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Unique Filming Locations

August 2024

Unique Venues of London not only helps unlock exceptional spaces in iconic, heritage and contemporary locations for corporate, incentive and private events but can assist with finding impressive backdrops for blockbuster films, period dramas, documentary productions, interviews, fashion shoots, music videos and commercials. Each of our member venues have their own unique stye and character to add intrigue and interest, from imposing medieval grandeur, Art Deco features, classical Georgian masterpieces, majestic Romanesque architecture to modern and visually captivating settings. Whether you are looking for elegant blank canvas spaces, sweeping staircases, beautiful glass-vaulted halls, elegant drawing rooms, fascinating libraries, picturesque terraces or immaculate formal gardens you will be sure to find them amongst our iconic venues.

RIBA at 66 Portland Place

Image credit: Hamblin Imagery

66 Portland Place: An architectural gem for filming and photoshoots

Located on a tree-lined Georgian avenue, 66 Portland Place is a popular location for filming, fashion and photoshoots. This Grade II* listed home of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) offers impressive backdrops with Art Deco features and the versatility required for filming projects.

The building is in places almost untouched since 1934 and the grand entrance lobby, sweeping marble staircase and triple-height atrium are just a few of the backdrops that make this architectural playground a top choice with location scouts.

The flexible six-floor layout means the building is incredibly versatile and can meet the intricate demands required for filming and shoots. The Florence Hall with its engraved glass doors, high ceilings, impressive stone carvings, and unique patterned floor, is popular for fashion shoots and mid-century feature films, while the RIBA Gallery offers a chic, minimalist setting with a bright, open feel that’s perfect for specific installs and scene requirements.

A historic library and outdoor terraces add further versatility and opportunities for location managers and directors to get creative with.

Whether it’s a full day of filming or extended hire, the expert team at 66 Portland Place are on hand to facilitate your every need and requirement. Contact them now: venues@riba.org / 020 7307 388.

Trinity House

The location of the Georgian gem that is Trinity House on Tower Hill has provided myriad opportunities for it to star in prestigious film and television productions over the years.  The venue stands behind a set of dramatic iron railings and cobbled paving which was the setting for a segment of the James Bond blockbuster ‘Skyfall’. 

The railings have also featured in several other filmed productions including ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, ‘Johnny English Reborn’, the classic 70’s TV series that was ‘The Professionals’, and ‘The Invisible Woman’ about the wife of Charles Dickens released 2014.  That year also saw the venue featured in the popular ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ movie.  The interior’s tall ceilings and large south-facing windows provide exceptional views of the Tower of London that have been the background of other broadcast productions including a segment of ‘MasterChef’ in 2018. 

It continues to be a popular choice for exclusive advertising campaigns, particularly for wedding service suppliers. For further information please contact: venue.enquiries@trinityhouse.co.uk

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Picture Gallery is a unique location for commercial filming and photoshoots. The Gallery site offers a wide choice of visuals, from our beautiful gardens to the magnificent Soane Gallery, as well as our white walled Linbury Room, which can be easily transformed into a range of different scenes. Commercial filming and photoshoots can be accommodated before 10am and after 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday. The Gallery is closed on a Monday, when all day access can be granted on request. We are also happy to talk about closing early or for the day during the week if this is what you are after.

For commercial filming please contact the Commercial Events Team on 020 8299 8713 or email events@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk to discuss your requirements.

Natural History Museum

Image credit: Paddington filmed at the Natural History Museum (c) Trustees of the Natural History Museum

Majestic Romanesque architecture in Hintze Hall, glistening treasures, hidden corridors stacked with specimens, dinosaur skeletons and a giant globe in the mighty Earth Hall, are just some of the spectacular settings the Natural History Museum brings to any film set.

Blockbuster films such as Ghostbusters and Paddington filmed scenes at the Museum, while Red Bull filmed a documentary after dark with the top female skateboarders in the world, along with shows such as Ted Lasso and The Masked Singer. Visit nhm.ac.uk to learn more or contact the team filming@nhm.ac.uk.

Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery

Image credit: Martin Brudnizki (Designer) / Michael Sinclair (Photographer)

Pitzhanger is a unique historic venue featuring a wide range of idiosyncratic architectural styles, from classic Georgian drawing rooms to the neo-classical Soane’s Suite. Meticulously restored and boasting delicate features throughout, it is certainly an interesting and elegant place to film. With conservation and creativity at the very heart of Pitzhanger, we welcome opportunities to host filming and photoshoots of all kinds. Recent shoots include BBC Antiques Roadshow, John Lewis x Apple, Tod Hunter Earle, Ted Lasso, Argos, Rixo, Hobbs, Olivia Von Halle, The Observer, Harrods, US Vogue, The Rug Company, Biffy Clyro, Martin Brudnizki and Christie’s.

