Netflix’s Black Doves is a thriller series revolving around Keira Knightley’s Helen, who is a secret spy. After her lover is killed, she becomes the target of the city’s underworld. The show is set in London, and its filming locations play a vital role in creating an immersive experience. But where was Black Doves actually filmed and was a real house used to depict the protagonist’s home?
Here’s everything we know about where Black Doves was filmed.
Was Black Doves really filmed in London?
Yes, Black Doves was fully filmed in and around London, adding authenticity to the show’s visual narrative.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the production team filmed in various spots around the English capital. Black Doves showcases over 100 filming locations around London, including iconic landmarks such as the South Bank and Westminster.
The production team chose these locations to emphasize the festive spirit of London during Christmas. “London at Christmas is so key to Black Doves that we had to be on location as much as possible,” said executive producer Chris Fry. (via Tudum) Moreover, the show features several popular London locations, such as the Millennium Bridge, Queen’s Walk, Spitalfields Market, and Leadenhall Market.
However, some scenes were shot outside the city. For example, when filming restrictions made it impractical to shoot inside places like Borough Market, the production team opted for nearby streets. This helped maintain the show’s London-centric authenticity. Additionally, parts of the series were filmed in a studio near Slough, about 20 miles west of the capital.
Is Helen’s home in Black Doves a real house in London?
As for Helen’s home in Black Doves, it’s not just a set piece—it’s a real house in London.
The residential property is located in Crystal Palace, South London. While the show sets Helen’s family home in the upscale neighborhoods of Highgate and Highbury, the makers opted for a different area to bring the setting to life. Production designer Laura Ellis Cricks described the home as aspirational yet lived-in. It was complete with the “messy reality” of family life, which was integral to Helen’s character.
