The London skyline is recognized the world over for its iconic buildings and is admired by both film-makers and tourists alike. A wide variety of landmark locations feature regularly in films, commercials and TV dramas and are almost characters in themselves.

Street Filming
To film on the streets of London, where you can capture some of the most popular locations in the capital, you may need to gain permission from the relevant Borough Film Service. It is free to film on the public street, however you may be charged an administration fee by the BFS and you will be charged for any additional Council service.

London Icons
It is possible to film some of these popular London landmarks from several angles and this will affect the authority that you will need to contact for permissions. Find out more about these key sites - in some cases you can access camera position maps, which visually illustrate how the areas are broken down.

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
Buckingham Palace
Imperial War Museum
Leicester Square
Lincoln's Inn
London's Bridges
The London Eye
London's Transport Network
Natural History Museum
Piccadilly Circus
The River Thames
Royal Parks
Russell Square and Malet Street
Southbank and Bankside
Tower of London
Trafalgar Square
The United Grand Lodge - Freemasons Hall
Waterloo Place Unit Base Parking
Woburn Walk
ZSL London Zoo

 

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
Big Ben is the colloquial name of the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster in London, and an informal name for the Great Bell of Westminster, the largest bell in the tower and part of the Great Clock of Westminster. The clock tower is located at the north-western end of the building - the home of the Houses of Parliament.

The 320 foot high Clock Tower is named after its enormous bell. It was cast in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London and to this day is one of the largest bells they have ever cast.

Big Ben Camera Positions


Back to top

Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the 18^th Century by the Dukes of Buckingham. It is one of the largest "working" royal palaces remaining in the world and still serves as the Queen's official residence.

Please note: filming at this royal residence is heavily controlled. Documentary work, specifically about the Royal family, is most likely to be considered. Please give as much notice as possible when applying to film. A location fee will be charged in most cases.

Permission to film inside Buckingham Palace must be granted through Meryl Keeling, meryl.keeling@royal.gsx.gov.uk. For permission to film the Changing of The Guard, please apply in writing to Kirsty Oram, kirsty.oram@royal.gxs.gov.uk. Exterior filming, such as The Mall, Birdcage Walk, the area surrounding St James's Palace and the immediate vicinity of Buckingham Palace, is managed by The Royal Parks.

Back to top

Imperial War Museum
Built 1812 - 1815, this Georgian building was designed by James Lewis. It was originally the Bethlem Royal Hospital or Bedlam and became the Imperial War Museum in 1936.

 

It is of particular interest to film-makers due to its unique coupling of modern and historical architectural highlights. The museum houses over 20 exhibition areas, from art galleries to full reconstructions. The space also boasts 2 Georgian-style meeting rooms, a conference room, cinema and a reading room located in its iconic dome.

Filming can also take place in the All Saint's Annex, which is located roughly 200 metres to the southeast of the main building. The building boasts a Georgian style façade as well as countless historical interiors.

For filming enquiries please contact Debbie Dowden on 020 7416 5393 or filming@iwm.org.uk. General information about the museum can be found on the official website: www.iwm.org.uk/londonevents

Back to top

Leicester Square
Leicester Square in central London is famous for its cinemas, though it is also home to bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Leicester Square is traditionally home to London's red carpet movie premieres. There are four cinemas on the square (and several others close by).

The square is pedestrianised with pavement cafes and bars. The centre of the square is a small, gated park area featuring statues of Shakespeare and Chaplin, among other notaries. The square is always busy and is particularly crowded in the evenings and at weekends, although the park area is locked at night.

Applications to film in Leicester Square should be made to the Special Events & Filming Team in the City of Westminster. Find out more online: www.westminster.gov.uk/filming.

Floor Plan of Leicester Square

Back to top

Lincoln's Inn
Lincoln's Inn Fields is the largest of London's formal green squares. The size of a small park, it includes tennis courts and a restaurant.

