Bella Baxter, just like Emily Brontë, was spellbound by the long winter days of London. However, an evening spectacle of sparks inspired her to seek out life’s missing colors. Bella once said, “I am finding being alive fascinating,” and we invite you to embody this spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Bella, portrayed by Emma Stone, is the lead character in the film Poor Things. The landscapes we see on our screens are the creations of award-winning set designers inspired by real locations and their collective imagination. Even if we can’t pinpoint Bella’s last stop, we can visit the cities that were part of her journey.
Wego invites you to follow in Bella’s footsteps and explore the places graced by Bella’s unique magic. This adventure might lead you to discover something new, adding a vibrant hue to your life or a dash of excitement to your routine.
Disclaimer: If you haven’t watched Poor Things yet or are currently in the midst of it, this article may contain spoilers. Proceed reading at your own discretion.
London
Our journey begins in London, the city where we first encounter Bella Baxter and her father, Dr. Godwin Baxter. While the grand Victorian-era house that Dr. Godwin constructed as a sanctuary for himself and Bella doesn’t exist in our world, there are numerous Regency and Victorian-era houses open to the public. Visiting these houses can transport us to a mystical realm.
One such place is Sir John Soane’s Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models, and paintings amassed by Sir Soane during his lifetime. This eminent English architect once resided in this magnificent house, which now serves as a museum. Much like Dr. Godwin’s students, students of the Royal Academy were granted the privilege to study the house’s contents during Soane’s lifetime. The museum also houses one of the most fantastical drawing offices, akin to Dr. Godwin’s operating room, which is now accessible to the public for the first time.
The Sir John Soane Museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10 am and 5 pm, with no admission fee required.
A few other similar Regency Era homes in London that are open to the public as museums and art galleries include:
- The Duke of Wellington’s townhouse, Apsley House, welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday between 11 AM and 5 PM
- Osterley Park and House, once lauded as ‘the palace of the palaces’ by the 4th Earl of Oxford, Horace Walpole, offers a serene afternoon getaway amidst lush greenery and opulent state apartments. The house is accessible from Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, and the garden from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Fenton House, a 17th-century dwelling filled with rare early keyboard instruments, decorative porcelain, and Georgian furniture, transports visitors back in time. Its ever-changing horticultural garden, complete with an apple orchard, kitchen garden, rose garden, terraces, and lawns, adds to its charm. Open on Fridays and Sundays, tickets must be purchased from the National Trust’s website two weeks prior to your visit
- Sutton House, one of the last remaining Tudor houses, has retained its original charm despite witnessing numerous renovations and wars since its construction in 1535. It has served various purposes over the centuries, from a royal house and a Victorian-era school to a church institute during World War I, a Trades Union office in the 1960s and ’70s, and a punk squat in the 1980s. It is open for self-guided visits on Friday and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Guided tours are available on Friday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 2:30 pm, and on Sunday at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm, but must be pre-booked.
Kew Gardens
The UNESCO World Heritage site, Kew Gardens, was the muse behind the cruise ship in Bella’s story. Although we see Bella confined to this ship and consequently don’t get a comprehensive view of Alexandria, the glass cage floating on the Nile River draws its inspiration from the glass house of Kew Garden.
Kew Gardens is a botanical wonderland waiting to be discovered. It boasts over 28 species of living plants, a herbarium housing approximately seven million dried specimens, and a library filled with more than 130,000 books, along with archived materials, periodicals, prints, and drawings. The captivating collection includes tropical orchids, succulents, tropical ferns, and Australian plants.
Open year-round, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 10 am to 6 pm, Kew Gardens welcomes everyone. To ensure a smooth visit, it’s recommended to book your ticket in advance.
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Lisbon
Our imaginative journey takes us next to Lisbon, Bella Baxter’s first destination away from her hometown. Duncan Wedderburn, who has grown fond of Bella and wishes for her to join him on his global adventure, introduces Bella to the vibrant, sunny, and lively heart of Portugal. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon offers a colorful contrast to the monochromatic days in London, marking a transition to a life filled with technicolor.
Bella’s experiences in the streets of Lisbon mirror the sudden jolt of surprise one feels when immersed in a new city. We see Bella navigating the city’s streets, acquainting herself with the vibrant life of a new city, all on her own. Even when she loses her way, she manages to find her way back to the hotel by following the city’s trams. While the film depicts these trams flying in the air, in reality, Lisbon’s trams operate on the road, guiding you to various places during your city exploration.
Pombaline Downtown
Lisbon presents a labyrinth for Bella to navigate. While much of Bella’s journey was crafted for the film, we can embark on our own exploration starting in the heart of Lisbon. The city’s downtown area, known as Pombaline Downtown, stands as a testament to Lisbon’s resilience, having been rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1775.
Begin your journey at Lisbon’s grandest plaza, Praça do Comércio, situated on the banks of the Tagus River. Here, you can enjoy a quick bite at nearby bars and restaurants. Visit Livraria Bertrand, the world’s oldest bookstore, or take a trip to the fashion museum, MUDE or Museu Do Design E Da Moda, to delve into 20th-century European fashion. Explore Roman ruins that date back 2000 years, or savor local cuisine at the Mercado da Baixa Food Court. Each of these experiences offers a glimpse into the vibrant life that Bella discovered on her journey.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
When Bella feels lost, she climbs a couple of wonky stairs to a vantage point. That vantage point looks a lot like Miradouro das Portas do Sol. The panoramic view of Lisbon from Miradouro das Portas do Sol has been the face of millions of postcards. It has the most picturesque view of old Lisbon, with the towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent and the dome of the National Pantheon, along with several charming old houses standing out in the skyline.
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Alexandria
Leaving the neon dreams behind, Bella’s journey takes her next to Alexandria, Egypt. This city, one of the world’s oldest, is nestled at the western edge of the Nile River Delta. After immersing herself in the vibrant colors of Lisbon, Bella now finds herself exploring the diverse hues of humanity and civilization. And what better place to learn about human civilizations than at the site of one of the oldest? However, Bella’s exploration of Alexandria is confined to a ship, a set design inspired by London’s Kew Gardens.
However, if you find yourself booking a cruise ship to Alexandria, the following places will likely be a part of your trip:
- Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern equivalent of the once world-renowned Great Library of Alexandria, boasts a capacity to house 8 million books. It also features a conference center and specialized libraries for maps, multimedia, the blind and visually impaired, and young people and children. The library complex includes four museums, four art galleries, four temporary exhibitions, and 15 permanent exhibitions. Visitors can also explore a planetarium and a manuscript restoration laboratory
- The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the largest Greco-Roman burial site in the country, showcase a unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences
- Qaitbay Citadel, a fortress built in 15th century Alexandria on the ruins of the Great Lighthouse of Alexandria, is another example of how the nerves of the great city have seen the rise and fall of several civilizations and still live to tell the tale of this day
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Paris
Bella’s world tour culminates in the city of love, the heart of France – Paris. Bella’s Parisian journey may seem to contrast with the experiences of many other heroines who have navigated through the city’s chaos, yet it mirrors her self-discovery. Although the film doesn’t offer the panoramic views of Paris that we typically associate with the city, it still plays a pivotal role in the narrative.
For those seeking Parisian inspiration for their next adventure, we suggest exploring Emily’s journey or embarking on a trip with Grace.
As the seasons change, we encourage you to embrace the journey, to let it unravel and to guide you on an adventure. May your journey be even more exhilarating than Bella Baxter’s.
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