We pride ourselves on flexibility and want to make your busy shoot day as simple and efficient as possible. We’ll start early and finish late with you, accommodating overnight shoots and daytime take-overs. We also have a venue on site perfect for your unit base just a stone’s throw away from the manor itself.

Get in touch with our dedicated events team to enquire about your next shoot at Pitzhanger, we can’t wait to welcome you!  Email private.hire@pitzhanger.org.uk or call us on 020 3994 0966

Foundling Museum

Image credit: GG Archard, 2019

With an accessible location just 10 minutes from St Pancras Station and the Euston Road, and situated in the heart of one of London's busiest filming boroughs, the Foundling Museum offers beautiful, spacious 18th-century rooms, and our art collection makes a gorgeous backdrop for shoots of all kinds. Lift access is available together with some off-street parking. Our spaces can be hired between 06:00-00:00 any weekday or weekend.

The Foundling Museum offers multiple, flexible filming spaces across all genres including documentary, commercials, HETV, feature film, photoshoots and music videos. This includes our large Picture Gallery (pictured), or our beautiful 18th century rococo Court Room. We also have two contemporary Studios which can be used for either filming, or for green rooms.

Royal Horticultural Halls

Since first opening our doors in 1904, Lindley Hall has hosted a variety of famous faces, from Ellie Goulding to Harry Styles. Our central London filming location is the ideal backdrop for all manner of films, TV programmes, music videos, adverts and more.

As one of the largest, uninterrupted venue spaces in the heart of London, the Lindley Hall is a ‘hidden gem’ located in Westminster, yours to transform precisely to your needs. Whether your filming specification requires natural daylight or a blackout, Lindley Hall is a blank canvas venue made up of 875 sqm2, with a beautiful glass-vaulted ceiling 14.75m high at the highest point. Fully accessible and boasting a 3 tonnes goods lift, our Grade II listed venue is easily accessible for load-in and out. So, if you’re looking to create a game show set, a car advert, a music video - Lindley Hall has seen it all!

If you would like some more information, please contact the team at horthalls@rhs.org.uk or call us on 020 7821 3650

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Image credit: Molly Magrath

Conveniently located in the heart of the city and boasting unique interiors, eclectic collections, and rich history, Sir John Soane’s Museum is the perfect location for fashion shoots, period dramas, documentary productions, and much more. From a Gothic parlour to elegant Regency drawing rooms, a wide range of settings is available at our remarkable venue.

We strive to be a photography- and film-friendly environment and help and guide hirers through every stage of the process, from arranging a site visit to managing the shoot. The Museum has on-site toilets and a meeting room which can be used as a green room by cast and crew. We have experience working on a variety of photography and filming projects and previous clients include Cereal Magazine, Channel 4, Grazia, Harvey Nichols, Manolo Blahnik, Paramount Pictures, and Sky Arts.

Please contact us at events@soane.org.uk

London Transport Museum

Whilst the London Transport Museum is known for exhibiting all manner of vehicles, from a 19th century omnibus to a 20th century tube carriage, most of the Museum’s collection (370,000 items) are held at The Museum Depot in Acton.

The depot is also home to several retired underground carriages dating from a 1930s Metropolitan Line carriage with Art Deco design, all the way through to a modern 2011 Victoria Line carriage. These are complete with original moquette and advertisements and are available for both internal and external filming and photography.

We also have an experienced team onsite who can support clients with the best way to achieve their vision and have previously supported shoots such as Warner Bros’ Fantastic Beasts.

Please contact us at venuehire@ltmuseum.co.uk for more details.

Royal Museums Greenwich

Royal Museums Greenwich: A Remarkable Filming Location

Comprising the iconic Cutty Sark, Queen’s House, National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, and the Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Museums Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates filmmakers. With a diverse range of settings, Royal Museums Greenwich has been featured in renowned productions like Bridgerton and The Crown.

The venues' historical charm and picturesque surroundings make them perfect for various genres. From the 17th-century elegance of Queen’s House to the maritime grandeur of Cutty Sark, Royal Museums Greenwich offers versatile locations that can be tailored to any production's needs.