The square is surrounded by imposing institutional buildings - some dating back to the 1700s.Situated close to the Royal Courts of Justice the square has had a long association with London's legal community many of whom have offices around the square. Most of the square is in the borough of Camden, however the south quarter is in the City of Westminster - the main borough boundaries can be seen in this floor plan, as well as the location of the pay and display meters, ticket machines and other parking bays.

Lincoln's Inn Fields Filming Contacts

Back to top

London's Bridges
London Bridge was the first bridge built across The River Thames and there has been a crossing at or near its present site for nearly two thousand years. The most recent bridge to be built is the Millennium Bridge, completed in 2002.

Adjacent to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is one of London's most famous and distinctive landmarks and probably the best known of all London's bridges. Considered as a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, the bridge crosses The Thames between Tower Hamlets to the north and Southwark to the south. However, filming on the bridge itself is controlled by the City of London.

The boundary line for boroughs on either side of The Thames runs through the middle of the river - splitting authority over London's bridges in two. However, for filming purposes the majority of boroughs have agreed that one will take responsibility for an entire bridge. Furthermore, some of the bridges are also 'red routes' for which Transport for London is the Traffic Authority.

London Bridges Filming Contacts

Tower Bridge Camera Positions

Back to top

The London Eye
The London Eye, which opened in March 2000, is the world's largest observation wheel.

Originally conceived by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield as an entry for a millennium landmark competition, the project took six years and the expertise of hundreds of people from five European countries to turn it into a reality.

The London Eye is 135 metres (443 ft) high and weighs 2,100 tonnes. There are 32 fully enclosed, motorised glass capsules and one rotation lasts approximately 30 minutes. It is open every day apart from Christmas Day and during January when annual maintenance is carried out.

The London Eye is well known for being a very media friendly location. For filming permissions please contact the London Eye press office on 0870 220 2777 or email pressoffice@londoneye.com.

For more information on the London Eye please visit www.londoneye.com.

 

London Eye Camera Positions

Back to top

London's Transport Network
London's transport facilities offer a wide range of popular locations, which regularly feature on the big screen - film fans may recognise Waterloo Station from Bourne Ultimatum or Westminster Underground Station from Harry Potter.

Each type of transport - London Underground, Transport for London, river services, London's City Airport, Network Rail, Eurostar and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) - has its own filming contact and welcomes requests to film.

The London Underground in particular is renowned for accommodating film units. Stretching 26 miles from the centre of town, there are different kinds of platforms and walkways ranging from Edwardian to ultra-modern metal cladding or art deco. 'The Tube' also has some of the longest escalators in the world. There are a number of stations and platforms that are available for longer periods of continuous filming such as the Jubliee line complex at Charing Cross, Aldwych, and the exhibition ticket hall at Earls Court.

Transport for London (TfL) was created in 2000 as the integrated body responsible for the capital's transport system. TfL is the highways authority that oversees the Strategic Road Network within London, primarily red routes and restricted zones. If filming on these roads it is necessary to speak to the Area Team contact:

- Sean Smith, Traffic Order & Events Officer, Central Area, Highway Operations Team (HOT) - filmcentral@tfl.gov.uk
- Shelagh Best, TfL, South Area - shelagh.best@tfl.gov.uk
- Harpreet Grewal, TfL, North Area - harpreet.grewal@tfl.gov.uk

Red routes also run across a number of iconic Thames bridges. For filming on these stretches of road it is necessary to contact both Transport for London and the local Borough Film Service.

Contacts for London's Transport Network

Back to top

Natural History Museum
From its landmark South Kensington building to its sister museum in rural Hertfordshire, the Natural History Museum is home to world-class research collections. With its unique architecture, it offers film-makers a variety of opportunities.

The famous terracotta Waterhouse building is one of the most distinctive buildings in London and a work of art. The museum site was extended in the 1960s to include the palaeontology wing and Earth Galleries. The Darwin Centre, which was completed in 2009, is at the forefront of environmental architecture.

