Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London

In the late 1800s, British author and doctor Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a novel called A Study in Scarlet about a discerning detective named Sherlock Holmes and his brainy companion Dr. Watson. Thus, the most celebrated fictional crime-solving duo in history graced the page for the first time. It is estimated that Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed in print, on film, and on stage over 25,000 times—which makes Sherlock Holmes the most popular human fictional character of all time.

In 1990, a group of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts in London decided to start a Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street. Though the Sherlock Holmes Museum is listed at 221B Baker Street—which is the fictional address of Sherlock Holmes—the actual address of the building that houses the museum is 237-241 Baker Street. The Royal Mail in London has allowed the Sherlock Holmes Museum to claim 221B Baker Street in honor of London’s most revered fictional resident.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum features gas-lit Victorian rooms that are straight out of the pages of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. It is important to note that the Sherlock Holmes Museum is not dedicated to the life and times of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, instead it offers a glimpse into the fictional home and workspace of Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson.

It takes about 1 to 2 hours to tour the Sherlock Holmes Museum. There is an entrance fee of 16 pounds for adults and 11 pounds for children. Visitors can wander through Sherlock Holmes’ study, view his famous pipe and magnifying glass, and view artifacts such as a golden scale that Dr. Watson used to help Sherlock Holmes solve crimes.

Even if you’re not a diehard Sherlock Holmes fan, a trip to the Sherlock Holmes Museum is worthwhile because the space features a faithful re-creation of Victorian-era decor. The decorative wallpaper, thick drapes, and ornate rugs are straight out of a cozy 19th century English flat.

If you are a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is home to a gift shop that sells several volumes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s celebrated detective stories, items that appear in Sherlock Holmes stories such as magnifying glasses and tiny violins, and Holmes-themed bow ties and gin. Aspiring writers can purchase Sherlock Holmes-themed pens to write the first draft of an unforgettable detective story.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum is the ideal place to spend an afternoon if you’re a mystery-loving history buff.