From the moment Marilyn Monroe sashayed off the plane at Heathrow in 1956, her first and only visit to London grabbed the headlines. The screen goddess had come to film The Prince and the Showgirl, with Laurence Olivier, and her trip inspired lowly runner Colin Clark to write My Week With Marilyn, a book about her time in Britain. To celebrate the release of the film version this week, Lucy Thackray picks the highlights of Marilyn's London experience...
The Savoy
The Savoy was one of Monroe's first stops in London — she and Olivier held three press conferences there over the course of her stay. Book one of the four celebrity-themed 'Personality' suites (go for the Frank Sinatra or the Katharine Hepburn) or grab a cocktail in its Art Deco Beaufort Bar. But don't expect to sit on the same chair as the film star — it was auctioned off in 2007 as part of the hotel's expansive renovation. fairmont.com/savoy
Burlington Arcade
Just down the road from Laurence Olivier's Piccadilly offices, where Clark got his break on The Prince and the Showgirl, this Georgian arcade heaves with classic labels, including 15 jewellers (it would seem diamonds really are a girl's best friend). Cashmere boutique N Peal has been in situ since 1936 and counted Monroe among its customers (as well as Jackie Kennedy and Ava Gardner). Dainty Ladurée macaroons and the Vintage Watch Company add to the retro glamour. burlington-arcade.co.uk
Claridge's
Monroe and Olivier refuelled with lunch at Claridge's after mornings promoting the film. While a recent collection of Marilyn's diaries, Fragments, revealed the actress's strict diet, she surely allowed herself a glass of her favourite Dom Pérignon. Follow her lead in either the intimate Reading Room or the more extrovert Gordon Ramsay restaurant. claridges.co.uk
Regent Street
Marilyn splashed out everywhere from luxe Harrods to humble M&S while on UK soil. She was even mobbed by adoring throngs on Regent Street (reportedly fainting from the experience). Shop here at the Jaeger flagship store — of which Monroe was a fan — or swing by Liberty to pick up a bottle of her signature scent, Chanel No.5. regentstreetonline.com
Leicester Square
Marilyn attended the premiere of The Battle of the River Plate at Leicester Square's Empire Theatre, in the heart of the capital's film hub. She even got to meet the Queen in the official line-up, giving a shy curtsey in her bombshell gown (extraordinarily, the two women were just months apart in age). See Michelle Williams' portrayal of the iconic blonde in Simon Curtis's My Week With Marilyn at the same cinema from 25 November. empirecinemas.co.uk