Filming is usually only permitted outside museum opening hours (10am to 6pm). Charges are based on crew size and start at £350 per hour. For filming enquiries, please contact Katie Anderson on 020 7942 5376 or k.anderson@nhm.ac.uk. General information about the Museum can be found at www.nhm.ac.uk.

Back to top

Piccadilly Circus
For many years, Piccadilly Circus - at the junction of five busy streets - has been a famous landmark of London. Regency facades sit alongside advertising video displays and neon signs, a particularly impressive sight at night.

The fountain and its statue at the centre of the circle have become an iconic emblem. The statue is popularly named after the Greek god Eros. It was actually intended to depict the brother of Eros, Anteros, the God of Requited Love.

The name 'Piccadilly' originates from a 17th Century frilled collar named piccadil. Roger Baker, the tailor who became rich making piccadils lived in the area. The word 'Circus' refers to the roundabout around which the traffic circulates.

It is possible to print out this map, mark your intended position for filming, and submit this to the Special Events & Filming Team in Westminster www.westminster.gov.uk/filming (along with a completed Filming Application Form).

Floor Plan of Piccadilly Circus

Back to top

The River Thames
There are two key organizations that hold responsibility for the length of the river.

The Port of London Authority (PoLA) was established in 1908 to 'administer, preserve and improve the Port of London'. More than 80 terminals situated along the River Thames are geared to handle every type of cargo for import and export, strengthening the London Port's key position as one of the leading European and world ports for international shipping.

The Port of London Authority presides over 95 miles of the Thames, from Teddington Lock to the sea. Any filming on this part of the river must have their approval and licence. Any boats used for filming must have a licensed Thames Waterman on board. Charges will be levied for the 'use' of the location irrespective of whether it is river based or land based (where the film crew are land based but filming action on the river). For filming requests please contact Martin Garside on 01474 562 366 or email martin.garside@pla.co.uk. General information can be found on the Port of London Authority website: www.portoflondon.co.uk.

The Environment Agency manages the non-tidal Thames - from the Cotswolds to Teddington. This public body is also responsible for the Thames Barrier - one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world. Contact Steve East on 020 8305 4132 or email steve.east@environment-agency.gov.uk with your enquiries. Find out more about the work of the Environment Agency on their official site: www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Back to top

The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks are unique. Situated in and around central London, the 5,000 acres that form the Royal Parks contain everything from palaces and memorials to a pet cemetery; open meadow, lakes and grassland to dense woodland; historic vistas and tree-lined avenues to views over today's London.

The Royal Parks are Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park, The Regent's Park, Greenwich Park, Bushy Park, Richmond Park and Kensington Gardens. In addition, The Royal Parks cares for Brompton Cemetery, Victoria Tower Gardens and Grosvenor Square Gardens.

The Royal Parks actively supports and encourages filming. The type of filming is generally unrestricted, with the exception being projects that might be deemed socially irresponsible or disrespectful.

Fees are flexible and are based on the size of the production, the number of cast and crew, the number and size of vehicles, the amount of time required, the level of disruption to the public and wildlife, the PR or profile benefit to The Royal Parks.

A set of Filming and Photography Guidelines is available online, with full details of The Royal Parks filming policy, application procedure and filming contacts.

Regent's Park and Primrose Hill Visual Locations Guide

Back to top

Russell Square (incl. Victoria House) and Malet Street
Russell Square, to the south of Bloomsbury Square in Camden - a large garden square that was developed in the late 17th Century and is surrounded by terraced houses mainly from the 18th and 19th Centuries (some of which are now offices).

The eastern side of Bloomsbury Square is occupied by a period location - Victoria House - very often used to double as an American building.

Malet Street is just around the corner, situated next to Birbeck College. Technical vehicle parking is available at both these locations, within walking distance.


Malet St and Russell Square - Technical Vehicle Parking Guidelines


Back to top

South Bank and Bankside
South Bank and Bankside area stretches over two square miles along the southern bank of the River Thames. It houses a number of important cultural buildings and institutions, as well as commercial office buildings and a few mixed residential housing developments.