Our experienced Events team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless filming experience, assisting during the location scouting and logistical support. Choosing Royal Museums Greenwich as your next filming destination means contributing to the preservation of these cherished landmarks while creating unforgettable cinematic moments.

Please contact us at events@rmg.co.uk or 020 8312 8517

Wallace Collection

Discover the perfect backdrop for your next documentary, film or photoshoot at the newly available Library of the Wallace Collection. Unlike our gallery spaces, our Library is available for filming and photography during museum opening hours. Enhance your next visual project by shooting in the Library, with its vaulted ceilings and shelves brimming with archival treasures, offering an atmospheric and scholarly setting that is both versatile and inspiring. 

Get in touch with our events team at events@wallacecollection.org or give us a call on 020 7563 9507 to acquire our rate card, and to find out more about filming in our Library and galleries.

Somerset House

Image credit: Ben Duffy

Discover the unmatched filming potential at Somerset House, a premier landmark for filming in London. This versatile venue features elegant blank canvas rooms, sweeping staircases, atmospheric lightwells, picturesque terraces, a spectacular courtyard, commanding rooftops, and intriguing lesser-known spaces.

Somerset House has been the backdrop for iconic productions such as Napoleon, Sherlock Holmes, Love Actually, The Duchess, GoldenEye, X-Men: First Class, and Mary Poppins Returns. The venue's flexibility in sourcing unique spaces - ranging from historic to contemporary - ensures they can elevate any production.

Find out more about Somerset House's filming and photography opportunities HERE. The dedicated commercial team will support your project with seamless coordination and access to some of London’s most breathtaking settings. Contact the team on events@somersethouse.org.uk or 020 7845 4618.

Southwark Cathedral

Image credit: Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral offers a stunning backdrop for historical film and TV productions. Its elaborate, ornate architecture and expansive layout make it an incredible filming location.

The central Nave, with its grandiose arches, vaulted ceiling, and spacious interior, is perfect for scenes depicting balls, receptions, religious services, and funerals. Notably, the Nave represented St George’s Chapel at Windsor in series one of The Crown during the funeral of George VI and was also used in series four for the funeral of Hugh Lindsay, originally held at Sandhurst Memorial Chapel. Southwark Cathedral provided the scale, historic backdrop, and early English Gothic architecture needed to authentically represent these real-life locations.

In addition to The Crown (Netflix), Southwark Cathedral has been featured in Broadchurch (ITV), and various BBC productions including The Night Manager.  Southwark Cathedral not only provides a stunning film location but is an adaptable site with back-of-house, hair and makeup, costume, parking, and marquee spaces for crews. 

Fees for commercial filming vary by crew size, production type, and management needs; contact cathedral.venues@southwark.anglican.org for a quote.

National Theatre

Image credit: Philip Vile

Filming and Photography at the National Theatre

Set along the iconic South Bank, the National Theatre is the perfect backdrop for commercial film and photo shoots. With its panoramic views of the river Thames, open terraces and striking Brutalist architecture, the National Theatre has been used for award-winning television campaigns, advertising campaigns and blockbusters. Past clients have included Vogue, Adidas, Alexander McQueen and Netflix.

Proceeds from filming and photography shoots go towards the National Theatre’s incredible programme of artistic work. To find out about filming and photography at the National Theatre, email filming@nationaltheatre.org.uk

Freemason’s Hall

Image credit: Parts of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) was filmed at Freemasons' Hall (Credit - Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Freemasons' Hall is one of London's hottest filming locations, and it's easy to see why. This stunning venue has been the backdrop for some major hits over the years. Remember the quirky "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? Yep, filmed right here. Or how about the slick action of "Spectre" and the historical intrigue of "Assassin's Creed"? They all made great use of the Hall's impressive interiors.

Even Sherlock Holmes himself roamed these halls in the 2009 blockbuster, and the venue brought a touch of old-world charm to "Mr. Selfridge" in 2013. More recently, Freemasons' Hall appeared in "Slow Horses S2" (2022) and hosted the "Late Late Show with James Corden" in the same year.

The central location and multiple spaces make it the perfect base for crews. With period spaces and unique features, the venue lends itself to being a filming location.

Learn more about films Freemasons’ Hall has featured in here; https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/blog/hollywood-movies-filmed-freemasons-hall-london

filming@freemasonshall.com

Kew Gardens

Our stunning Gardens make the perfect filming and photo shoot location. Located just 25 minutes by train from central London, Kew Gardens provides a beautiful, serene and tranquil garden setting packed with over 50,00 different plants and trees, within a stone’s throw of the city.

