Filming Locations for Hire in London

If you’re trying to shoot a memorable short film, commercial or wedding movie, you’re going to need a special location. We’ll help you browse through the best filming locations and find one tailored to your needs.

Envision what you want to achieve to the best of your ability. Tally up the amount of actors, crew, and filming gear you will need to transport and set up in the venue. Building a set from scratch in a warehouse gives you unlimited space, ensuring your crew can work comfortably without getting in the shot while allowing full creative control over the layout. On the other hand, choosing a furnished venue offers an authentic atmosphere that's hard to replicate on a set and comes at a lower cost, with fewer props and furniture needed.

One way or another, Tagvenue will help you find the best space for your movie or commercial.

Popular Types of Filming Locations

• Studios & Soundstages - Whether you’re an indie director looking for a clean, minimalist studio, or you’re after a green screen to spruce up your new project, photo and video studios are a very common type of venue for hire in the area. These spaces provide controlled environments with professional lighting, soundproofing, and set-building flexibility.
• Bars, Restaurants, Pubs - Why not bring some realism into your film or movie by using a real life location? London is full of small venues with all sorts of themes - from modern cafes to old school British pubs. Popular for dialogue-heavy scenes and character interactions.
• Outdoor and rooftop locations - If you’re inspired by the beautiful London skyline, you can find some rooftop bars, patios, and outdoor locations to add some natural lighting into your production. Just make sure not to get caught by the British weather!
• Warehouses & Industrial Spaces – Large, adaptable spaces for building custom sets.
• Hotels Function Spaces – Elegant, furnished locations for upscale or formal scenes.
  

How to Hire the Best Filming Locations on a Budget

Are you an up and coming movie director looking for an ambitious space that won’t break the bank? Maybe you’re just a beginner trying to film a simple commercial or music video? Either way, we got you covered! Here’s our list of tips to make your search for cheap London filming locations easier:

• Think outside the box. A space you wouldn’t initially think of can sometimes turn out to be the perfect location for your film project. Even a blank canvas space can be spruced up into a beautiful, lively interior with some furniture, props and decor. Some venue managers have additional furniture available, so don’t be afraid to ask.

• Search further afield. Considering that filming spaces in London are usually more expensive around the city centre, be aware of the options in the outskirts of Greater London. This is especially useful for when you're looking for larger spaces, as it's more likely to find spacious warehouses away from the cramped city centre. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a space so perfect it will be worth the longer drive?

• Look for lighting. Everyone who ever worked a camera knows that everything looks better if it’s lit properly either with studio lights, or natural lighting. Visit a short list of your favourite locations to see if they have the proper amount of sunlight coming through in order to save on equipment hire.

• Film at off-peak hours. Everyone keeps talking about how the time around an hour before sunset is the “magic hour” for filming, but the same thing happens right after sunrise, too! Use the early hours to your advantage in order to get that perfect lighting, with less distractions and a cheaper hire.

• Use your time efficiently. The better you plan for your scenes, the less time you will have to spend in the venue reducing your overall costs. Schedule a meeting with your venue manager so that you can take a look at the location and figure out the logistics early. 
  

What to Consider when Filming in London?

Securing the right filming location involves key practical considerations, including obtaining permits, ensuring accessibility, and confirming the availability of essential facilities. 

These factors are crucial for a smooth, legal, and efficient production process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a professional filming environment.                                                                                           

Practical Considerations

- Permits: Obtaining necessary permits and permissions from local authorities and property owners is essential to film legally in public spaces or private properties. Double check everything with venue managers through Tagvenue to make sure there are no surprises. Failure to secure permits can lead to disruptions and legal issues during filming.

- Accessibility: Locations should be easily accessible to cast, crew, and equipment. Considerations include transportation routes, proximity to production hubs, and accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. 

- Available Facilities: Filming locations should have facilities to support the cast and crew during production, such as restrooms, dressing rooms, catering areas, and production offices. Adequate facilities contribute to the comfort and efficiency of the production process. 

Accommodation of Necessary Equipment 

- Equipment Needs: Locations must accommodate the technical requirements of filming equipment, including cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and props. Make sure that the spaces have sufficient room for equipment setup and operation. 

- Power and Connectivity: Access to power sources, electrical outlets, and connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and cellular networks is crucial to support filming equipment and communication needs on set. Locations with reliable power and connectivity infrastructure are preferred. 

Parking and Support Services

- Parking: Ample parking space for production vehicles, trailers, and crew cars is essential. Parking arrangements should consider permit logistics and minimise disruptions to local residents and businesses. 

- Support Services: Access to support services such as security personnel, medical assistance, waste disposal, and location management ensures the safety, security, and smooth operation of filming. Support services contribute to a positive filming experience for cast, crew, and local communities.

Are there any free filming locations in London?

Yes! There are many free filming locations in London. Here’s a list of free filming locations in London (or places commonly used by indie filmmakers with minimal restrictions and no fees if filmed guerrilla-style or for non-commercial purposes). Always double-check with local councils or landowners if unsure:

Popular Public Spaces

• South Bank — Views of the Thames, London Eye, National Theatre, and graffiti tunnels.
  
  
• Trafalgar Square — Busy but iconic. Note: Technically requires permission for commercial shoots.
  
  
• Leadenhall Market — Stunning Victorian architecture, free if you’re low-impact (ask the market office if filming more than handheld).
  
  
• Greenwich Park / Royal Naval College — Historic and cinematic, free for personal/low-impact filming.
  
  
• Regent’s Canal (Camden to King’s Cross) — Industrial, waterfront vibe.

Parks & Greenspaces

• Hyde Park / Kensington Gardens / St. James’s Park — Beautiful nature shots.
  
  
• Hampstead Heath — Open spaces, forest, and panoramic London views from Parliament Hill.
  
  
• Victoria Park (East London) — Lakes, bridges, and a Boho vibe.

(Royal Parks technically need permits, but small-scale personal filming is often tolerated — check their website for official guidelines)

Urban / Industrial Vibes

• Barbican Estate — Brutalist architecture, popular with indie films.
  
  
• Shoreditch / Brick Lane — Street art, gritty backstreets, and cool markets.
  
  
• Peckham Levels & Rye Lane — Rooftop views and urban grit.
  
  
• Deptford & Lewisham backstreets — Great for urban, real-London settings.
  

 Transport Hubs & Streets

• Around King’s Cross / Granary Square — Modern architecture, fountains, and canal walks.
  
  
• Abandoned or quiet DLR stations (like West India Quay on weekends) — Very cinematic.
  

(Tube stations and inside trains require TfL permission — exterior street-level shots usually fine if you're low-key.)

Unique / Atmospheric Locations

• God’s Own Junkyard (Walthamstow) — Neon lights, free to enter but ask permission.
  
  
• Little Venice (Maida Vale) — Pretty canals and boats.
  
  
• Epping Forest — Woodland scenes, very little oversight for small crews.

London’s streets have set the stage for everything from blockbuster action scenes to intimate indie films—its blend of historic charm and urban energy is pure cinematic gold. Ready to roll? Find and book your ideal London filming location with Tagvenue today!