Plain-English reference
A glossary for trains, streets and screen tricks.
London and filmmaking each come with their own vocabulary. This page translates the terms that actually affect a visitor’s decisions.
A–Z
Terms used in this guide
- Contactless
- A contactless bank card or supported device used directly at the yellow reader. Use the same card or device for the whole journey.
- Card clash
- When the reader detects more than one contactless card. Present only the card or device you intend to use.
- Touch in / touch out
- Use the yellow reader at the beginning and end of most rail journeys. On buses and trams, TfL says to touch in only.
- Interchange
- A change between lines or services. Some station names hide a surprisingly long internal walk.
- Step-free
- A route without stairs between the stated points. It does not promise a level pavement, working lift or accessible venue at the other end.
- National Rail
- Mainline train services rather than the Underground. Euston to Watford Junction is a National Rail journey.
- Elizabeth line
- A high-capacity railway crossing London. It is not the Underground, although it connects with it and accepts pay as you go in London.
- Overground
- TfL-operated suburban rail services shown separately from Underground lines.
- Screen-production location
- A place supported by a named source as used during filming or screen production.
- Story setting
- A real place associated with the fictional story but not claimed as the exact shooting point.
- Fan association
- A place fans connect with the fictional world without reliable evidence that it appeared on screen.
- Design stop
- A venue connected to the films through graphic, costume, creature or production design rather than location filming.
- Location double
- A real place filmed to represent somewhere else in the story—St Pancras standing in for the King’s Cross exterior is the handy London example.
- Establishing shot
- A shot used to establish place or context, often before the story moves into a set or another location.
- Backlot
- An outdoor production area where sets and façades are built or displayed; the Studio Tour backlot is separate from central London.