We can offer an assortment of indoor and outdoor locations. With over 320 acres of Gardens to explore including iconic glasshouses and historical buildings providing the perfect back drop for music videos, TV commercials, fashion shoots and film locations.

Over the last few years, we have accommodated a variety of shoots from The Sandman, Stella McCartney, Ellie Goulding x Amazon and Top Chef.

For more information on filming or photoshoots at Kew Gardens please get in touch with the Commercial Media team on 0208 332 5676 or commercialmedia@kew.org.

Science Museum

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

Science Museum: the ultimate filming destination in London

If you’re looking for a truly unique setting for a filming project or photoshoot, the Science Museum in South Kensington has so much to offer. From an expansive, two-floor blank canvas space offering a light and dark contrast to galleries displaying world-leading collections - spanning science, technology, engineering and medicine – and an open plan courtyard.

The museum is also now available for exclusive hire on selected dates meaning filming projects requiring privacy can be accommodated, as well as bigger projects with vast production elements.

The museum’s range of diverse spaces cater to a wide range of filming requirements. Illuminate, with its two distinct levels, provides exceptional versatility. Level 5 is a bright, open space with panoramic views over London, perfect for vibrant, well-lit scenes, while Level 4 offers a darker atmosphere, ideal for creating more intimate visuals. Both levels are equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology.

For a unique backdrop, the galleries offer a distinctive and visually captivating setting, while the Smith Centre Courtyard features original architectural elements that bring a touch of historical charm and grandeur to any filming project. Its impressive design creates a striking contrast with the more contemporary space of Illuminate.

To find out more about hiring the Science Museum for filming, email venuehire@sciencemuseum.ac.uk or call 020 7942 4340

London Museum Spaces

Filming at London Museum Spaces

London Museum Spaces at 150 London Wall is an ideal setting for filmmakers looking for a versatile venue to takeover for a project. Featuring impressive architecture and flexible event spaces including a garden and patio, the museum is available for exclusive hire for extended setup and filming periods, allowing for more elaborate set creations and builds.

The Entrance Hall is an impressive blank canvas space, which can be adapted and transformed into the required set, while the London Ellipse Hall is perfect for a dynamic party scene with its impressive architecture, expansive floor space and 360-degree digital ellipse with optional showstates.

With the museum now closed to the public, exclusive hire of the spaces or entire site ensures privacy for your team, allowing you to focus on bringing your cinematic vision to life!

To find out more, contact the team now: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

London Museum Docklands

London Museum Docklands: A historic film location

Located in West India Quay, London Museum Docklands is a visually impressive venue for filming. Housed in a Grade I listed Georgian warehouse, previously an old sugar warehouse, this atmospheric and futuristic setting mixes old-world charm with a modern feel.

The museum's waterside location, with its tranquil waters and maritime ambiance, provides a unique backdrop for shoots or filming with an outdoor terrace also available for day or night shoots.

Inside, original pillars and exposed brick walls keep the building’s historic character alive ensuring an authentic warehouse look. Event spaces including the Riverside Room with its private entrance and access to the terrace, Muscovado Hall and Quayside Room can all be hired for filming with the option to create different scenes or use the additional spaces as a green room, production, catering or for cast and crew.

The museum’s galleries which bring to life the history of London’s Docks can also be hired for filming and photoshoots. And if Victorian London is a big feature of your project, look no further than Sailortown – an immersive recreation of a Wapping street complete with Three Mariners pub, shops and more. It’s the exact setting you need for a Victorian scene!

To enquire about filming at London Museum Docklands, contact the team here: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

Historic Royal Palaces

What does it mean when you film at some of the world’s most magnificent palaces?

Historic Royal Palaces is home to some magnificent and unique filming locations. From the imposing medieval grandeur of the Tower of London. To Hampton Court Palace, where King Henry VIII’s majestic Tudor palace contrasts with King William and Queen Mary’s elegant Baroque facades and immaculate formal gardens. Or Banqueting House, the last surviving building of Whitehall Palace and being known for its spectacular Rubens celling. our

locations can tell the story of 1000 years of history and provide a captivating backdrop for

filming and photography.

We play host to small scale news or history documentary productions, through medium scale entertainment and drama, right up to major Hollywood blockbusters. The funds raised through our filming activities help to conserve these historic buildings, ensuring they are here for future generations to enjoy.

