London is one of the most versatile cities in the world for film and photography. With 32 boroughs offering dramatically different architectural styles, landscapes and atmospheres, the capital provides an unmatched range of filming locations in London.
Whether you’re planning a feature film, commercial shoot, branded content campaign or editorial photoshoot, understanding the unique character of each borough can help you find the perfect backdrop. At Locations Direct, we help production teams source and secure high-quality London filming locations across every borough.
Here’s a guide to some of the most sought-after boroughs for filming and photoshoots — and what makes each one unique.
Westminster – Iconic & Instantly Recognisable
The City of Westminster is home to some of the most iconic film locations in London, with historic architecture, prestigious streets and globally recognisable landmarks.
Filming benefits:
- Instantly identifiable London backdrops
- Grand period buildings
- Strong visual impact for international productions
Westminster is ideal for productions that want to establish “London” immediately on screen, particularly for commercials, feature films and high-end TV.
Camden – Creative & Urban Energy
Camden offers a vibrant mix of market streets, canal paths, period terraces and industrial spaces. It is a popular choice for music videos, fashion shoots and youth-focused campaigns.
Filming benefits:
- Urban textures and street character
- Industrial warehouses and loft-style interiors
- Distinctive creative atmosphere
Camden is perfect for productions looking for authentic, edgy London photoshoot locations.
Hackney – Contemporary & Trend-Led
Hackney is one of the most in-demand boroughs for location shoots in London. From warehouse conversions to modern apartments and creative studios, it offers stylish and contemporary backdrops.
Filming benefits:
- Modern residential interiors
- Converted industrial spaces
- Popular for fashion and lifestyle campaigns
Hackney works particularly well for brands and productions seeking a current, trend-driven aesthetic.
Richmond upon Thames – Natural & Elegant
For productions seeking greenery and riverside charm, Richmond provides expansive parks, elegant period homes and scenic Thames views.
Filming benefits:
- Large green spaces and countryside feel
- Georgian and period properties
- Quieter, less urban atmosphere
Richmond is ideal for lifestyle campaigns, period dramas and natural light photography shoots.
Kensington & Chelsea – Luxury & Period Grandeur
Kensington and Chelsea offer elegant townhouses, garden squares and premium residential interiors. It is one of the most desirable boroughs for high-end productions.
Filming benefits:
- Classic London architecture
- Luxury interiors
- Prestigious settings for premium brands
Frequently used for fashion campaigns, property shoots and luxury commercial productions.
Southwark – Modern Meets Industrial
Southwark blends contemporary skyline views with industrial spaces and riverside settings, offering versatility within central London.
Filming benefits:
- Contemporary architecture
- Warehouse and industrial backdrops
- Close proximity to key production hubs
A flexible borough suited to commercial campaigns, branded content and creative productions.
Brent – Stadium Views & Suburban Variety
Brent offers a mix of suburban streets, green spaces and large-scale landmarks. With areas ranging from quiet residential roads to more commercial hubs, Brent provides practical and versatile filming locations in North West London.
Filming benefits:
- Wide residential streets with parking access
- Detached and semi-detached homes
- Larger properties ideal for crew-heavy productions
- Mix of urban and suburban backdrops
Brent is particularly useful for TV dramas, family home settings and commercial shoots requiring space and accessibility.
Barnet – Leafy Residential & Period Homes
Barnet is known for its spacious residential properties, tree-lined roads and village-style high streets. It offers a suburban aesthetic while remaining within Greater London — ideal for productions needing a quieter environment.
Filming benefits:
- Large detached homes and driveways
- Period and character properties
- Green spaces and countryside feel
- Easier logistics compared to central London
Barnet is well suited to lifestyle campaigns, property shoots and scripted productions requiring upscale residential settings.
Islington – Classic London Character
Islington blends traditional London charm with contemporary living. Georgian terraces, garden squares and stylish interiors make it a favourite for photoshoot locations in London.
Filming benefits:
- Elegant period terraces
- Boutique shops and charming streets
- Creative, design-led interiors
- Central location with strong transport links
Islington works particularly well for fashion shoots, editorial campaigns and TV productions wanting a classic London aesthetic without heavy tourist footfall.
Harrow – Space, Schools & Suburban Scale
Harrow offers a quieter, more spacious environment with a mix of period homes, modern estates and educational settings.
Filming benefits:
- Wide streets and generous parking
- Large family homes
- Schools and institutional-style buildings
- Less congestion than central boroughs
Harrow is ideal for productions requiring space for equipment trucks and larger crews, particularly for TV dramas and commercial shoots.
Haringey – Urban & Residential Contrast
Haringey provides a strong mix of Victorian terraces, diverse high streets and green parkland.
Filming benefits:
- Characterful period streets
- Mixed urban aesthetics
- Parks and open spaces
- More affordable filming options
It’s a practical borough for productions seeking authentic North London backdrops.
Croydon – Modern & Architectural Contrast
Croydon offers high-rise buildings, Brutalist architecture and contemporary residential developments.
Filming benefits:
- Modern urban landscapes
- Large commercial buildings
- Distinctive architectural styles
- Flexible production access
Ideal for contemporary dramas, commercial campaigns and productions requiring a non-traditional London aesthetic.
Why Outer London Boroughs Are Increasingly Popular for Filming
While central London remains iconic, outer boroughs like Barnet, Brent and Harrow are increasingly popular for London film locations because they offer:
- Easier access and parking
- Lower disruption costs
- Larger properties
- Greater flexibility for production logistics
For production managers and location scouts, these boroughs often provide better value without compromising visual quality.
How Locations Direct Helps You Source Locations Across London
At Locations Direct, we specialise in helping production teams secure the best filming locations in any London borough.
Our platform allows you to:
- Search locations by borough or property type
- Discover unique private homes and commercial spaces
- Connect directly with property owners
- Full support o a dedicated agent
- Arrange recces and confirm availability
- Secure agreements and manage payments safely
Whether you need a contemporary Hackney apartment, a riverside Richmond home, or a grand Kensington townhouse, we simplify film location hire in London from enquiry to booking.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect London Borough for Your Shoot
Each London borough offers something unique — from iconic landmarks and luxury townhouses to industrial warehouses and green parkland. Choosing the right borough is just as important as selecting the right property.
With Locations Direct, sourcing professional London filming and photoshoot locations is efficient, flexible and tailored to your creative brief.
If you’re planning your next shoot, explore our curated collection of filming locations across London’s boroughs and find the perfect setting to bring your production to life.