'Killing Eve' Carolyns World

Carolyn Martens has climbed to the very top of British intelligence in the BBC America hit TV series Killing Eve. However, her questionable methods have led to speculation about her murky past, and there’s no doubt her globetrotting adventures have shaped her world view.

Carolyn, played by Fiona Shaw, is charming, well-read – and secretive. She has spent a significant amount of time in Russia and, as head of MI6’s Russian desk, her role is to monitor the former Soviet Union’s international affairs. Her son, Kenny, is given a job within the agency, but no one has the guts to accuse her of nepotism. Certainly not to her face. Four husbands and a career dedicated to serving her country later, she makes an iconic character – so here’s a look at the world according to Carolyn.

London

Carolyn’s London is very different from the one you might encounter as a casual tourist. She knows all the best hangouts and discreet locations that only a handful of Londoners know. Her earliest meetings with fellow agent Eve Polastri (played by Sandra Oh) have taken place over breakfast before most offices are even open. A traditional full English might be too heavy if you’re off chasing international assassins, but it will set you up perfectly for a day of sightseeing. There are also many hidden bars and cafes in the capital that might make a more suitable rendezvous with Carolyn at other times of the day. In the series, we also see a lot of the South Bank, a huge Brutalist arts complex housing the National Theatre and the Hayward Gallery. It’s a perfect spot to take in views up and down the Thames.

Moscow

Having spent time in Russia during the height of the Cold War, Carolyn is familiar with all the quirks of the former Soviet Union. If you’re looking to explore Moscow from the comfort of your own home, there are virtual ways of experiencing the city, but as the tension between Carolyn and her Russian contacts suggests, this is one lady who prefers a more “hands-on” experience. Moscow is home to many museums that can tell you more about the history of both the city and the country, as well as plenty of other unmissable major attractions. When Carolyn leaves her London office and heads back to the city that played such a big part in her formative years, she certainly knows the best hotels to stay in, including those with late-night bars for when you just have to have a local cocktail with old friends.

Siena

The opening scene of the first episode of Killing Eve was shot in the Tuscan city of Siena. This stunning Unesco World Heritage site is famous for its art, culture and, of course, Il Palio – the famed horse race along the cobbled streets of the city. It would make the perfect spot for Carolyn to hide out in over summer, although she would have to keep an eye out for other secret agents – a certain Mr Bond has previously been spotted in the area.

Carolyn has travelled extensively with her job, which in turn has shaped her world view

Explore the world of Killing Eve on BBC America’s Travel Vilain

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.