Popular filming locations in London and Stunning private filming locations

SHOOTFACTORY location library supplies the film industry with the best filming locations in the UK and overseas.

The skyline of London features in many television programmes and films and is widely recognised the world over. There are numerous landmarks and forms of architecture to draw the eye of filmmakers, advertisers and TV producers and nearly endless filming opportunities to present a certain mood or feeling. The most popular filming locations, and their requirements, are explained below.

Popular filming locations in London

Filming on Street
London streets can provide a dramatic backdrop to any production. In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain permission from the Borough Film Service in a particular location. While filming on the street is free of charge, the BFS may assess a fee and Council charges may apply.

Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the London home of the royal family since the early 19th century and is the primary residence of the Queen. While filming is largely restricted, the privilege is usually granted to documentary projects. Interested parties should enquire as far ahead of time as possible.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Big Ben is the 320-foot clock tower that can seen at the northwestern side of the Houses of Parliament. The bell inside was created in the year 1858 and remains one of the biggest ever cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry. The official name for Big Ben is Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster, which remains one of the most iconic landmarks in London.

Bridges of London
While London Bridge itself has existed in one form or another for two millenia, the Tower Bridge is also quite well known due to its proximity to the Tower of London. Filming on the Tower Bridge is overseen by the City of London, with other bridges controlled by the Traffic Authority.

Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is the point at which five large, busy streets come to a culmination point. Its distinctive facades and bright advertising displays make it one of the city’s most recognisable locations. The name is derived from the word “piccadil”, which was a popular 17th century collar type, with the word “circus” describing the large roundabout that links the streets together. Permission to film at this location requires a Filming Application form and a request to the Special Events and Filming team in Westminster.

London Transport
London’s tranportation system offers many unique filming opportunities. The Underground, or tube, as it is locally known, has several stations that allow for extended filming, including Charing Cross, Earl’s Court and Aldwych. The different railways and the airport have their own governing bodies that must be contacted about filming. Transport for London should be contacted in regards to filming on certain roads that may carry restrictions.

River Thames
Any filming done on the River Thames between Teddington Lock and the ocean requires licence and permission from the Port of London Authority. Boats require the presence of a Thames Waterman and fees will be assessed regardless if the film crew is on land.

Royal Parks
London’s royal parks, which include St. James, Hyde, Kensington Gardens, The Regents and the Green Park among others, are colorful and easily accessible filming locations. Royal Parks are supportive of film projects and offer unrestricted access as long it done in a respectful manner. Fees are dependent on the size of the crew and the amount of public disruption the production will incur.

London Eye
The London Eye has graced the city’s skyline for 13 years. It is the world’s most sizeable observation wheel, standing at 135 metres in height and weighing in at 2,100 tonnes. Its 32 capsules are enclosed glass, and it take one half-hour to complete a turn. The site is closed at Christmas and in the month of January for maintenance reasons. While the London Eye is very film-friendly, permission is required from its press office.

London is a bustling, modern city filled with many wonders. There is something to catch the eye of every filmmaker.

Private filming locations in London

Click on the title of property to view full details and additional images for private filming location
Archway filming location

name: archway
town/city: london
postcode: n6

this 5000 square foot newly built unique example of modern architecture is located in a discreet section of highgate and offers the ultimate in privacy and 21st century living. this remarkable open plan detached pavilion style reception has direct access to the heated lap pool and heated spa on one side and a 10 m balcony on the other with a lawned garden.

the property is entered via a hacienda style courtyard flanked by light and planting or directly through electronically controlled spacious garages for three cars. the impressive amount of natural light has been achieved through the enormous expanse of glass sliding and by-fold doors which can be opened completely adding to the openness of the ground floor living area.

running adjacent to the living area is a large but intimate snug complimented by a natural wood burning fire. an intelligent lighting system with a myriad of pre-set lighting scenes and a full ipad/iphone functionality with a each room beautifully warm with a thermostatic controlled water underfloor heating system.

the light box in the kitchen houses the extractor which has various colour changes depending on your mood or the occasion. lighting again is picked up in the lap pool and spa with cascade waterfall bringing the wall to life.

three of the bedrooms have their own ensuites and direct access to the -1 10 m balcony whilst the master bedroom has direct access to the decked terrace with it’s own master ensuite. the boutique style bathroom is furnished with duravit drawers and console with hansgrohe and victoria and albert volcanic limestone bath and basins. epoxy resin throughout this -2 level.

sustainable features include a sedum roof, rainwater recycling, led and compat fluorescent lighting. the guest wc and utility room is located on the ground floor with a plant room housing the boilers and water tanks directly under garage one.

Tavern filming location

name: tavern
town/city: london
postcode: e1

originally a 700 year old tavern mentioned in the writing of charles dickens, samuel pepys and geoffrey chaucer, the renowned venue is a beacon for both emerging and established artists, musicians and creatives alike. now homing a theatre and exhibition space as well as a music venue and bar.

Mastershipwrights filming locations

name: mastershipwrights
town/city: london
postcode: se8

a very large rambling house near greenwich. large rooms with interesting decor and props. wonderful pieces of antique furniture. exposed plaster walls. large industrial kitchen. stone floors, large staircases. extensive grounds with river views, parking on driveway for up to 8 cars.

Air filming location

name: air
town/city: london
postcode: w11

architect designed, minimalist white apartment with amazing sliding glass roof top. situated on the very top of a mansion block in notting hill area. communal access through main entrance and large, wide stairs, no lift to the front door. wireless internet, parking difficult and only by meter. lots of shops, cafes nearby.
Frederick Two filming location

name: frederick two
town/city: london
postcode: e8

a 1930′s warehouse conversion in east london.
 

SHOOTFACTORY is a London location agency and represents locations across the UK and offers a vast selection of international locations. YOU will find stills, photo shoot locations, TV locations and film locations.
In addition YOU can look at these locations as venues for press events, product launches and music videos. YOU can call or email SHOOTFACTORY for all your photo shoot, TV and film location needs.

+Jonathan King

Tags: popular filming locations