The area sits within the boroughs of both Lambeth and Southwark, but many parts of  South Bank are divided up by the private organisations and agencies that own and manage the land. This can make it tricky to film along the whole of the river bank as you may need to seek permission from more than one organisation - depending on where you place your camera.

Southbank and Bankside Filming Contacts

Back to top

The Tower of London
For over 900 years HM Tower of London has dominated the City of London and is still one of the capital's most prominent landmarks and a world-famous visitor attraction. Throughout its long history, the Tower has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, an arsenal, royal mint, menagerie and jewel house. Today, London's great royal fortress is home to some of the most potent symbols of British history: the Yeoman Warders, Ravens and Crown Jewels.

Filming is allowed at the Tower of London, subject to the size, scale, and appropriate nature of the production and subject to individual negotiation. As a World Heritage Site and the most visited historic attraction in the UK, filming is subject to strict guidelines.

To discuss filming at HM Tower of London please contact the Historic Royal Palaces Press Office on 020 3166 6166 or email press@hrp.org.uk. Read more about filming on the Historic Royal Palaces website: www.hrp.org.uk.

Back to top

Trafalgar Square
Named after Admiral Nelson's famous naval victory, Trafalgar Square is one of the largest pedestrianised areas in the centre of London. The square is home to the impressively tall Nelsons column, with bronze lions at its base and two large decorative fountains.

The square has a busy calendar of events and political gatherings but is also available for filming.

Two bodies have responsibility for the area as indicated on the floor plan below - the GLA for the centre (contact the Squares Management Team on 020 7983 4750 or email trafalgar.square@london.gov.uk) and Westminster City Council for the surrounding areas including the north terrace (contact the Special Events & Filming Team on 020 7641 2390 / filming@westminster.gov.uk).

Please note: the paved passageway between the main building and the Sainsbury's Wing of The National Gallery is the responsibility of The National Gallery. For any enquiries about this area please contact Daragh Kenny on 020 7747 5996 / filming@nationalgallery.co.uk.


Floor Plan of Trafalgar Square


Back to top

The United Grand Lodge - Freemasons Hall
Freemasons Hall was built as the ceremonial and administrative headquarters for the United Grand Lodge and frequently plays host to film shoots.

Its location is on the very edge of Camden, leading into Westminster. It sits on the corner of Great Queen Street/Wild Street, which is a busy road and is also a part of a residential area, so local residents will have to be taken into account when organising vehicle movement.

Freemasons Hall - Technical Vehicle Parking Guidelines

Back to top

Waterloo Place Unit Base Parking
Please download the document below for full information about unit parking in Waterloo Place, W1. This document includes a map for reference, as well as information about dispensations in this area and some general guidelines for parking a unit.

Please be aware that applications for dispensation for unit base parking at Waterloo Place should be made directly to the Special Events & Filming Team in Westminster.

Unit Base Parking in Waterloo Place

Back to top

Woburn Walk
Woburn Walk is a terraced Georgian street located in Camden. With houses and shops underneath, it is a typical Dickensian street with period street lamps and paved roads.

Technical parking is available in adjacent roads: Burton Street, Flaxman Terrace and Dukes Road.

Woburn Walk - Technical Vehicle Parking Guidelines

Back to top

ZSL London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo was established in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and was the world's first scientific zoo. It was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles to further the public understanding of zoology.Many of the animals can be used in conjunction with filming, but ZSL London Zoo has much more to offer.

The site offers a varied selection of filming locations including a library, laboratories, a South American rainforest, an underwater world within the aquarium and architecture ranging from Victorian age to present day.

ZSL London Zoo is very film friendly and happy to accommodate production crews of all sizes throughout the year. For all filming enquiries please contact Rowena Fisher on 020 7449 6363 or Rowena.Fisher@zsl.org.

General information can be found on the ZSL London Zoo website: www.zsl.org

Back to top