Where was Black Doves filmed? All shooting locations explored

Black Doves is a spy thriller by Joe Barton, who has directed well-known shows like The Lazarus Project. Written by Barton himself, the series delves into plot points involving espionage and personal sacrifice. Black Doves falls in the drama-action genre, a spy story where the plot balances heavy action and character relations.

The series features an ensemble star cast, which includes Keira Knightley as Helen Webb and Ben Whishaw as Sam Young, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Koji, Adeel Akhtar, and many more. Black Doves was released on December 5, 2024, exclusively on Netflix. It is produced by Sister Pictures and Noisy Bear, promising high production values and attention to detail.

The story follows Helen, who was torn between her role as a wife and undercover spy identities until her secret lover was murdered, sending her back to an old ally in search of the truth whilst keeping her identity under wraps.

Black Doves episodes were primarily shot in London, locations such as Leadenhall Market and Westminster, which made the city stand as a character in the series instead of just a backdrop set. These iconic locations developed the stakes of Helen's world and brought authenticity to the series. Let's explore the shooting location of the series.

Every major location where Black Doves was filmed

Still from Black Dove's trailer (Image via Youtube/ @Netflix)

London, a spacious metropolitan city provided an ideal filming location for this spy series. The aesthetics of the city also played a huge role. Here's a detailed examination of the key places where the series was filmed.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is one of London's oldest markets, which people visit for its Victorian architectural feel. It is often described as "the hidden gem of London," and is a favorite for both locals and tourists. It can be recognized by cobbled streets and ornate roofs, and movie buffs might remember it from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as the entrance into the Leaky Cauldron.

Black Doves shows Leadenhall Market as the set for a dramatic confrontation scene. The tight alleys and general bustle of the market provide a perfect backdrop for an espionage exchange between Helen and Sam.

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is London's most modern structure, whose nickname "Wobbly Bridge" refers to the lateral swaying that took place when the bridge first opened. This sleek, steel suspension footbridge suspends over the Thames, joining Bankside to the City of London, and providing scenic views of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern.

In Black Doves, the bridge acts like a backdrop to a high-speed chase where Helen, dashes through pedestrians, catches them off guard, and makes sure her chasers do not get too near. The open aspect of the bridge and striking skyline make the scene visually powerful in portraying the critical situation faced by Helen. At the same time, it underlines the beauty of London.

Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields Market, more popularly known as "Spitalfields," is an architectural concentration of Victoriana, juxtaposed with the metropolitan existence of modern London. Victorian style in everything from boutique shopping to culinary offerings to the arts, Spitalfields is a great base point to enter from when sightseeing further eastwards in London.

It became an attractive location for tourists because of its well-preserved Victorian-era marketplace and ancient origins. In Black Doves, Spitalfields Market is used as the setting for an important meeting between Helen and her contact.

The busy, colorful environment lends tension to the scene as characters wind their way through crowds, instilling urgency into the scene without breaking from the covert exchange of information.

Queen’s Walk

Another better-known name for Queen's Walk is "South Bank Promenade," a lively, popular riverside walk with a view of iconic Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. The lively atmosphere, street performers, and unrivaled photo opportunities make it very special for locals and visitors.

In Black Doves, Queen's Walk hosts a pivotal scene where Helen follows a target in plain sight. Open spaces and landmarks of the location add to the tension, while the busy crowd and scenic backdrop provide perfect cover for her covert mission, keeping viewers firmly rooted in London's heart.

What is Black Doves all about?

The official synopsis of Black Doves on Netflix reads :

"When a spy posing as a politician's wife learns her lover has been murdered, an old assassin friend joins her on a quest for truth — and vengeance."

Black Doves is a six-part spy thriller series released on Netflix on December 5, 2024. Each episode was 52-56 minutes long. The plot follows Helen Webb, played by Keira Knightley, who lives a double life as the wife of the UK's Secretary of Defense and as an undercover spy. After her lover gets murdered, she teams up with Sam Young, a former assassin played by Ben Whishaw, to navigate London's criminal underworld and seek justice.

The show has received positive reviews, with an IMDb score of 8.2. Viewers can watch Black Doves exclusively on Netflix.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Edited by Ahana Mukhopadhyay