The HAC

Situated in the heart of the City of London, the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) offers an historic setting for filming and photoshoots.

Armoury House, rich in charm, is filled with antiques and military collections. The entrance hall leads to a beautiful staircase that culminates in the Long Room. This space, along with several smaller rooms, including the library, minstrels' gallery, bar, and Denbigh Room, offers a range of unique, historical backdrops for filming and shoots.

The five-acre Artillery Garden stands out as a filming location due to its unparalelled size and dual backdrops of the city’s skyline and Grade II listed Armoury House. The expansive gardens combined with these impressive backdrops make the lush lawn a sought-after location.

Additionally, the Prince Consort Rooms, a 50-metre-long ex-drill hall, is available for hire. This modernised space with high ceilings, neutral décor and natural light offers a versatile blank canvas for installations and creative scenes.

To enquire about hiring the HAC for filming, email sales@hac.org.uk or call 020 7382 1533

The Shaftesbury Theatre

Image credit: Photographed at the Shaftesbury Theatre by Jack Davison for Vogue

At the Shaftesbury Theatre, we have a rich history of hosting memorable productions, including fashion photoshoots, independent films, and podcast recordings. In 1986, we hosted the first Comic Relief fundraiser, featuring live comedy performances filmed for broadcast, recorded, and released on vinyl to raise money for charity.

Recently, we’ve served as a location for major projects like a Vogue shoot and the Rugby Autumn Nations Series, offering state-of-the-art lighting, staging, and full access to our auditorium.

All our theatre spaces, from the auditorium to substage crew rooms, classic Box Office, redesigned bar spaces, and iconic rooftop, are available for hire outside show hours. As the largest independent theatre in the West End, we offer flexible options to accommodate even the most ambitious projects.

To discuss your project and how we can bring your vision to life, contact us at events@shaftesburytheatre.com or call 020 7395 1318.

National Portrait Gallery

Newly reopened after a major redevelopment project, the National Portrait Gallery has been transformed with new modern, light filled spaces, sensitively preserving but opening up the existing Victorian structure. A stunning new entrance and forecourt on Charing Cross Road through the listed classical North façade is graced with vast bronze doors decorated with plaques designed by Tracey Emin. Inside, a newly configured main hall starts the visitor’s journey and a vast escalator awaits to whisk them off to the Tudor galleries on the third floor.

Upstairs a respectful restoration of existing 19th and 20th Century rooms albeit with a 21st Century colour palette delight the visitor. The collection was rehung throughout in a salon style allowing many more portraits to be displayed.

Elsewhere, a modern learning centre and studio space have been added in the basement moat while still allowing natural light to flood in.

The iconic rooftop Portrait Restaurant remains, where panoramic windows look out over Trafalgar Square and Whitehall and can be complemented by other more hidden rooftop views toward the Strand and Leicester Square

Access can now be given to an array of refreshed and new spaces including Victorian and contemporary galleries, lecture theatres, learning studios, archive and library areas, restaurants and bars as well as staircases, basements, service corridors, plant rooms and roof spaces with views across London.

Bishopsgate Institute

Bishopsgate Institute is a unique Victorian building located in the heart of the City of London. The Grade II listed building, minutes from Liverpool Street Station, has a range of filming locations over 3 floors available 7 days a week.

Bishopsgate Institute offers multiple flexible filming spaces across all genres, including documentary, commercials, HETV, feature film, photoshoots and music videos. It is also perfect for use as a production/unit base for nearby location work.

RCP London Events

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

RCP London Events offers a remarkable setting for filming TV dramas, movies and live broadcasts. 

The striking modernist building with its unexpected historic interiors has been popular with film and television producers since it was opened in 1964 and it has played host to a whole plethora of films and TV series. 

Iconic productions such as ‘Wonder Woman 1984’, ‘Paddington Bear 2’, ‘Mamma Mia 2’, ‘The Crown 2’ and ‘Silent Witness’ have utilised the venue's unique backdrop. More recently RCP London Events served as a location for the 2024 release ‘Bob Marley: One Love’, showcasing its ongoing appeal to filmmakers. 

The venue’s versatility also attracts high-profile photo shoots, including for Wallpaper magazine, Rolex and the 2016 Autumn/Winter Paul Smith fashion show.

Whether for historic settings or contemporary scenes, the RCP provides an exceptional environment for creative productions. For more information contact: events@rcp.ac.uk

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