from the films.
Book your visit to the cathedral now.
A Mary Poppins themed weekend
Discover Mary Poppins' London, from the themed afternoon tea at the top of the Shard, to made-to-measure umbrellas from James Smith and Son.
Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RYThe Mary Poppins-themed afternoon tea in this restaurant at the top of the Shard is the perfect treat for fans. From the umbrella-shaped cake stands to the crockery decorated with the original Mary Shepard illustrations from the books, what better way to enjoy A spoonful of sugar along with breathtaking views of London. Gorge on delicious cakes washed down with tea and champagne as you immerse yourself in the magical world of everyone's favourite nanny.
Mary Poppins' umbrella
53 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BLYou can get an umbrella just like Mary Poppins', made to order at James Smith & Sons on Oxford Street. This traditional umbrella maker has been protecting Londoners from the rain since 1830. Ladies can choose from 'the Pencil', 'the Bird Cage' or 'the Walking Length', customised with a variety of different handles, including a cat, a duck or a fox. Don't be disappointed if your new brolly doesn't make you fly, it should at least keep you dry in London's unpredictable weather .
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Fly over the Thames in a cable car
Get a cable car from the Docklands and fly over the London skies like Mary Poppins as you cross the Thames. Emirates Air Line cable cars will take you from North Greenwich station to the O2 arena in just 10 minutes, with fabulous views, so count how many London landmarks you can spot.
One-way from £3.50 per person.
Nanny central in St James Park
London SW1A 2BJTake a walk in upmarket St James Park and you'll immediately spot the nannies working for wealthy families as they take their charges for their daily constitutional. If you're lucky you may even spot a Mary Poppins look-alike with the Banks children!
While you're in the park watch out for some of the wild bird life there, including owls, black swans and even pelicans.
Mary Poppins, the musical
28 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4HSIf you're still hungry for more of Mary Poppins, she'll be back in musical form at the end of 2019 at the Prince Edward Theatre, in Soho. Bookings for the show open from January 2019.
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